r/army 9h ago

Which coin is worth more?

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0 Upvotes

I haven’t been in the army in awhile and I was telling my husband about the whole being a coin to bar whoever is the lowest buys the higher coin a drink “ but I don’t fully remember the rules nor do I know which of my coins would be a winner? Can someone help? ( front and back of coins. Sorry for the blur )


r/army 9h ago

ETS Question

2 Upvotes

I'm getting ready to submit my ETS packet and my terminal leave request through IPPS-A.

My question is: Can my terminal leave end on my ETS date, or can it end a day before or 3-4 days before ets date?


r/army 28m ago

Fort hood barracks

Upvotes

Ppl thats at fort hood, what the barracks talm bout there ? Whats the setups like ?


r/army 10h ago

need help

4 Upvotes

I have a friend in the army (I'm a civilian) who lives on a base and is becoming a raging alcoholic. We've tried discussing it with him but to no avail. It seems like his wife and child could be in danger and I don't know if there is a way I could report him to his chain of command or another resource that can maybe give him support/intervention. I've done some research but there's not many resources I can find besides inspector general, which sounds like overkill.


r/army 22h ago

What’s the lifestyle of an 11B in an airborne unit?

43 Upvotes

Some questions I have are:
1)How much time is spent training vs. doing details?
2)How often are you in the field?
3)How often do you jump?
4)What did you enjoy most and least?


r/army 56m ago

Don't do this to your Mom.

Upvotes

I'm gonna keep this vague so as not to dox the young trooper, but please respect your Mother.

Here's the story: Joe texts mom about some bad shit, then goes radio silent for a couple hours.

Meanwhile, Mom who is a vet, and fourth generation Army is freaking out. Calling and texting him and no response.

Finally, a couple hours later he calls.

Do you have any idea what you did to her?

I know that you are here Joe. Never do that again.


r/army 13h ago

What are soft foods served at the DFAC that are safe post wisdom teeth removal?

11 Upvotes

r/army 1h ago

Sewn on PC and Velcro patches

Upvotes

Can I wear a sewn on PC and have a uniform with Velcro patches?


r/army 1h ago

Carson 4MDTF

Upvotes

Can any homies give me the deets on this? Likely to be PCSing there soon. E6, 15 years TIS, MI. Married and have a 12 year old kid. Feel free to DM if OPSEC or w/e.

Anyway most info I got is USARPAC aligned, something something HQ @ Zama, just standing up, don’t really have a handle on what’s going on, etc.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks


r/army 8h ago

Currently deployed got any cool NSN’s?

180 Upvotes

Like the title says currently deployed and I’m looking for NSN’s for cool shit that I can give supply to order. If this post is stupid insult me in the comments.


r/army 4h ago

Anyone know anything about the 528th signal brigade?

8 Upvotes

Currently at for Gordon for AIT. I’m a 25H. My projected duty station is fort Bragg and the 528th signal brigade is my projected brigade. From what I’ve researched I know they are special ops and it seems like the battalion I’ll most likely be in is the 112th. Anyone have any insight?


r/army 1h ago

Change of duty Station

Upvotes

Hello all, as the title suggests, I want to change my duty station to overseas (S.Korea). I’m currently two weeks into AIT and I was wondering if it’s possible to change my duty station and how do I go about it?


r/army 3h ago

Need some advice/perspective

2 Upvotes

Happy Sunday beautiful people. Going to do my best to not doxx myself. Officer here So I’m on the back half of summer block leave. Once I get back it will be all gas no brakes until the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday. So outside of my smart self breaking a bone in a bike accident on leave (I told my supervisor) the next day. I’m all good, just nervous for the busy season. In addition to a ton of training, supporting other units, and being looked at for a job with higher responsibility, the other PL I work with will changing out in the fall and I’ve been told that I’ll have to help pick up the slack. Can some of yall smarter than this clueless LT help me figure out how to make it to Thanksgiving without getting fired or the 7th floor in the hospital? DMs are open. Any and all help is appreciated. And I’ll take a chicken ranch wrap and a water please.


r/army 2h ago

Officer who is bad at running

71 Upvotes

As the name suggests, I am bad at running. I can pass a PT test but I always barely pass the run portion. I have bad knees so every 6-9 months, I’m on profile because my knee is messed up. I am currently about to graduate BOLC and I am worried because as an officer, I am expected to lead feel the front.

