The midshipmen of the University of Virginia’s Naval ROTC Program will conduct a nine-mile conditioning hike, in uniform and carrying nonfunctional rifles, on and around U.Va. Grounds Saturday from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The midshipmen carry rubber M-16A2 Service Rifles, with a three-inch section of the barrel painted bright orange to identify it as being nonfunctional. The midshipmen will also wear reflective runner’s belts around their packs, and the unit will be followed closely by a white 15-passenger van.

The hike will start around 6 a.m. from Naval ROTC facilities at Maury Hall and be conducted to several University and local streets, including McCormick Road, Emmet Street, Jefferson Park Avenue, Fontaine Avenue and Reservoir Road.

Following the hike, the midshipmen will conduct field maneuvers with paintball guns in the vicinity of Observatory Hill until approximately 4 p.m.

The University of Virginia Police Department and other local law enforcement have been apprised of the exercises.