On site Foot March
THE NORWEGIAN FOOT MARCH – a badge for Soldiers and Civilians
In the military, there are coveted foreign badges that a Soldier can EARN. These badges are both an honor and bragging right, as well as display rank. Service members and civilians from all over the world are invited to participate in the Kansas Norwegian Foot March and earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge.
Guidelines for Norwegian foot march from the Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC, Office of the Defense Attaché
HISTORY:
First held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Military. A strategic goal was to be able to move larger units of troops over a great distance swiftly and in a manner that enabled them to efficiently be combat ready even after the march by carrying their rucksack /weaponry of 11 kg.
The goal today is to stimulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel.
THE TEST:
The test consists of a 30km/18.6mile march (march/run) with rucksack containing 11kg (24 lbs). There is no longer a requirement to carry your rifle or conduct before BMNT.
ATTIRE:
Approved military uniform. Field uniform/work uniform and military grade boots. The uniform must be within regulation during the march. Civilian events and where civilians partake in a military setting, civilian clothing is allowed i.e., long trousers and boots with a minimum weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
Rucksack with content must weigh in at minimum 11 kg/24 lbs at both start and finish line. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack.
Checklist for Military Personnel:
Checklist for Civilians:
TRACK:
The route should be on a good path or dirt road. Distance markers are required every fifth kilometer. There must be a minimum of three hydration/food stations along the route. Control and first aid stations were deemed necessary. The route should be “there and back” but if not possible can consist of several rounds of a shorter track. It is not recommended to have more than a maximum of 3 rounds.
Please address the assigned Check-list officer in charge NFM to ensure all security measures are considered.
Control of outfit and weighing of backpack is done prior to and after the march to ensure the correct weight and requirements have been maintained.
Assistance from non-participants is prohibited, except for timing, weighing, on hydration/food stations, and first aid.
The test cannot be conducted if outdoor temperatures (in the shade) exceeds 25 Celsius/77 Fahrenheit, falls below -15 Celsius/5 Fahrenheit or under other extreme weather conditions.
DIPLOMAS/PINS:
A pre-signed certificate template will be provided to executing unit when the march is completed, and the embassy has received the results in the correct format stated in the Excel sheet named Check-list officer in charge NFM tab 2 and completed the Memo after conduct v1.3.
Please note that you can earn a pin once per year (it will take you 5 years to earn the gold pin) but you have unlimited tries to complete the march every year.
Thank you to our partners!
This event is generously sponsored by:
Are you participating in honor of a Veteran?
Let us help you Recognize that Veteran! When you register make sure you provide your Veteran's name. Also, we would love to hear your Veterans story. Please send a picture, name, rank and branch, a brief description of their service to: emporiafreedomfest@gmail.com
We will post your picture and writeup in the Hero's photo gallery as well as have their name on the sign in our walk of honor at the Freedom Fest Expo.