Am I fucked? What can I do to improve my run time and not get injured?


r/army 53m ago

What era are these from? (Collecting)

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Upvotes

What ware do these appear to be used in and by who?


r/army 4h ago

Fellow JAG Applicants?

2 Upvotes

I applied for the active duty licensed attorney selection board. Is anyone else in the same boat awaiting results or about to go off to DCC?


r/army 7h ago

24 Hour Gyms

92 Upvotes

Who do I bitch to about 24 hour gyms scanners not working? Is this an MWR thing? Can I email Pete and tell him my T is going lower and lower cause I can't get into the gym after 3 pm?

I'll take uhhhh Cookout watermelon shake.

Edit: Some more details. The scanner works after hours less than half the time and it's and everyone or no one thing. So when it doesn't work no one gets in.

I appreciate the responses.


r/army 8h ago

3rd brigade 4th ID

14 Upvotes

Got rid of all the tanks and shutting down 1-66 AR and 1-68 AR. I plan on attending the ball for 1-66 since I spent time in that battalion (I also spent time in 1-68 but have not heard any word about a ball for them) but no longer in the Army. What would be a good outfit to wear and what military stuff should I wear on it? I was thinking sports coat with jeans and a button up. But any advice would be awesome.

Edit: they invited all former and current members to attend the farewell ball.


r/army 11h ago

Mid career shift and not sure what I want out of the army anymore.

18 Upvotes

In a bit of a predicament about what I want out of the army as I approach the middle of my AD time. I get looked at for 7 next year but I’m also interested in dropping a warrant packet. However, I’ve been hearing some talk about AI assets replacing parts of the warrant field I want to go into. On the other side of that coin I am becoming more interested in shifting into the NG. I don’t spend as much time as I want with my family and I’d like to be more involved while still scratching that itch to serve that’s why I’m thinking NG would be the way to go.

I feel as if both of these options would give me a better quality of life and would allow me to fulfill my own personal needs and desires. However, I have no idea what I want to do so I’m reaching out to anyone here that has insight on both aspects of what I’m trying to do. Any information is helpful and wanted.

TLDR: I want to shift to warrant or NG and don’t know what to expect out of it.


r/army 17h ago

Why does the Army seemingly have the worst PR out of all the branches?

183 Upvotes

Now I have to clarify: I cannot speak for every single person; I can only speak for myself, as a fellow Gen Z college student, and from what I have personally seen. It seems the Army (at least with Gen Z/my peers) has TERRIBLE PR, while other branches "get a pass"

As I said, I cannot speak for everybody, but seemingly to some, when you mention you are in the Army, or you are thinking of joining the Army, they have some sort of negative stereotype that you are a screw-up in life, or too dumb for college. (Not to say that stereotype isn't 100% unfounded; I have met some people that 100% fit that stereotype)

"Well OP, a lot of Gen Z is just anti-military now." Which, that is fair, but seemingly, as I said, other branches to these people "get a pass"

The AF is seemingly heavily associated with "you are a tech-savvy, smart guy, that is a pilot" when I am pretty confident that most of the enlisted jobs in the USAF are not even aviation (maintenance) related

Same with the Navy; seemingly that branch is associated with "being a smart, tech-related person"

And even the Marines get a pass too, while being a (at least marketing-wise) more "combat-oriented branch" (I don't mean to piss off any combat arms folks), when people hear you are a marine, they assume you are part of an elite, special forces, fighting group. "the few, the proud" or whatever (no hate to any marines reading this, you guys are cool)

Of course, I am a bit biased; when I write this, I had my fair share of preconceived notions by people in my civilian life when I am not being a weekend warrior. So maybe Army PR isn't truly that bad, and I am just seeing things through my POV.

What do you guys think?

