SGT Tharaldsen: Manchu Mile from IRON BDE on Vimeo.

The 2nd Bn, 9th Infantry Manchu’s conducted the Manchu Mile today – a 25-mile roadmarch with rucksack that commemorates the 85-mile march that the regiment did in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion. SGT Tharaldsen of Demon Company carried a video camera and got us these clips.

Manchu Spouse Challenge from IRON BDE on Vimeo.

Almost thirty spouses reported for PT formation at 05:45. We marched to Carey Fitness Center for Tae Kwon Do PT where Grand Master Yi guided us through a light workout. Next, a quick run around Carey Field and combat drills: lifting an ammunition canister, an obstacle course, grenade toss and high crawling. We ate a hot breakfast and were fitted with NVGs. Our job was to navigate a maze and complete a recon mission. After the maze, we were able to get up close and personal with static displays.

The afternoon was spent preparing to fire M4s on the live fire range. Instructors taught us about the M4 and weapon safety. We ate MREs for lunch and took a bus to the live fire range. At the range, we donned body armor and each had an opportunity to shoot 20 rounds from the M4. Last was a two-mile road march back to 2-9 HQs carrying weapons and assault packs. All the Battalion Soldiers were waiting for us, cheering us on.
At the end of the day, we were exhausted and sore.

We went home with a sense of camaraderie, feelings of accomplishment, and pride in ourselves and our Soldiers.

Lisa West