Kentucky Guardsman pushes limits, finishes first in 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March

By 2nd Lt. Austin Garcia, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT KNOX, Ky. – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Caleb Sooter crossed the finish line first during an 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March at Fort Knox Sept. 19, capping months of preparation for an event he views as a test of his physical endurance and personal resolve.

The march marked Sooter’s second Norwegian Foot March and his third foreign ruck march during his Army career.

Established by Norway in 1915, the Norwegian Foot March measures a Soldier’s ability to move long distances while carrying a load. The event has since expanded to other countries, including the United States, and become popular throughout the U.S. Army. Participants who complete the march within the designated time can earn a foreign badge, with bronze, silver and gold award levels.

Sooter spent months preparing for the event by incorporating rucking into his fitness routine. His training included carrying 65 to 70 pounds for four to six miles while maintaining a 9- to 10-minute-per-mile pace. He also incorporated squats and deadlifts to build strength.

“By doing that and building that foundational strength, it turns a 25-pound ruck into something that feels almost weightless,” Sooter said.

Sooter, a public affairs specialist for the Kentucky Guard, previously completed the foot march during Advanced Individual Training and had the opportunity to participate again this year after Fort Knox announced the event, securing the last available spot.

For Sooter, taking on difficult challenges is about more than earning recognition.

“If I don’t do it, I’m not going to be happy with myself,” Sooter said.

Sooter began his day at 2 a.m., preparing his 25-pound rucksack before driving to Fort Knox. He and several peers arrived at 4 a.m. for safety and informational briefs before the 5:30 a.m. start.

The march began in darkness. During the first four miles, Sooter began to pull away from the other participants. His preparation helped him maintain a strong pace, and by mile 14, he had moved ahead of his peers and was closing in on the finish line.

Near the end of the march, Sooter began to feel the physical strain of the event. At mile 17, Brig. Gen. Martin C. Jung, commanding general of the 100th Training Division, met Sooter along the route.

Sooter eventually crossed the finish line first, turning months of preparation into a personal accomplishment.

“Finishing first in the Norwegian Foot March is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the determination, discipline and competitive spirit he brings to everything he does,” said Maj. Cassandra Mullins, commander of the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. “I could not be prouder of his performance. He is an exceptionally talented Soldier whose drive, professionalism and commitment make the 133rd MPAD better. He represents exactly the kind of Soldier every commander wants on their team, and I’m incredibly proud to have him on ours.”

For Sooter, the accomplishment was about more than completing a march. It represented his commitment to embracing difficult challenges and pushing himself to grow as a Soldier.

When asked what he would tell another Soldier considering the event, Sooter emphasized the importance perseverance.

“If I say no to doing something challenging, that means I have to go home and tell my wife and my son that I threw in the towel because something was challenging,” Sooter said.

Sooter continues to focus on personal growth and physical fitness as he works toward his goal of meeting the gold standard for the Norwegian Foot March.

“If you are not striving to improve yourself every day,” Sooter added, “you have ceased to grow as a person.”

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