Soldiers Complete the "Manchu Mile"
This is something if you are stationed in the Second Infantry Division that you should really take advantage of:
A “Manchu Mile†involves some tricky math: it equates to 25 standard miles, “more or less,†as its tradition’s keepers like to say.
The 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment “Manchus†began their biannual march Thursday night at the Camp Casey theater, where at least a few soldiers from most 2nd ID units joined them.
The “Manchu Mile†even drew some airmen, a couple of judge advocate lawyers and Brig. Gen. John Johnson, assistant division commander for maneuvers.
Each marcher dressed in battle gear, including helmet, rifle and backpack.
“After Mile 10 you don’t feel anything,†said 2-9’s Sgt. David Bullock, who completed the march last year. “Your feet are already swollen. You’ve probably made up your mind if you’re going to make it.â€
Others labeled Mile 20 the toughest of the march, which commemorates the regiment’s 85-mile trek to battle at Tientsin during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China.
It is probably more or less the same course, but when I did the Manchu Mile six years ago the course went out the back gate of Camp Hovey and up and down a number of mountains past the ville of Toko-ri. It really wasn’t that bad and like was mentioned in the article the enforced breaks were the worst part of the march. By stopping to take a break and drink water your legs stiffen up and the breaks only make the march take that much longer. However, overall a great experience and highly recommended for anyone in 2ID, plus you even get a belt buckle for it.Â
You took that old route six years ago? Perchance was it with 1-9?
You and I may have walked it together.
Marcus
P.S. They designed a new belt buckle to fit on the ACU belt, and it looks a lot different.
[…] [GI Korea] Soldiers Complete the ?Manchu Mile? Published: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:27:18 +0000 This is something if you are stationed in the Second Infantry Division that you should really take advantage of: A “Manchu Mile†involves some tricky math: it equates to 25 standard miles, “more or less,†as its tradition’s keepers like to say. The 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment “Manchus†began their biannual march Thursday […] Read More… […]
I actually walk the route with 2-9 back then and I haven't seen the new belt buckle. The buckle I got from when I did sits proudly next to my Army coin collection now.
Does anybody know how I can get one of the new ACU belt manchu belt buckles?
I got my buckle when I was in 2-9 and now I am with the 101st in Iraq and I refuse to take it off. The message above is wrong though. Only people in the 9th INF who complet the march get the buckle. All other units get a BN coin.
How can I get my MANCHU coin from the 86-87
era?
I did the mile and everything else that was needed
for the coin and the scout patch.
But I didnt receive the coin.
[…] [GI Korea] Soldiers Complete the ?Manchu Mile? Published: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:27:18 +0000 This is something if you are stationed in the Second Infantry Division that you should really take advantage of: A “Manchu Mile” involves some tricky math: it equates to 25 standard miles, “more or less,” as its tradition’s keepers like to say. The 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment “Manchus” began their biannual march Thursday […] Read More… […]
[…] • Found on Windows Live, Yahoo! Search Soldiers Complete the ?Manchu Mile? It is probably more or less the same course, but when I did the Manchu Mile six years ago the […]
I just found my manchu challenge coin and googled "manchu coin". I got it in 1985 when I was with Bco 4/9, 7thID(L). I'm so stoked! I thought I lost it. My coin has the serial number 0105 stamped on radius. I don't wear my Manchu belt buckle with my ACU's. I don't think my unit would understand…
Kevin, you are mistaken. I was assigned to 302 Forward Support Battalion, but I support them on a Maintenance Suppport Team (MST) and completed the march. I was awarded the buckle and received a certificate along with orders awarding the buckle. FYI
How can i get a Big Manchu Belt buckle you earn upon completion of the Fourth Manchu MIle? Anyone, please let me know, i have serached everywhere, couldn’t find a location on the world weide web. I think last resort is for me to visit SK again!
Hi. My son received the honor of the 9th Infantry Belt Buckle the first time he walked, however, his buckle broke. I was wondering if any knew where I could get him another to replace his broken one. I think it would make a wonderful surprise for his birthday. Could anyone help me? Thanks.
I also wanted to say to all you soldiers who have completed the Manchu Mile…… KEEP UP THE FIRE!!!! I am proud of you.
I got called on the carpet at DS school (reserves) when the senior drill saw my Manchu Buckle with my BDU's (about 1991) While doing chinups before chow. He ordered me to take it off, but I told him I had regemental affiliation and AR670-1 specifcally authorized wear of my Manchu Belt Buckle. We were in the CSM's office right after chow with my 201 (personal record, i think they are gone now) file and a copy of the uniform regs, I was right. But that senior drill didnt like me after that. The story of my (short 3yrs active 3 yrs reserve) army career
Im part of 2ID and going to be doing the manchu mile. I was wondering since im not in 2-9 and I complete the manchu mile do I still get a belt buckle or authorized to wear one or is 2-9 the only ones who receive the buckle?
I had to contact the 2-9 CSM and ask him to mail me one (two actually). I'm deployed to Iraq. But he was willing to work with me.
