1st Lt. James Ragan and 1st Lt. Kyle Bennett, Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, pose for a photo while participating in the annual Norwegian March on Fort Drum, New York, Aug. 28, 2024. Upholding our allies’ long-standing tradition continues to strengthen unit cohesion and resilience in modern warfare. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samuel Bonney)
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Pfc. Tyler Sullivan, a Soldier with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, crosses the finish line of the annual Norwegian Foot March at Fort Drum, New York, Aug. 28, 2024. Upholding our allies’ long-standing tradition continues to strengthen unit cohesion and resilience in modern warfare. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samuel Bonney)
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Spc. David Garcia participates in the annual Norwegian Foot March on Fort Drum, New York, Aug. 28, 2024. This was done to build team camaraderie and continue a long-standing tradition throughout the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samuel Bonney)
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Sgt. Karl Lingner, a Soldier with the 10th Mountain Division, poses for a photo while participating in the annual Norwegian Foot March at Fort Drum, New York, Aug. 28, 2024. This was done to build team camaraderie and continue a long-standing tradition throughout the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samuel Bonney)
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
FORT DRUM, NY (August 28, 2024) — Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) participated in the annual Norwegian Foot March to build team camaraderie and continue a long-standing tradition across the U.S. Army. The event consisted of Soldiers carrying 25-pound backpacks 18.6 miles within a set time limit.
This tradition dates back to 1915 and was a test for Norwegian soldiers. It was designed to test the army’s resilience by moving large numbers of soldiers over a certain distance to ensure effective combat readiness. After completing the march, the soldiers continued with their normal military duties. Afterwards, the participating soldiers received the Norwegian March Badge. The US Army has continued this tradition to this day to continue the legacy of the Norwegian military.
Sergeant Karl Lingner, a soldier with the 10th Mountain Division, said he believes his team is proud to have accepted and overcome this challenge.
“It’s about representing ourselves and our brothers in arms in Norway and continuing their (legacy),” Lingner said. “We wanted to do something difficult, push our limits, build camaraderie and represent the (10th Mountain) Division.”
Soldiers from across Fort Drum were excited and thrilled to complete this march, not only to continue the legacy, but to take pride in their accomplishment and accept the challenge alongside their fellow soldiers.
As the soldiers returned and crossed the finish line, sweat was dripping and hearts were racing, but every single person present was struck with relief and achievement.
Staff Sergeant Joshua Blackburn, squad leader of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, spoke about his excitement and motivation for himself and his squad after completing the challenge.
“It’s about building morale and making sure we’re reaching our goal to accomplish our mission,” Blackburn said. “It’s about pushing them to the limit and it’s definitely a great experience for them.”
The soldiers finished their march with applause, handshakes and high fives. Each one completed the 30 km with renewed pride, but the challenge was not over yet.
To continue the tradition, each soldier must continue his normal military workday to ensure that he is still able to perform his duties after the march is over. The climb was almost over for them, the Norwegian marching badge was in their hands. These soldiers knew they had what it took.
