FORT STEWART – For the first time, the 3rd Infantry Division gathered to “Seize the Marne” June 27 to celebrate the unit’s storied history and foster esprit de corps amongst thousands of Dogface soldiers.
The event, which began at 9 a.m., featured several physically challenging obstacles at Taylors Creek Drop Zone with phases representing key moments in the unit’s history. The course concluded with a division-wide tug-of-war competition and patching ceremony welcoming new soldiers to the Marne Division.
“Seize the Marne represents the fighting spirit and camaraderie that defines the 3rd Infantry Division,” said Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson. “This event brings together our entire ‘Rock of the Marne’ family to celebrate our heritage and strengthen the bonds that make us combat-ready.”
The event’s name honors the division’s World War I legacy, when it earned the nickname “Rock of the Marne” for its decisive role in the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918. The obstacle course commemorated significant battles from the division’s storied past.
The first phase was named after Anzio, where the 3rd ID landed during Operation Shingle in January 1944 and included simulated barbed wire, craters and simulated artillery fire. The second phase, named after the Vosges Mountains, where the division fought through difficult terrain in southern France in 1944, included man-made mountains and valleys. The final phase represented operations in the Colmar Pocket, where the division cleared heavily fortified German positions during the winter of 1945 that featured dragon’s teeth and anti-vehicle ditches.
The course concluded with the division crossing the simulated Marne River, a nod to the organization’s legacy and contributions to the United States Army which celebrated 250 years of service to the Nation this month. This event highlights readiness and builds unit cohesion while recognizing excellence across the division.
“We are all just Dogface Soldiers, and we don’t need anything in this world except a place to lay our heads, the opportunity to train and the privilege of serving this great nation,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd ID commanding general. “We are the most modern, ready and lethal force the Army and today’s event is a chance to have fun and showcase the true grit and tenacity of the Marne Division.”
