Muenster, Germany -- A small team from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command could be seen in the early hours of Tuesday, May 24, ruck marching through the parks and streets of Muenster, Germany. This wasn't just a typical off-site physical readiness training event; this was the Norwegian Road March. Affectionately referred to as the Viking Run, competitors must finish this 30 kilometer ruck march with 11 kilograms on their back in under four and a half hours.
"The Viking Run translates from numerically measured requirements on a piece of paper to a mental and physical challenge," noted Pvt. 1st Class Emilie Prewitt. "Challenges outside of the normal duty day promote self-discipline, motivation, and personal pride. Soldiers are always expected to meet Army standards, but things like the Viking Run and the Nijmegan four day march are available for Soldiers who are prepared to excel."
Although this is a standalone invitation event from the Euro Corps, Staff Support Battalion, Norwegian Deputy Chief of Staff, the 10th AAMDC has included it as part of their preparation for the July Nijmegan four day march event.
"I really enjoy interacting with Soldiers from other nations," stated an excited 1st Sgt. Daniel Hewett from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 10th AAMDC, "The endurance and speed training associated with this Viking Run correlated perfectly with our ongoing Nijmegan training schedule."
The Norwegian Armed Forces 30 kilometer road march was established officially in 1915, and was originally designed as a skills test for road marching with a backpack and weapon. This event is still a mandatory test for all Norwegian conscript Soldiers during their 18 months of service. Successful completion of this event awards participants the Norwegian Road March Badge and a diploma commemorating the event.
This year the 10th AAMDC had nine participants successfully earn the badge, a shield shaped pin with a picture of a marching Soldier with backpack and weapon. The text over the picture says "Protect Your Country" in Norwegian: "Verg ditt land."
10th AAMDC's team will continue to train in the hopes of also successfully completing the upcoming Nijmegan four day march in July.
"It provides a change to travel within Europe to a place I wouldn't likely otherwise see," explained Spc. Andrew Kelly, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, when asked why he was interested in these types of events. "The Viking Run and Nijmegan are both physically challenging and motivational events outside of the norm."
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