Thus the competition was set up to be conducted in the Spring during drill and intramural time to include the following - equipment inspection, communications, weapon handling, swift movement, shooting and land navigation. All 36 companies provided 5 four-man patrols and one alternate patrol per company, with all four classes represented in each patrol. Over 864 cadets competed each year, or 20% of the Corps.
This arrangement was made to hold the competition during the Spring semester, when drill and intramural activities were taking place, and it included a range of events such as equipment evaluation, communication skills, firearm training, agility drills, target shooting, and orienteering. Each of the 36 companies contributed five four-man teams and one reserve team, ensuring that all four class levels were represented in each team. The competition attracted around 864 cadets every year, which was roughly 20% of the Corps.