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
9:10 am on April 30th, 2007 1
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.
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4:19 pm on April 30th, 2007 2
[...] [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… [...]
10:18 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.
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4:57 am on August 20th, 2007 4
Does anybody know how I can get one of the new ACU belt manchu belt buckles?
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October 26th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
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.
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January 14th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Do you have any ideas how I can get one as well?
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8:20 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.
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February 20th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
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.
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3:59 pm 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.
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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 [...]
12:13 am on September 25th, 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…
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1:10 pm 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
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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!
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8:18 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.
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October 27th, 2009 at 3:27 am
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
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8:20 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.
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February 20th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Thanks Mom…
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12:55 pm 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
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4:28 pm 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?
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October 26th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
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.
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November 18th, 2009 at 11:45 am
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
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October 27th, 2009 at 3:56 am
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
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October 27th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Hoah SGT. will do once we get paid friday
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October 27th, 2009 at 6:02 am
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.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:17 am
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
12:10 am on November 25th, 2009 16
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!
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November 26th, 2009 at 7:29 am
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
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2:06 pm on December 23rd, 2009 17
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?
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January 3rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
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!
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4:02 pm on January 19th, 2010 18
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
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February 12th, 2010 at 5:05 am
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
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February 12th, 2010 at 5:39 am
http://www.2id.korea.army.mil/organization/units/1hbct/2-9inf/
You could probably call the SGM: 730-2560
I think they do the Manchu Mile twice a year. Around April and August.
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February 12th, 2010 at 8:55 am
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
February 21st, 2010 at 12:03 am
Will not provide that here. You can easily contact him via your chain command. This is not difficult info to track down. Take initiative.
February 21st, 2010 at 12:10 am
They sell them on ebay man…
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