Originally posted by Icabod:
quote:
Originally posted by Rey HRH:
and 2) the way they march with that hard skipping way, a lot of them aren't going to be able to run very far pretty soon the way they're stressing their feet.
The Stechschritt (literally, "piercing step") was developed in the 1700s. It's purpose was to move large masses of soldiers over the battlefield. As troops move a known distance at a known speed it's easy for commanders to position then. Today, it's used for parades. It requires a high degree of coordination, discipline, and morale. The units in the parade have spent months practicing. Likely there are ceremonial units.
The average NK citizen is reported to be three inchers shorter. However, another site said 1-2 inches shorter. Most people love be on a twice monthly ration issue. If you can get into the military, you eat much better.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goose_step