The Military Marching Badge (Norwegian Foot March)
| The Military Marching Badge | |
|---|---|
"Protect your country" 1915–1937 (In Norwegian: Værg dit land) | |
| Type | Skill Badge |
| Awarded for | Completion of 30 kilometer loaded ruck march |
| Presented by | Norwegian Armed Forces or Liason |
| Eligibility | All personnel |
| Established | 1915 |
Service ribbon for gold version | |
The Military Marching Badge, usually called the Norwegian Foot March Badge or simply the NFM by US Service Members,[1] is a Proficiency Badge of the Norwegian Armed Forces. It was instituted in 1915,[2] popularly called the tremlia in Norway,[3] and is awarded to those who meet defined requirements for a 30-kilometer loaded march. The badge's purpose is to stimulate interest in marching among military and civilian personnel.[4]
The marching badge was previously an annual strength test at the Norwegian Military Academy in Oslo, and part of the basic soldier's education for Norwegian Conscripts. As of 2018, it has been voluntary.[5] The Military Marching Badge is no longer authorized for wear on uniforms of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and has since been replaced by the Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Military Sports, with differing criteria.[6]
Requirements
The badge is awarded for meeting the requirements of a 30-kilometer march. The march must be completed within a maximum time, which varies between classes and gender.[7]
When testing for the military marching badge, the march (march/run) must be completed with a pack of at least eleven kilograms, wearing a regulated uniform and with approved military boots. The backpack must be of an approved military model.[7]
Debate
In 2014, the Norwegian Armed Forces proposed to reduce the distance to 20 km, citing the generally poor physical condition of Norwegian soldiers and fears of strain injuries. This created considerable debate and opposition from many quarters within the Armed Forces. In 2014, it was decided to keep the original distance. At the same time, the requirements were relaxed somewhat. It was allowed to wear sneakers, and to carry out the exercise without weapons as long as the pack on the back still weighed eleven kilograms. [3]
In Foreign Militaries
Interest in carrying out the march among non-Norwegian units has increased sharply since the end of 2020, partially because the Norwegian Armed Forces moved away from the requirement for a Norwegian representative. According to the US military, over 10,000 soldiers marched between New Year 2020 and July 2021.[5][8]
In the US Military
The NFM Badge is among a number of Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military which are military decorations which have been approved for wear by members of the United States armed forces but whose awarding authority is the government of a country other than the United States.
During 2022, 14,800 American soldiers attempted the NFM Badge.[9]
Since March 21, 2025, the larger 1.5" inch version of the NFM Badge has been authorized for wear by the United States Army according to Army Regulation 600-8-22.[10][11] In the past, only the 0.875" inch and 0.75" inch versions of the badge were worn by the US Military, and it's uncommon for AR 600-8-22 to add physical characteristics and guidelines on the outside of badge besides grade or coloring.[11] Typically the badge has been 0.75" inch in size, however, the US Army authorizes up to 1.5" inch versions.[10][11]
See also
- Authorized foreign decorations of the United States military
- Orders, decorations, and medals of Norway
References
- ^ "US Army Soldiers assemble across NATO's eastern flank for Norwegian Foot March". www.army.mil. 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ Solheim, Axel (April 20, 2021). "Private members of the Navy receive the Field Sports Medal for the first time (Menige i Sjøforsvaret mottar feltsportmedaljen for første gang)". Forsvarets forum.
- ^ a b "Forsvaret krymper tremila". www.aftenposten.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). 2014-01-04. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "JBLM Norwegian Foot March". www.army.mil. 2021-03-23. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ a b Arntsen, Erlend Ofte; Nilsson, Thomas (2021-07-12). "Et lite stykke Norge". VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Medals". Norwegian Armed Forces. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ a b "The Norwegian Foot March (NFM)". Norwegian Armed Forces. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Guardsmen earn Norwegian Foot March Badge during joint event". National Guard. Archived from the original on 2023-07-20. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ Rognstrand, Andrea (2023-01-09). "Nesten 15.000 amerikanere prøvde seg på norsk feltmarsj i 2022". www.forsvaretsforum.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ a b US Army (March 21, 2025). "Foreign Award Info". HRC. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c NFMGuy_Emeritus (2025-04-18). "Large Norwegian Foot March Badge Approved in AR 600-8-22". r/army. Retrieved 2025-04-19.