UC Army ROTC Norwegian Foot March

Rucks will need to make weight prior to and following completion of the ruck

For those living locally, packets can be picked up from the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC office beginning the week prior to the ruck on 01 April to 05 April from 0900-1630 located at 2585 Dennis St #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45219. All other packets will be picked up on the day of the event beginning at 0515.

All age groups will participate at the same time; in order to earn the Foreign Badge, participants will need to meet time standards per the Guidelines for the Norwegian Foot March v1.6

If this will be your 2nd or greater completion of the NFM, please email CDT Jones (jones6sw@mail.uc.edu) with a copy of your most recent completion to ensure we include this in our final reporting. 

                     Requirements

      Age Group     Women     Men

1. 18-20          5h 25m      4h 35m
2. 21-34          5h 15m      4h 30m
3. 35-42          5h 25m      4h 35m
4. 43-49          5h 30m      4h 40m
5. 50-54          5h 40m      4h 50m
6. 55-59          5h 50m      5h 00m
7. 60+             6h 00m      5h 15m

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 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. 

Approved military uniform must include field 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.

Rucksack with content must weigh in at minimum 11 kg/24 lbs. at both start and finish line. NOTE: water weight will not be included in weighing, this should be accounted for prior to step off. Rucksack/backpack of military grade. Civilian participants can use a civilian version of rucksack, which may include hiking backpacks, GoRuck bags, or any other variation so long as it has waist belt capabilities. 

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.

If any clarifying information is needed for uniform and rucksack regulations, please contact CDT Jason Keith at keithja@mail.uc.edu 

All participants will begin the ruck at 0700. Those with an anticipated pace of 10 – 11 minutes will locate at the front, followed by 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 15+ which will allow for proper spacing and rucker distribution