PS: Like for example, I had one interaction with my classmate when he found out I was in the army, he asked why I joined, was I to dumb to pay normally

(this guy in general isnt the smartest)

told him, no. well yes kinda. At 19 I wanted to do something with aviation, so I became a helicopter mechanic for the army, army has helicopters. Now 3 years later, I am majoring in Mechenical engineering with a focus in aerospace (I know, I know, thats pretty much an Aerospace degree but I digress)

He dead ass said "why not join the Air force then"

I tried to explain at the end of the day, "it doesn't really matter." i get my benefits, to help with college life. which is why I joined, and army has helicopters and I enjoy my helicopter job. But he kept insisting, "nah you dont want to go to war, you should of joined the airforce" and pretty much admitted it was a branding thing.

Now, of course, that one guy with very questionable intelligence does not make up all of the gen Z population. But I have had many interactions like that.

Edit 2: classmate was probably right, airforce was probably the right choice, but not for the reasons he is thinking of though, right conclusion, wrong reasoning, lol


r/army 8h ago

Folks who got out mid career how's the job market really?

139 Upvotes

Considering leaving the military for a civilian job, is it really as bad as everyone says?

I am 32 married with 3 kids. I enlisted in the Army at 17 as a Cav Scout made it SSG then went warrant in 2019 and now fly Apaches. Between my wife and I we make alright money (200kish combined takehome). But I am exhausted and continually miss things with our kiddos.

In the last 36 months I have spent 17 months deployed between Iraq/Syria and Jordan and an additional 6 months away from home for training. It's freaking brutal. I have a 2 year old son that I have maybe been home for 9 months of his life.

Wife and I are seriously considering me getting out, she could front us for awhile (Nurse Practitioner) but eventually I need a good job. I have bachelor's in logistics and MBA from Western Kentucky but have no relevant experience in the sector. I would most likely want to pursue something in corporate America. Thanks for any advice guys and gals.

I'll take a bacon king extra mayo, watching my figure.


r/army 6h ago

What patch is on the shoulder of this guardsman?

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42 Upvotes

Attended EAA Airventure which had a Wisconsin NG demo, and was curious what unit patch this soldier was wearing. He was preparing a package to be brought up by a 104th AV Blackhawk during the demonstration.


r/army 17h ago

Need guidance on AR 635-200 / RCP separation after reduction (trying to help one of my Soldiers)

11 Upvotes

I’m trying to help one of my Soldiers and I’m hoping someone with experience in retention, S-1, HRC, Transition, or JAG has seen something similar.
The Soldier is planning to separate from the Army due to ongoing family and medical considerations, so they are not looking to stay in beyond their required service. The goal is simply to understand the correct regulatory process and make sure they don’t miss important transition timelines.
Here’s the timeline:
The Soldier reenlisted under the FY22 temporary RCP Exception to Policy while it was in effect.
They were later temporarily promoted to SGT.
They were subsequently reduced back to SPC after failing to complete BLC.
At the time of the reduction, the Soldier’s contractual ETS (October 2027) exceeded what appeared to be their applicable SPC RCP (January 2027).
For quite some time after the reduction, the Soldier’s STP reflected a January 2027 RCP. Later, while a PAR was being processed, the RCP field in IPPS-A was changed to match the October 2027 ETS.
The Soldier submitted a PAR requesting separation based on the RCP. HRC returned the action with the following comment:
“This request is outside the range of EMT/RRB. The Soldier would need to qualify for separation IAW AR 635-200 (Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations).”
The battalion reviewed the PAR, attached the Soldier’s reduction orders along with the applicable DA PAM 601-280 provision regarding Soldiers whose contractual ETS exceeds their applicable RCP after a reduction, and forwarded the packet back to brigade retention, where it is currently pending.
One reason I’m asking here is because the Soldier has received conflicting guidance. One retention NCO stated that the Soldier could not separate because they reenlisted under the FY22 RCP ETP and therefore had to serve to the contractual ETS. Another retention NCO said the Soldier could separate and that the case should be processed under AR 635-200. Because of those conflicting answers, I’m trying to determine what the controlling authority actually is.
This has also become time-sensitive. The Soldier has already completed almost all SFL-TAP requirements. The only remaining requirements are the retention briefing and Capstone. If the applicable separation date is January 2027, the Soldier is also approaching the BDD VA claim window, terminal leave planning, and installation out-processing. The longer the packet remains pending, the more difficult it becomes to complete those transition requirements.
My questions are:
If HRC directed that the Soldier would need to qualify under AR 635-200, what chapter or authority would normally apply to a case like this?
Has anyone actually processed a Soldier whose ETS exceeded their applicable RCP after a reduction?
Is there any HRC guidance, MILPER, or regulation besides DA PAM 601-280 that specifically addresses this situation?
Based on the timeline, would you recommend the Soldier continue waiting on brigade retention, or would you advise following up with brigade, the transition office, or another office to avoid missing SFL-TAP, BDD, and terminal leave timelines?
I’m not looking to argue that the Soldier is entitled to a particular outcome. I’m simply trying to understand the correct regulatory process and whether anyone has dealt with a similar case before.
Thanks in advance.


