6th Feb 2026
Norwegian Foot March Badge: Bronze, Silver & Gold Explained
The Norwegian Foot March badge is one of the most widely earned and recognized foreign badges authorized for U.S. service members. If your unit recently hosted a Norwegian Foot March — or you’re planning to participate — here’s a clear breakdown of the standards and how each badge level is earned.
What Is the Norwegian Foot March?
The Norwegian Foot March began in 1915 as a test of endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian military. The goal was simple: move long distances efficiently while carrying combat gear and still be ready for duty at the end of the march.
Today, authorized events are conducted by military units worldwide following official Norwegian Embassy guidelines. Once completed and approved through official channels, participants may earn the Norwegian Foot March badge as an authorized foreign award for wear on the uniform.
Standard requirements typically include:
- 30 km / 18.6 mile foot march
- Minimum 11 kg (24 lb) dry rucksack
- Completion within official time standard based on age and gender
- Must be completed during an authorized/sanctioned event
- Rucksack weight is verified before and after completion
Official Time Standards
To successfully earn the badge, participants must complete the march within the official time standard for their age group and gender:
| Age Group | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 18–34 | 4h 50m | 4h 30m |
| 35–42 | 5h 00m | 4h 35m |
| 43–49 | 5h 15m | 4h 40m |
| 50–54 | 5h 30m | 4h 50m |
| 55–59 | 5h 45m | 5h 00m |
| 60+ | 6h 00m | 5h 15m |
Events must follow official Norwegian Embassy guidelines, and results are submitted by the hosting unit for validation before certificates and badges are issued.
Badge Levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold
The Norwegian Foot March badge is awarded in three levels based on successful completions under official standards. Only one badge can be earned per year, meaning progression takes time and repeat participation.
Bronze Norwegian Foot March Badge
Earned after your first successful completion of an authorized Norwegian Foot March within the required time standard.
Silver Norwegian Foot March Badge
Earned after an additional successful completion during a future authorized event. Participants must meet full standards again under official conditions.
Gold Norwegian Foot March Badge
Earned after multiple successful completions over time. Because only one badge can be awarded per year, it typically takes several years of successful participation to reach gold level.
Each completion must be properly documented and approved by the hosting unit and submitted according to official Norwegian Embassy guidelines before badges are authorized.
Get Your Norwegian Foot March Badge
Once your completion is approved and authorized for wear, Military Depot carries all three badge levels in regulation-style finishes suitable for uniform wear or display:
- Bronze Norwegian Foot March Badge <-----
- Silver Norwegian Foot March Badge <-----
- Gold Norwegian Foot March Badge <------
All badges are made to military specifications and ready for wear once your unit authorizes the award.
Before Wearing on Your Uniform
- Ensure your unit has validated and approved your completion
- Confirm which badge level you rate (bronze, silver, or gold)
- Follow current uniform regulations for foreign badge placement
The Norwegian Foot March remains a strong unit tradition across many installations and continues to be one of the most commonly earned foreign badges worn on the Army service uniform today.