Miles of Determination: Uniformed Services University Graduate Students Complete Norwegian Foot March

Two Uniformed Services University (USU) Medical and Clinical Psychology graduate students completed the Norwegian Foot March at Joint Base Andrews 

Two USU MPS graduate students (left and center) completed the 18.6 mile march while carrying 24-pound rucksacks. Mata and Quilter finished the march in 4 hours and 56 minutes, earning bronze badges for their accomplishment. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Elisabeth Mata).
Two USU MPS graduate students (left and center) completed the 18.6 mile march while
carrying 24-pound rucksacks. Mata and Quilter finished the march in 4 hours and 56
minutes, earning bronze badges for their accomplishment.  (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. 
Elisabeth Mata).

January 28, 2025 by Hadiyah Brendel

Two Uniformed Service University (USU) Medical and Clinical Psychology department graduate students, 1st Lts. Elisabeth Mata and Cheyenne Quilter, recently showcased their strength and endurance by completing the demanding Army Norwegian Foot March. On November 23 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the duo joined 21 service members from the Army and Air Force for the 18.6-mile trek, hauling 24-pound rucksacks. Mata and Quilter crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 56 minutes, earning bronze badges and showcasing their extraordinary grit and teamwork.

1st Lts. Elisabeth Mata (left) and Cheyenne Quilter were able to maintain a positive attitude despite the grueling physical requirements of the march. (Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Elisabeth Mata)
1st Lts. Elisabeth Mata (left) and
Cheyenne Quilter were able to
maintain a positive attitude
despite the grueling physical
requirements of the march.
(Photo courtesy of 1st Lt.
Elisabeth Mata)
The Norwegian Foot March, or Marsjmerket, was introduced in 1915 during World War I to assess the endurance of Norwegian soldiers and ensure they could travel long distances while remaining combat-ready. Originally mandatory for military conscripts, it also aimed to provide civilians and recruits a glimpse into a soldier's life. Today, the march is both a military and civilian event, where participants earn a badge upon completion. It has grown in popularity internationally, blending tradition with modern recognition. 

The two USU students had support along the way. Michelle Baccarri, a strength coach from Georgetown University and the only civilian to complete the march, joined them. “This was truly a team event for the three of us as we worked up and completed the event together,” Mata said. 

The march, known for its grueling physical requirements, tests participants' endurance and mental fortitude. Despite the challenges, the group maintained a positive attitude throughout the event. 

“During the ruck we were in high spirits and continued to push each other,” Mata shared. “1st Lt. Quilter set our pace and ensured we had all the [snacks] we needed to continue to fuel ourselves.”

During the final quarter mile, two friends joined Mata, Quilter, and Baccarri, walking alongside them with cheers and a celebratory sign to encourage them to the finish line .Completing the Norwegian Foot March was a major goal for Mata and Quilter. The experience underscored the value of teamwork, self-discipline, and setting ambitious goals. For these USU students, the march was not just a test of physical endurance but a meaningful reminder of their ability to overcome challenges and achieve success.   

“I wanted to do the Norwegian Foot March,” says Mata, “because every so often I have to prove to myself that I can do hard things.”