new freshmen, known collectively as the "rat mass", walk along a prescribed line in barracks while maintaining an exaggerated form of attention, called "straining". this experience, called the rat line, is intended by the upper classes to instill camaraderie, pride, and discipline into the incoming class. under this system, the rats face numerous mental and physical challenges, starting with "hell week." during hell week, rats receive basic military instruction from select upper classmen ("cadre"); they learn to march, to clean their m14 rifle, and to wear their uniforms. during hell week, rats also meet the members of various cadet-run organizations and learn the functions of each.