Four cadets from NIU Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program proved they’ve got what it takes during the Norwegian Foot March held on the campus of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Cadets Kamran Stringer, Stephen Bough, Ethan Patterson and Hailey Quiroz successfully completed the vigorous trek and earned the badge of endurance that wear throughout their military service. 
“I am so proud of these four cadets for participating in this prestigious event,” said Lieutenant Colonel Harold Larsen, chair of the Department of Military Science at NIU. “They persevered through tough conditions and made our program proud.”
The Norwegian Foot March is a Norwegian armed forces skill badge that was created in 1915 to expose civilians and new military recruits to field conditions. To earn the badge, participants must complete an 18.6 mile foot march while carrying a 25-pound rucksack (backpack) within a time limit, which in this case was under five hours.
More than 35 cadets from ROTC programs throughout Illinois took part in the event. In addition to completing the test of endurance, Cadet Hailey Quiroz was recognized as the top female participant for finishing with the best time.
“Our cadets do great things every day,” Larsen said. “This is another example of how Army ROTC cadets strive for excellence physically in addition to their work in the classroom and community. Huskies lead the way!”
Learn more about the Army ROTC program at NIU.
