Photo By Spc. Trevor Wilson | U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 91st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 12th...... read more read more
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BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland - Soldiers assigned to the NATO Multinational Battle Group Poland participated in an 18.6-mile (30km) Norwegian Foot March (NFM) on Dec. 21, 2024. The march pushed participants to their limits, testing both their physical capabilities and mental fortitude.
Nearly 120 soldiers representing the U.S., U.K., Poland and Romania, arrived in the early morning hours to check in and weigh their rucksacks. Each soldier is required to carry a minimum of 24 pounds, not including their water source. Organizers assigned participants a completion time for the march based on their age group and gender. Times standards ranged from four and a half to six hours. Soldiers who complete the march under their time limit earn a bronze, silver or gold “Marsjmerket,” also known as the Norwegian Armed Forces Marching Badge, based on how many times they have completed the march.
“Doing these kinds of hard activities is important”, said NFM participant 1st Lt. Drew Newcomb, Alpha Company platoon leader, 91st Brigade Engineer Battalion 12th Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. “It helps to build confidence in yourself and prepare you for real combat situations.”
Sgt. Abraham Colunga, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 91st Brigade Engineer Battalion 12th Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, stretches to fight off the early morning chill before the march begins. “I’ve been doing a lot of physical training leading up to this. I know it’s going to be very difficult, but I love a challenge.”
The NFM originated in 1915 to ensure combat readiness in the Norwegian military. It aimed to move large numbers of uniformed troops, with their equipment, over long distances in a short time. Nearly 110 years later, the NFM has evolved to become symbolic for testing one's physical and mental endurance among military members and civilians.
Although the event involves many participants, it focuses on personal achievement rather than competition. This opportunity to test one’s own mental and physical fortitude has drawn many people from around the world to compete in the event.
Finishing 7th fastest overall, Colunga recalls the hardest moments during the march. “It was tough, and in the moment, I hated it, but I thought to myself, 'I started it, and I have to finish this',” said Colunga. “I kept telling myself I’m not the first person ever to do this and won’t be the last, so it's humanly possible.”
As the world continues to face new challenges, events like the Norwegian Foot March serve as a critical reminder of the importance of physical and mental resilience, and the unified spirit among the U.S. and allied forces.
The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. This provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe.
| Date Taken: | 12.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.27.2024 09:46 |
| Story ID: | 488302 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Determination drives success during Norwegian Foot March, by SSG Christopher Saunders, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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