Warriors complete arduous 25-mile Manchu Mile March

By Pfc. Song Chang-do, 8th U.S. Army Public AffairsNovember 20, 2009

Warriors complete arduous 25-mile Manchu Mile March
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP CASEY, South Korea - Hundreds of Soldiers completed the arduous 25-mile rucksack march known as the Manchu Mile March on Camp Casey Nov. 20, to commemorate the 9th Infantry Regiment's 85-mile march during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China.

The biannual march began during the early hours of the morning from Casey Field.

The 25-mile course included several mountains and difficult valley terrain.

Dozens of Soldiers volunteered to participate in this marching event, along with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Regiment "Manchus."

One of the participants, Sgt. Lim Se-yeong, a Human Resource Specialist from Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, decided to join the Manchu Mile to experience the 25-mile march before he finishes his military duty.

Aca,!A"The march is a little more difficult than IAca,!a,,cve expected it to be, but this is definitely a good experience as a Soldier,Aca,!A? said Lim. Aca,!A"Endurance and teamwork are some of the things I could experience from this march.Aca,!A?

Although the 25-mile march comes as a challenge to many Soldiers, most are determined and confident that theyAca,!a,,cll complete the course. Even after long hours of marching in battle gear with a rifle and rucksack, 2-9 tank gunner Sgt. Daily Cody stayed motivated.

Aca,!A"What weAca,!a,,cre doing now is nothing compared to what they did back in 1900,Aca,!A? said Cody. Aca,!A"TheyAca,!a,,cve marched 85 miles while weAca,!a,,cre only experiencing 25!Aca,!A?

The march was completed as the last unit came back to Camp Casey around sunset.

The Soldiers who completed the march received the distinctive Manchu Buckle, a polished, golden belt buckle designed with the 9th Infantry Regiment insignia and the inscription Aca,!A"Keep Up The Fire." They are officially called "Manchus" and are allowed to wear their Manchu Buckle with their uniform.

The word "Manchu" originates back in the 1900 when the Chinese emperor gave the name "Manchu" to the 9th Infantry Regiment after they marched 85 miles into battle at Tientsin during the China Relief Expedition.

The Manchu Mile became a biannual event to commemorate the 85-mile march.

Related Links:

8th U.S. Army Web site