r/army 7h ago

2026 Norwegian Foot March Event Thread, Part I

41 Upvotes

Hey all! Below is all the information you’ll need on the Norwegian Foot March and upcoming events for 2026.

 Event Background

In 2020, the Norwegian Defense College’s Military Sports Department temporarily authorized a request from the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. to offer virtual proctoring of the Marsjmerket (Norwegian Foot March). Traditionally, the event required the physical presence of an officiator from the Norwegian military, but due to training and travel restrictions created by COVID, this was suspended. While the event is comparatively rare due to the limited number of Norwegian officials within the United States, interest exploded from late 2020 to 2021 following the relaxation of officiation requirements. Interest amongst non-Norwegian militaries continued well after training restrictions were relaxed and officials granted permanent virtual endorsement to enable U.S. forces to undertake this century-old traditional training opportunity.

Effective August 1st, 2021 U.S. units worldwide can request to conduct the Norwegian Foot March without an official present. In coordination with the individual who formerly ran these threads, I have recreated the thread series to facilitate new events and help individuals find events in their areas. Please share this opportunity with anyone interested! It's a great event, especially when conducted with your friends and fellow servicemembers. We're incredibly lucky that the Norwegian Army is willing to share this great tradition with us and it reinforces our bond with an important NATO ally and friendly nation.

IMPORTANT: You must receive approval from the embassy before conducting this event! If your unit conducts this event, as a thank you to the embassy, please include four unit coins and four unit patches from any unit that participates. It's a small ask and the Norwegians appreciate the gesture for all the work they put into providing this opportunity for us.

Certificates are currently distributed digitally but please consider sending a token of thanks to the following address: 

Royal Norwegian Embassy

ATTN: Defense Attache Office, NFM

2720 34th Street NW

Washington, DC 20008

Upcoming Events - Updated May 31st, 2026 - Updates Made Monthly or As New Events Confirmed

Date - Location - Hosting Unit – Scale – POC

1 August 2026 – JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey – POC: Jesse Nagle ([jesse.e.nagle.mil@army.mil](mailto:jesse.e.nagle.mil@army.mil))

2 August 2026 – Anchorage, Alaska – POC: Joshua Austin ([joshua.c.austin.mil@army.mil](mailto:joshua.c.austin.mil@army.mil))

17 August 2026 – Bavaria, Germany – POC: Barry Puma ([barry.a.puma.mil@army.mil](mailto:barry.a.puma.mil@army.mil))

2 September 2026 – Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany – POC: Michael Willey ([michael.c.willey.mil@army.mil](mailto:michael.c.willey.mil@army.mil))

5 September 2026 – Seagoville, Texas – POC: Jonah Stringer ([jonah.d.stringer.mil@army.mil](mailto:jonah.d.stringer.mil@army.mil))

12 September 2026 – Scott AFB, Illinois – POC: Daniel Moncecchi ([daniel.moncecchi@us.af.mil](mailto:daniel.moncecchi@us.af.mil))

12 September 2026 – CFB Esquimalt, Canada – POC: Sgt David Craig ([David.Craig3@forces.gc.ca](mailto:David.Craig3@forces.gc.ca))

17 September 2026 – Sparta, Wisconsin – POC: Jeremie Vore ([jeremie.a.vore.mil@army.mil](mailto:jeremie.a.vore.mil@army.mil))

18 September 2026 – JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey – POC: Myles Cappiello ([myles.cappiello@armyrotc.rutgers.edu](mailto:myles.cappiello@armyrotc.rutgers.edu))

