Barnes Air National Guard Base Hosts Fourth Annual Norwegian Foot March
The Massachusetts National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing held its fourth annual Norwegian Foot March on Oct. 2 at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, testing members in physical stamina and military readiness. The grueling event requires participants to cover 18.6 miles in full uniform and boots while carrying a rucksack weighing at least 24.25 pounds.
Originating with the Norwegian Armed Forces in 1915 during World War I, the ruck march was designed to ensure new infantry recruits could cover long distances quickly while remaining combat-ready. Today, military bases worldwide host the event. Participants must finish the course within a set time determined by their age and gender to earn the distinguished Norwegian Foot March badge.
Participants earn badges based on completion counts
Earning the badge depends on finishing the 18.6-mile course within precise time limits and accumulating completions over multiple years. A bronze badge marks a participant’s first successful completion. A silver badge rewards a second completion, while a gold badge requires finishing the grueling march five times.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Lawrence, the 104th Government Special Access Program security officer who has coordinated the event at Barnes since 2022, noted the broad participation from various military shops and ranks. He also highlighted the presence of an Army National Guardsman who traveled from Alabama to compete. More than half of the total participants successfully earned their badges this year by crossing the finish line within the required time limits.
Mental and Physical Demands of the Ruck
While the physical weight and distance test endurance, participants emphasize that the psychological challenge remains just as demanding. Master Sgt. Jeffrey Zastawny, a 104th Quality Assurance Inspector participating in his third march at Barnes, trains by rucking twice a week. He explained that pushing past personal limits into uncertainty drives the difficulty.
“One of the hardest parts about this is that you’re taking on something that you’re not sure if you can do it or not, and testing your own limitations,” Zastawny said. “But there’s also something exciting about that.”
Lt. Col. Stephen ‘Steagle’ Mindek, 131st Fighter Squadron Commander, crossed the finish line first with a time of 3 hours and 54 minutes, well ahead of his required cutoff. This marked his third successful march, bringing him two completions away from the gold badge.
“For me, this ruck was the toughest one, but I love doing it, and I really think it shows that warrior ethos, which is why I do it,” Mindek said.
What are the Norwegian Foot March requirements?
What is the weight requirement for the rucksack?
Participants must carry a rucksack weighing at least 24.25 pounds throughout the entire 18.6-mile course.
How long has Barnes Air National Guard Base hosted the event?
The 104th Fighter Wing hosted the Norwegian Foot March for the fourth consecutive year on Oct. 2.
What does it take to earn a gold Norwegian Foot March badge?
A participant must successfully complete the 18.6-mile march within the allotted time limit across five separate events to earn the gold badge.
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