In a remarkable demonstration of endurance and camaraderie, the first Norwegian military foot march took place in Singapore this October. This inaugural event, introduced by Sam Egerton, a member of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), brought a unique aspect of Norwegian military tradition to the Lion City.
Participants gathered on the historic Bukit Timah Road, known for its scenic Rail Corridor, also referred to as the Green Corridor. Here, completing the foot march marked a significant milestone for Singapore’s military community.
What is the Norwegian foot march badge?
The Norwegian foot march badge (“det militære marsjmerket”) is a prestigious badge that honors soldiers in the Norwegian army who complete a 30-kilometer march within 4 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on their age and gender. Furthermore, participants must wear military uniforms and carry backpacks weighing at least 11 kilograms. This tradition, which began in 1915, serves as a testament to the marching endurance of soldiers.
Inspiration and organization
Sam Egerton became inspired by this tradition after participating in a military march in the Netherlands in 2023. Consequently, he sought to introduce the event to Singapore. He teamed up with fellow SAF Volunteer (SV) Nadim van der Ros, who promotes community engagement through volunteer-led initiatives. Together, they organized this challenge for their fellow SAFVC members.
Overcoming challenges
Additionally, the Norwegian Embassy in Washington oversees foot march initiatives outside Norway and provides official certifications for participants who complete the march abroad. Organizers faced unique challenges due to Singapore’s tropical climate. They had to negotiate with the Norwegian Embassy for special permission to exceed the standard 25°C upper temperature limit for the march. The year-round heat and humidity of Singapore further complicated the event preparations.
With the necessary permissions secured, Egerton and van der Ros mobilized participants and coordinated logistical support. They tapped into the diverse skills of SAFVC volunteers to ensure a seamless, safe, and enjoyable event.
Looking ahead
Now that this inaugural Norwegian foot march in Singapore has concluded successfully, it’s poised to become an annual tradition. The date for next year’s march is already scheduled for October 4, 2025. The Norwegian Embassy intends to send representatives to participate, and thus, Norwegians residing in Singapore are encouraged to join the challenge. Interested individuals can reach out to Sam Egerton at [email protected] for more information.
Open to all
The SAFVC, established in 2014, allows Singaporean women and first-generation permanent residents to contribute actively to the nation’s defense. While SAFVC members will organize next year’s Norwegian military foot march, the event is open to everyone, regardless of SAFVC membership. Special spaces will be designated for military and civilian participants; however, spots are limited, so potential participants should register soon.