I wasn't in 2ID but was an attached company that was allowed to do the Manchu Mile and we were given belt buckles. I think it is all dependent on the command leadership at the time of the march that determines who gets a buckle.
im currently stationed in Korea and seen it for sale at military sales on post if you still need one for your son just let me know and I can send you one
Arroyo,
My name is SSG Patel and i was stationed in KOrea around 2002 – 2004 before deploying to Iraq from there. While in iraq i lost my "Big" Manchu Belt Buckle. Will it be possible for you to send me one, and i'll pay the price, handling and shipping cost.
My Address is,
CMR 411 Box 4841
APO AE 09112
I'm currently in Germany. I have been searching for it since i lost it. Never got luck into finding one for myself. If you can send me that will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hoah SGT. will do once we get paid friday
When ever you get the big manchu belt buckle and it is airborne let me know. Just remember, i'm talking about the belt buckle that is big not a 1.5*2 inches. The big belt buckle that one receives upon completion of four 25 manchu miles.
Thank you very much and hope that my search will end here.
PFC Arroyo,
Were you able to buy the Big belt buckle and sent it to me? If so, what was the total cost inccurred, and when can i be excepting it? And what you prefer check or money order let me know!
Thank you in advance
Hey GI Korea,
YOu can wear it, just make sure you get the orders with your name as awarded. And with those orders you can wear it, anywhere you PCS, Deploy within the United States Military.
Take care
Just got done doing my 1st Manchu Mile on Nov. 19, 2009 Had a blast now that I look back on it but I have to agree that mile 20+ were the hardest because I knew we were almost finished!
PFC Oliver,
Congrats on your achievement.
I have been trying to get hold of someone who would work with me to get a belt buckle for myself, the new type ACU type, the Big belt buckle and small if you can mail it to me, or if you want me to send money to you first.
Please contact me via mraryanpatel1@yahoo.com if you are will to help me. Thank you
I completed the Manchu Mile with A Co. 2/9 INF(Renegades) in 1996. I did not receive any orders for the buckle. I don't recall anyone else receiving them either. When did they start issuing orders for the buckle?
I dunno. I did mine in Oct 99 with HHC 2/9 and I got the belt buckle and orders for them, but I still argue to this day with people saying I'm not allowed to wear it! So I just wear it in my class A's. Damn jealous people!
Do you have any ideas how I can get one as well?
I'm brand new to Korea, and stationed in Yongsan. Before coming here, I researched what opportunities I may have while here and saw the Manchu Mile. Does anyone have any tips on getting on one of these? Any contact information or help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
SPC L
SPC L,
I don't have any contact information i was there longtime a go in 1-9 Camp Hovey.
But, what you can do is go to Camp Casey 2-9 INF and find out details, i hope the shuttle buses stilll go there, if not catch the train pretty cheap i hope so still now.
SSG Patel
http://www.2id.korea.army.mil/organization/units/…
You could probably call the SGM: 730-2560
I think they do the Manchu Mile twice a year. Around April and August.
I am unable to find a way to contact the CSM. Do you have an email contact? I completed several marches in the early 90s and would be interested in the large buckle as well as the one for ACUs.I can be reached at mhheatherly@msn.com
Actually, I was in 1-72 armor when I walked the Manchu, and I got a belt buckle as well, if your are not in 1-9 when you do it, you are considered an honorary member after you complete it.
Thanks Mom… 😉
Will not provide that here. You can easily contact him via your chain command. This is not difficult info to track down. Take initiative.
They sell them on ebay man…
This brings back memories. I got my Manchu belt buckle in 1994 with 3-9 Inf, 7th ID in Fort Lewis. When we cross the finish line, we had to drink out of the "bowl of fire" and yell out "Manchu!". After that, I received the buckle and Regimental coin from our Regiment Commander.
i am looking for the buckle for the acu's have searched all over the place but am not having any luck if there is somebody in korea that could get me one(will pay double the amount)or somebody who could point me in the right direction that would be great hit me up on ako email is chad.duenwald thanks
Hey SFC 'Bongo' Bongcaron,
I agree that it brings back some memories, I remember we crossed that line together. It would be cool to catch up. Find me on facebook. Also I would give anything to get my hands on the new ACU version of the buckle. I will be heading out to 68WM6 school here soon and will be away from home for 1yr4mo and would love to wear it.
Hello my fellow Manchu's. I was a manchu back in '98-'99. i earned the manchu coin after doin 2 manchu mile's. i have recently lost my manchu coin. If anyone know's who to contact or how i can get a replacement for my coin i would be very appreciative. you can contact me at just_dallas_damnit@yahoo.com . thanks for helping me out on this an KEEP UP THE FIRE MANCHU'S!
This is the first I've heard of this. I wonder if they had this when I was stationed in Korea in '79-'80? I would have gone for it. When I was in Korea all I did was hit the ville.
I walked the Manchu Mile '88-89' earn the buckle 1/9 Infantry Combact Medic Ft. Ord California KEEP UP THE FIRE MANCHU'S.
