The Norwegian Foot March badge is a testament to endurance and physical prowess, highly esteemed within military circles. Recently, at Fort Polk, Louisiana, a significant number of U.S. Army soldiers undertook the rigorous challenge to earn this coveted emblem. This article delves into the details of the Norwegian Foot March, the recent event at Fort Polk, and the significance of displaying this badge on the military uniform.
The Norwegian Foot March, or Marsjmerket, is a Norwegian Armed Forces physical proficiency badge awarded to military personnel and civilians who complete a demanding 18.6-mile (30 kilometers) march while carrying a 25-pound ruck sack. Originating in 1915, this march was initially designed to test the endurance and readiness of Norwegian soldiers. Over time, it has gained international recognition, with allied forces worldwide having the opportunity to participate and earn the badge. The standards are strict, demanding participants to complete the march within a time limit that varies based on age and gender, all while adhering to specific uniform and rucksack weight regulations. This is not merely a walk; it’s a gruelling test of stamina, both physical and mental, pushing participants to their limits.
Soldiers sign in for the 18.6-mile road march held April 21 at Fort Polk’s Warrior Hills Golf Course to earn their Norwegian Foot March badge. In April, Fort Polk became the latest location where U.S. Soldiers tested their mettle against the Norwegian Foot March standards. One hundred and sixty-five soldiers from Fort Polk, the Joint Readiness Training Center, and even National Guard units from Houston, Texas, signed up for the challenge. Organized by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Blumberg of the 519th Military Police Battalion, the event provided a valuable opportunity for personal growth and achievement, especially given the limitations imposed by the recent pandemic. Historically, a representative from the Norwegian military needed to be present to oversee and grade the march. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Norwegian Embassy granted permission for local leaders at Fort Polk to conduct the grading, making it possible for the event to proceed.
The march commenced at midnight on April 20th to comply with specific regulations: completion before sunrise and in temperatures not exceeding 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Participants faced an arduous 18.6-mile course around the hilly Warrior Hills Golf Course, requiring eight demanding laps. Time constraints varied according to age and gender, ranging from 4 hours 30 minutes for men aged 18-34 to 6 hours for women 60 and older. Adding to the physical strain was the requirement to carry a 25-pound rucksack, weighed both before and after the march to ensure compliance. Despite the demanding conditions, 105 soldiers successfully completed the march, demonstrating their resilience and earning the right to wear the Norwegian Foot March badge on their Army uniforms.
The soldiers who participated came from diverse units, including Military Police, engineers, transportation, chaplains, and Operations Group, showcasing a broad spectrum of military occupational specialties embracing the challenge. Even Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lambert from USAREC Houston, and spouse of Staff Sgt. Blumberg, participated, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event. Beyond the participants, numerous other soldiers volunteered to support the event, assisting with rucksack weighing, manning water points, and managing check-in procedures, underscoring the camaraderie and teamwork inherent in the military ethos.
Spc. Erik Mateo, a traffic investigator with the 519th MP Battalion, described the event as more than just a challenge. For him, and many others, it was a profound experience pushing physical and mental boundaries. The grueling march took its toll, with soldiers battling pain, blisters, and exhaustion. Spc. Mateo recounted the mental fortitude required to overcome the urge to quit, especially as the pain intensified around the 8-mile mark. Similarly, Spc. Mark Barney, an engineer, highlighted the march as a journey of self-discovery, particularly the last laps which tested inner strength. Pfc. Joe Kayoka noted the strategic approach required, starting strong but needing to adjust pace as the physical demands mounted. Even Staff Sgt. Blumberg, the organizer, admitted to facing personal doubts but persevered, driven by the desire to lead by example and demonstrate to his soldiers the power of perseverance.
The Norwegian Foot March badge is not just a decoration; it represents a significant personal achievement and is authorized for wear on the Army service uniform. Recent updates to regulations have affirmed the wear of foreign badges like the Norwegian Foot March badge, adding to the visual representation of a soldier’s accomplishments and international military connections. Wearing the Norwegian Foot March badge on the uniform signifies more than just completing a long march; it embodies perseverance, mental toughness, and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits, qualities highly valued in military service. For the 105 soldiers who earned the badge at Fort Polk, it is a tangible symbol of their dedication and endurance, a distinguished addition to their uniforms, and a source of pride in their accomplishment. A formal ceremony to award certificates and badges from the Norwegian Embassy is anticipated, further recognizing the soldiers’ achievements in this demanding international test of endurance.
