Training and technique

Foot march

The doctrinal term for moving a unit on foot under load. Planned at roughly 4 km/h on roads and 3.2 km/h cross-country — far slower than a badge test, because the unit has to be able to work on arrival.

The standards, explained →

Related terms

Ruck marchA march covering a set distance under a set load, usually against a time standard.

Twelve-milerThe US Army's foot-march standard: 12 miles, about 19 km, carrying a 35 lb pack, inside three hours.

TabBritish Army term for a fast loaded march, the Parachute Regiment’s counterpart to the Marines’ yomp.

SelectionAn assessment course for special-forces units, in which loaded marching is a component rather than the point.

Where it comes up

Guides that use this term in context, rather than only defining it.

Army ruck march standards, and what they actually ask of youThe 12-mile ruck in three hours is a badge standard, not a training pace. Here is where each number comes from, which ones are doctrine, and how they fit together.

More from Training and technique

Ruck march Cadence Ruck shuffle Progressive overload Deload Time under load Base building Taper Back-to-back Zone 2 RPE

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