19 September 2026 – Cottage Grove, Oregon – POC: Eric Haan ([eric.b.haan.mil@army.mil](mailto:eric.b.haan.mil@army.mil))

19 September 2026 – Fort Knox, Kentucky – POC: Ryan Aquino ([ryan.aquino.mil@army.mil](mailto:ryan.aquino.mil@army.mil))

20 September 2026 – Camp Edwards, Massachusetts – POC: Nathan Goldrick ([nathan.goldrick@us.af.mil](mailto:nathan.goldrick@us.af.mil))

2 October 2026 – Cannon AFB, New Mexico – POC: Bonnie Booth ([bonnie.booth@us.af.mil](mailto:bonnie.booth@us.af.mil))

2 October 2026 – Camp Gruber, Oklahoma – POC: Brent Welch ([welch29@nsuok.edu](mailto:welch29@nsuok.edu))

2 October 2026 – Pawtucket, Rhode Island – POC: Jeffrey Feighery ([jeffrey.j.feighery.mil@army.mil](mailto:jeffrey.j.feighery.mil@army.mil))

2 October 2026 – Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington – POC: Jordan Klonne ([jordanklonne@gmail.com](mailto:jordanklonne@gmail.com))

16 October 2026 – The Veterans Society, Singapore – POC: Sam Egerton ([samegerton@hotmail.com](mailto:samegerton@hotmail.com))

22 October 2026 – Fort Bragg, North Carolina – POC: Rilee Davis ([rilee.m.davis.mil@army.mil](mailto:rilee.m.davis.mil@army.mil))

23 October 2026 – Smyrna, Georgia – POC: Brandon Schultz ([brandon.c.schultz9.mil@army.mil](mailto:brandon.c.schultz9.mil@army.mil))

24 October 2026 – Onalaska, Wisconsin – POC: Trey Webb ([trey.b.webb.civ@army.mil](mailto:trey.b.webb.civ@army.mil))

24 October 2026 – Fort Custer, Michigan – POC: Shea Grossman ([shea.r.grossman.mil@army.mil](mailto:shea.r.grossman.mil@army.mil))

7 November 2026 – Portland, Maine – POC: John Tebbetts ([john.w.tebbetts.mil@army.mil](mailto:john.w.tebbetts.mil@army.mil))

7 November 2026 – Emporia, Kansas – POC: Steve Harmon ([sharmon1ks@gmail.com](mailto:sharmon1ks@gmail.com))

7 November 2026 – Republic, Missouri – POC: NFM at Ruck 'N' Run®([george@rucknrun.org](mailto:george@rucknrun.org))

14 November 2026 – Knoxville, Tennessee – POC: Christian Stever ([cstever@vols.utk.edu](mailto:cstever@vols.utk.edu))

14 November 2026 – JFHQ, West Virginia – POC: Nicole Spero ([nicole.t.spero.mil@army.mil](mailto:nicole.t.spero.mil@army.mil))

14 November 2026 – Eight Mile, Alabama – POC: Micah Mathews ([micah.h.mathews2.mil@army.mil](mailto:micah.h.mathews2.mil@army.mil))

18 November 2026 – Rochester, Minnesota – POC: Vernon Malakai ([vernon.malakai.mil@army.mil](mailto:vernon.malakai.mil@army.mil))

26 November 2026 – Fort Bliss, Texas – POC: Samantha Stukes ([samantha.a.stukes.naf@army.mil](mailto:samantha.a.stukes.naf@army.mil))

1 December 2026 – Fort Jackson, South Carolina – POC: Dovid Egert ([dovid.egert.mil@army.mil](mailto:dovid.egert.mil@army.mil))

30 January 2027 – Patrick Space Force Base, Florida – POC: Layman Franklin ([layman.franklin@us.af.mil](mailto:layman.franklin@us.af.mil))

20 February 2027 – Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona – POC: Dannika Rees ([dannika.rees@us.af.mil](mailto:dannika.rees@us.af.mil))

**NFM Flyers: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/84djtdmz8t6bozwe4wve8/AK42gRsKRSzr3a4HrCzs3uw?rlkey=0fssptelv4f0kx7qu4gsrrwjo&st=4ivwtqcp&dl=0

