Boots and Blisters

By Spc. Kelsey M. LittleAugust 28, 2017

Boots and Blisters
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WIESBADEN, Germany - In the early morning hours Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe conduct their bi-weekly practice ruck for the Nijmegen in the back fields of Wiesbaden, June 22, 2017. The event spans a total of seven days with walkers from 68 nations, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Boots and Blisters
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WIESBADEN, Germany - Sgt. 1st Class Turman, the Executive Service Division's non-commissioned officer in charge conducts his bi-weekly practice ruck for the Nijmegen, June 22, 2017. The event spans a total of seven days with walkers from 68 nations, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - The annual Nijmegen "Vierdaagse" (four-day) march in the Netherlands is an event regional marching enthusiasts and service members can look forward to every year.

Some see it as a chance to prove their strength and endurance. For others it is a chance to join thousands of other marchers in the world's largest walking event and earn a coveted ribbon. Each walker must complete his or her individual distance, which is 30 to 50 km a day.

"I'm looking forward to being able to say I've completed a 100 mile ruck march," Staff Sgt. Brandon Hubbard, a training and exercise noncommissioned officer said. "At the same time we'll be honoring Soldiers who've gone before us."

This year, thirteen Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe and surrounding units will march in the 101st annual running of the event July 18-21 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Walkers from 68 nations walk up to 100 miles during the march. Participants will attend wreath-laying ceremonies, historical bridge crossings, and opening and closing ceremonies prior to and during the marches.

"Our team is comprised of service members from across the theater, with members from our NATO Allies, National Guard as well as Reserve…ranking from junior Soldiers all the way up to field grade officers - offering a full U.S. Army Europe Spectrum," said Sgt. 1st Class Ken Turman, the Executive Service Division's non-commissioned officer in charge. "We wanted to provide a snapshot of what U. S. Army Europe truly is, and I think we've captured that."

Turman says walkers determine their own pace and how they prepare for the march. Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe and surrounding units practice twice a week to prepare for the march, meeting every Thursday and Saturday. If a participant isn't able to take part at the determined time, then they complete the recommended distance for that day on their own.

"Our practice sessions are good, overall, but we probably should've started sooner to ease folks into it," Hubbard said. Next year's team should probably start August of this year and gradually work up from short rucks (8 km) to our current medium (20 km) and long (30 km) rucks."

Participants for the Nijmegen have three choices of how to conduct their march: individual military, military detachment or civilian individual. Those marching as individual military or as part of a military detachment complete a 40-km route each day in uniform with a 22-pound rucksack. Those who choose the civilian option march a 50-kilometer route without a pack. Another choice, a 30-km option, is available to elderly participants and adolescents.

Members of the U.S. Army Europe team make sure to credit their leaders for all the time and effort they are putting in to preparing for the grueling march ahead.

"Each individual NCO brings a unique style of training to the team that motivates us and keeps us going, said Spc. John Mehr, a current operations Soldier. "For example, junior NCO Sgt. Marisa Patton brings a positive attitude for our early Thursday morning rucks and for our long distance weekend rucks… Sgt. 1st Class Ken Turman brings his steadfast beating heart and soul and Sgt. Maj. Erich Muehleisen, our most senior, blesses us with his knowledge and experiences."

Finding time for training is no easy feat when operating within U.S. Army Europe. There are constant missions and other appointments that come up. Agreeing to be part of this team takes a lot of dedication and good time-management skills.

"We as an Army need to remember that if/when your mechanical transport breaks down, runs out of gas, or gets disabled; you have to always be ready to put your ruck on your back, take your weapon in hand, and continue the mission using the most essential piece of equipment in your inventory -- your feet." Said Hubbard.

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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.

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