Aaah the Manchu, I remember you guys being on Freedom Bridge, yelling Keep up the Fire…..
I was with 2-9 Infantry and earned my buckle in 2005. I ended up in a Cav unit in Ft Hood after my tour but always wore my Manchu buckle. Even after we got issued ACU's and went to Iraq, I still wore my old belt and Manchu buckle. I was asked about it a couple times by people who didn't know what it was, but that was it.
I still wear mine. I was with 2nd FSB form SEP 00 to OCT 01. We supported 1-9. I was able to participate in 1 Manchu.
There are 2 nights that I remember very vividly from that tour. One was 30 NOV 00 going out the back gate on the “Three Hills Route” (3 hills really LOL). My boot blowing out on mile 6 and having to duct tape it closed and keep going. Trading out with my buddy half way through so he could carry my M16 and taking his M249. Going up the last major hill and the LMTV for the group in front of us spinning tires and having to back down. Leaning into the hill and it seemed like it was just in front of my face. Crossing that finish line and having my name called. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and pride. I didn’t have to be there I chose to be there.
The other night was 11 SEP 01. We had our whole crew out in the ville. They were going to the field the next day and I was going on leave. At around 9 or 10 the MP’s stormed through the ville and demanded everyone back to base. A plane had just flow into one of the Twin towers. It brought a lot of emotions sadness, denial, anger and horror. I didn’t get to sleep that night. Long story short I ended up going to the field the next morning.
There are many memories I have of that year but these are the two that mean the most to me.
I completed the Manchu March in October 1996 when I was with 5/5ADA on Cp Hovey. I’ve worn my buckle ever since. When they switched to the ACU uniform I still wore the Buckle with a smaller belt. I found A large buckle when I was recently in Ft Bliss. I was wondering if there was a way I could find a record of who completed the march back then. I’ve lost my orders through the years and I dont live anywhere near Korea or Ft Lewis.
I was stationed at Camp Casey, S.Korea 99-01; I completed the Manchu March within my time of stay. I received the belt buckle as well as certificate. My things were destroyed in a house fire. I cherished my military memorabilia, trying to get replacements for my lost, does anyone know how to get replacement certificate and belt buckle. I can purchase it, I know, but it just doesn’t hold the same value as receiving it from the unit. If anyone can help with this matter it will be greatly appreciated!!! Contact at allcityny@gmail.com!! Huuuuuuuwahhh…Keep Up The Fire!! MANCHU… DEUCE NIIIINE!!!
I was with 4/9th in 1969 as a combat squad leader in War Zone C.
Being a Manchu has always meant a lot to me and I know you feel the same way. I have collect most of the buckles made except the new smaller one for the ACUs. Can anyone hook me up with the new buckle?
Keep Up the Fire
SSgt Mike Smith
Co D. 4/9th 25th ID
Tayninh Vietnam 1969
I did the march once in ’96 and then again in ’97. It was a piece of cake. I was HHC 1/9 stationed at Camp Hovey. Im tryin to reunite with some friends that i made there. If you were there around their between april of 1996 amd may of 1997, look me up on facebook. or ardis934@gmail.com
Manchu Manchu !
Did 4 of those Manchu miles, popped a Motrin and a green screamer at every water break. 1st one I barely made it( jungle boots are a bad idea), on the 4th I was pace man, Battalion Commander told me to slow down!
One of the proudest moments of my career and one of the best tours I ever had in Korea.
Congrats to all of you Manchus who have joined the brotherhood and long history.
I was with 4/9th, 25th ID as 11B40 in 1969. Did
many combat air assaults, night ambushes,search and destroys, fire fights, survived. two ground attacks and jumped thousands of kilcs.
I contacted LTC with HHQ at Camp Casey, Korea to see if I can get a new Manchu buckle. If anyone has some pull or just wants to help out an older Manchu please get touch.
KUTF Mike
Korea not actually being Manchuria, why is it called the “Manchu Mile”? If it’s just for alliteration, couldn’t a place name starting with “M” have been found? Or how about “Korea Kilometer” or “Korea Click”?
How much do people have to carry on this march? I think I can handle it. I run a marathon every nine days (3 miles each day! 😉 ).
Did a Manchu mile every quarter for almost 3 years. It was way to easy, became a pain in the ass because it was soooo slow. My first one was the day after I signed into Bco 3/9. CSM Shook didn’t cut me any slack either, I went from the march- directly to the “fire ceremony”. can’t smoke a rock!! Good group of guys.
I was assigned to the 4/9th Infantry Regiment, 25th ID in Vietnam 1969 as a combat squad leader in War Zone C.
I have my buckle given to me then. But I really would appreciate a Manchu Mile “round” buckle. Let me know if you are willing to get me one. Will pay if needed.
KUTF!
A poster noted in an above message that only members of the 9th received a buckle all others got a coin. This is a command decision. My wife did the Manchu back in 1997 and received a buckle the same as all the 9th Soldiers.