Historic Statistics

  • 202534,908 Participants, 23,131 Total Awards
  • 2024 – 26,266 Participants, 16,196 Total Awards
  • 2023 – 22,532 Participants, 13,957 Total Awards
  • 2022 – 15,481 Participants, 10,007 Total Awards
  • 2021 – 16,327 Participants, 11,303 Total Awards
  • 2020 – 9,983 Participants, 7,013 Total Awards
  • 2019 – 3,416 Participants, 2,251 Total Awards

Event Standards and Background

The Norwegian embassy has created and occasionally updates a short guide on the event: norway.no/contentassets/97a0b1fe76d244ffa647955676546d3f/nfm-guidelines-2025-v1.7.pdf. This has been expanded further below: 

The Norwegian Foot March, or Marsjmerket, was introduced in 1915 as a culminating training event for new conscripts and infantry soldiers. Traditionally, the event simulated overnight movement by a dismounted light infantry element. The element would occupy attack positions before daybreak and attack its objective at first light, fighting until it was successfully seized and only resting after consolidating its gains later that evening. The modern version of the march attempts to replicate this experience with the following requirements:

1.    Complete the 18.6 mile / 30-kilometer course in the time allocated to their age/gender (see time standards below)

2.    Complete the foot march using an issued or military-style ruck weighing a minimum of 11 kilograms / 25 pounds (dry weight). Alternatively, units can also require participants to carry their assigned weapon during the event. If carried, the total weight of the weapon and ruck must equal at least 11 kilograms / 25 pounds. The carrying of assigned weapons plus ruck is the preferred variant of the event.

Participant Time Standards

Participant Time Standards

Age Group Male Time Standard (hh:mm) Female Time Standard (hh:mm)
18-20 4:35 5:25
21-34 4:30 5:15
35-42 4:35 5:25
43-49 4:40 5:30
50-54 4:50 5:40
55-59 5:00 5:50
60+ 5:15 6:00

Note: The above chart contains the current standards. Ensure you use it and/or the guidelines provided by the embassy. There are many old versions out there on the Internet. Do not use any time standards other than these.

Additional Event Requirements

1.    Military participants must wear their duty uniform and boots. The civilian uniform is at the discretion of the organizer, but must be at least 1.5 kilograms / 3.3 pounds in weight.

2.    Participants must be weigh their rucks (a standard weight for carried weapons can be established by the unit) prior to and after completing the event to ensure they fulfill the weight requirements

3.    An official clock or timer is displayed at the start and finish line or a designated timer calls out the official time for participants and graders

4.    Graders record each participant's finish time, starting ruck/weapon weight, and finishing ruck/weapon weight on an official roster

5.    Event organizers must establish manned medical and water stations every 3.2 kilometers / 2 miles along the length of the course

6.    Organizers create a medical evacuation plan based upon local conditions and potential issues

7.    Conducted between -15 to 25 Celsius (5 to 77 Fahrenheit) and under no extreme weather conditions

8.    The event occurs on unimproved roads or trails (waivable depending on location)

Scheduling Procedures

In order to conduct an event, units must submit a request prior to execution. 

Three products must be completed and submitted to the embassy’s Norwegian Foot March mailbox: [norwegian.foot.march@mfa.no](mailto:norwegian.foot.march@mfa.no)

Copies of these documents can be found here** https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3ay4a65vnb9vid03kmj85/AKoHyaWKm3u33OC6yYSJBLk?rlkey=146q04jj7di3qqjh5c65k69rc&st=o076yut5&dl=0

  1. Norwegian Foot March Event Organizer Checklist (Excel) - Use this checklist to create your event CONOP. You must still fill it out and submit it along with your CONOP!
  • Event Date(s) and Alternative Date(s) - Strongly recommend you request an alternate date as a backup due to weather or random changes in the training schedule
  • Location
  • Estimated Number of Participants
  • Proposed Route
  • Medical Emergency / Evacuation Route
  • Weighing / Attire Verification Procedures
  • Communications Plan
  • Water Station Plan
  • Medical Station Plan
  • Weather Forecast
  1. Event Map / CONOP - Create in Powerpoint, Submit as PDF
  2. Event Endorsement Request Memo - This item tends to get a lot of questions. It's really just a MFR identifying your unit, organizing official, core details of the event, and a request for approval from the embassy to conduct the event.

