Soldiers Complete Last Manchu Mile in Korea

This is definitely the end of an era:

SEOUL, South Korea — Generations of soldiers have set off on this test of physical and mental endurance armed with what will be their most potent weapons: sturdy, broken-in boots and several pairs of thick socks.

On Wednesday, the decades-old tradition will come to an end when the 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment hosts its final Manchu Mile in South Korea as the unit prepares to inactivate.

“I think bittersweet is a good word to use,” Commander Lt. Col. Scott Knight said. “It’s the last one we’re doing on the peninsula. It’s in conjunction with our inactivation. It’s a lot of goodbyes that are involved, so it’s an awesome experience to go out on a high note.”

The 25-mile march with backpacks is held twice each year to commemorate the unit’s 85-mile march in China during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The 2-9 will inactivate in July as part of a move toward increased use of U.S. rotational forces on the peninsula.  [Stars and Stripes]

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