By 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
4:19 pm on April 30th, 2007 1
[...] [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… [...]
2:10 am on April 30th, 2007 2
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.
3:18 am on May 20th, 2007 3
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.
9:57 pm on August 19th, 2007 4
Does anybody know how I can get one of the new ACU belt manchu belt buckles?
1:20 am on January 1st, 2008 5
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.
8:59 am on February 16th, 2008 6
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.
8:12 pm on April 22nd, 2008 7
[...] [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… [...]
10:45 pm on June 9th, 2008 8
[...] • 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 [...]
5:13 pm on September 24th, 2008 9
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…
6:10 am on May 11th, 2009 10
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
2:53 am on June 4th, 2009 11
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!
1:18 pm on August 15th, 2009 12
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.
1:20 pm on August 15th, 2009 13
I also wanted to say to all you soldiers who have completed the Manchu Mile…… KEEP UP THE FIRE!!!! I am proud of you.
5:55 am on August 17th, 2009 14
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
9:28 am on October 26th, 2009 15
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?
9:34 am on October 26th, 2009 16
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.
12:50 pm on October 26th, 2009 17
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.
8:27 pm on October 26th, 2009 18
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
8:56 pm on October 26th, 2009 19
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
9:24 pm on October 26th, 2009 20
Hoah SGT. will do once we get paid friday
11:02 pm on October 26th, 2009 21
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.
9:17 pm on November 3rd, 2009 22
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
4:45 am on November 18th, 2009 23
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
5:10 pm on November 24th, 2009 24
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!
12:29 am on November 26th, 2009 25
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
7:06 am on December 23rd, 2009 26
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?
9:28 am on January 3rd, 2010 27
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!
3:44 pm on January 14th, 2010 28
Do you have any ideas how I can get one as well?
9:02 am on January 19th, 2010 29
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
10:05 pm on February 11th, 2010 30
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
10:39 pm on February 11th, 2010 31
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.
1:55 am on February 12th, 2010 32
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
12:56 pm on February 20th, 2010 33
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.
12:58 pm on February 20th, 2010 34
Thanks Mom…
5:03 pm on February 20th, 2010 35
Will not provide that here. You can easily contact him via your chain command. This is not difficult info to track down. Take initiative.
5:10 pm on February 20th, 2010 36
They sell them on ebay man…
11:33 am on April 26th, 2010 37
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.
10:17 am on July 12th, 2010 38
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
9:12 am on August 12th, 2010 39
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.
2:10 am on September 21st, 2010 40
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!
3:18 am on September 21st, 2010 41
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.
7:48 pm on October 2nd, 2010 42
I walked the Manchu Mile '88-89' earn the buckle 1/9 Infantry Combact Medic Ft. Ord California KEEP UP THE FIRE MANCHU'S.
12:20 am on October 3rd, 2010 43
Aaah the Manchu, I remember you guys being on Freedom Bridge, yelling Keep up the Fire…..
7:19 pm on January 18th, 2011 44
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.
10:49 am on September 4th, 2011 45
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.