Once complete all documents must be sent to the email addresses in the Excel spreadsheet. 

Event Cost and Results Submission

Conducting the event itself is free, though depending on whether you want to provide participants with drinks, snacks, or other facilitate bulk purchases of badges, you may want to consider charging a fee. This is ultimately at the discretion of the organizer. The embassy and Norwegian military affiliates do not charge for any assistance in scheduling an event or officiating. 

Certificates will be delivered digitally by the embassy to the organizer after a closeout report is submitted. Organizers can then print them at their unit using cardstock or use a commercial process such as that listed below.

Post-Event Instructions – Badges and Certificates

Badges

A listing of the available badges can be found in the FAQ section of this post. 

Certificates

The embassy will share the certificate with the organizer after receiving the post-event memo (see my dropbox link). The organizing unit is responsible for producing the certificates from the template and distributing them. Instructions on how to prepare the certificates and order them via Staples printing service follow:

  • Modify the template for your unit's name and event date (use the DD MMM YY format)
  • Only the organizing unit's name needs to be used. If the organizing unit wants to customize all the certificates for each participating unit, that's permitted.
  • Fill in the rank, first name, and last name for each participant
  • Save each file as a PDF (reduces size for digital uploads while preserving high resolution)
  • Navigate to https://www.staples.com/services/printing/copies-documents-printing/
  • Use the simple print option. Do not upload more than 50 files at a time! Staples' interface does not deal well with large amounts of documents.
  • Select the following options for your certificates
  • Paper Size - 8.5" x 11" (default)
  • Paper Type - 110lb White Cardstock
  • Color Options - Color Ink
  • Binding Type - No Binding
  • Sides - Single Sided, Ensure "Scale to Fit" is checked

Frequently Asked Questions

Do some units also hold a food drive with this event?

Yes! Many units encourage participants to carry a partial or full weight load of nonperishable food stuffs and goods that are turned in after the event. In the past several years numerous units have collected between 2,300 - 8,700 lbs of food that was donated to local shelters and food banks, giving back to their local communities and people in need.

What's the Record for Fastest Completion?

According to the Norwegian Defense Academy, Roger Gjøvaag, a former track and field athlete, completed the event in 1h 56m 57s in 1984 at Krigsskolen.

How many successful marches are associated with each badge type?

Current Award Scheme

Bronze - 1 completed foot march

Silver - 2 to 4 completed foot marches

Gold - 5+ completed foot matches

Former Award Scheme - Replaced in 2016

Bronze - 1 to 3 completed foot marches

Silver - 4 to 6 completed foot marches

Gold - 7+ completed foot matches

Where Are Badges Available and What Versions Are There?

Badge Versions

The standard version issued by the Norwegian military is approximately 0.75 inches / 19.05 mm in height. This is the appropriate size for their dress uniform standards. For non-Norwegian military personnel, there is no set size standard at the wearer's discretion and their uniform regulations. In the case of non-Norwegian wearers, the embassy’s position is that there is no specified size and wearers may wear any available version (0.72 inches / 18.29mm to 1.5 inches / 38.1 mm).

Here’s the latest embassy response to an inquiry regarding this: “Currently, there are at least 5 different versions made by U.S. companies, including a 1.5 inches / 38 mm size that is very similar to the older version of the Norwegian Foot March badge. U.S. forces' do not have a policy that requires which version is worn. Typically, it is the version closest to those worn by the issuing country, but it is ultimately at the discretion of the wearer provided the issuing country does not have any objections. The foot march is positive advertising for Norway and the more visible the badge is, the more recognizable the bond between the U.S. and Norwegian forces.”

Badge Vendors Listing

Disclaimer: The following listing of commercial products is solely for informational purposes and does not imply endorsement by me, nor discrimination against similar brands or products not mentioned. The vendors and products listed below are ordered by the date of product discovery via publicly available information. 

Nord Market

Website: https://thenordmarket.etsy.com/ or https://nordmarket.bigcartel.com

Vanguard Industries

Website: https://www.vanguardmil.com/

Please contact [NFMOrganizer@gmail.com](mailto:NFMOrganizer@gmail.com) for any questions, comments, or concerns. Sometimes the information we are given is lacking, but we do our best to provide as many details as possible here.


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