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Fort Bragg Soldiers Take On Norwegian Foot March

Photo By Pfc. Alixandria Bauer | From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Oscar Levine, a student at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy...... read more read more

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

07.17.2026

Courtesy Story

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Fort Bragg Soldiers Take On Norwegian Foot March

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Nearly 400 Soldiers participated in the Norwegian Ruck March on Fort Bragg on July 17, 2026, overcoming an unforgiving 18.6-mile ruck to push themselves past their limits.

Instituted in 1915, the Norwegian Foot March, also known as Marsjmerket, originated as a way to condition Norwegian soldiers for military service. The 18.6-mile course must be completed with a 24-pound ruck in addition to meeting a timed standard determined by age and gender. NATO allies like the U.S. Army have adopted the Norwegian Foot March as a way to bolster mental resilience and challenge servicemembers.

“The heat and the humidity was rough”, said second place finisher Maj. Charles Ware, a Psychological Operations Planner assigned to XVIII Airborne Corps. “I was out front for the first two laps, and I probably went out a little too hard. I was not feeling great even after two laps and I thought to hop in my car right there and just call it a day, but I kept going. It wasn’t the result I was hoping for, but still not bad and I’m glad to have it done.”

The challenge of the ruck march is not only laden in the physical aspects of the event but also the mental barriers that must be overcome to complete the course. Designed to push participants to their limit, the Norwegian Foot March is an ultimate test of resilience and grit for the nation’s warfighters.

“I’ve been rehabbing since getting back from Ranger School,” said a Staff Sergeant assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group. “This is my first timed ruck march coming back.”

Effective preparation is crucial for success, including cardiovascular and muscular conditioning, pacing, and healthful nutrition and hydration.

“I prepare for things like this by running,” said Ware. “I’ll do a ruck workout once a week, usually 10 miles or so.”

The Norwegian Foot March fosters camaraderie with NATO allies across the world, providing Soldiers the opportunity to earn a foreign badge as evidence of their accomplishment. Earners of the badge can obtain a bronze, silver, and gold badge depending on the amount of times they have completed the ruck march.

The Norwegian Foot March pushes Soldiers mentally and physically, ensuring their preparedness for any challenge they must overcome as America’s warfighters.