May 5, 2011
For many Soldiers, the honor to earn another country's award is a rare opportunity.
But for a select few from Joint Base Lewis-McChord that opportunity presented itself Saturday and Sunday.
Das Abzeichen fur Leistungen im Truppendienst, or The German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency, is worn normally by German soldiers, but can be earned by U.S. Soldiers of any rank. Those who successfully accomplish all the tasks qualify to wear the gold, silver or bronze award. For the soldiers of the Bundeswehr, this test is administered annually with a growing list of events.
"In Germany we have not only the sport portion of this event, but we have also adapted a first aid test to complete as well, "said Sergeant Maj. Kay Rogge, German Liaison to the Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
The two-day competition was a first for JBLM; the event was hosted by Madigan Army Medical Center. Seventy-four Soldiers began the nine-task process that included a 200-meter swim, 3,000-meter run, shot-put, long jump or high jump, and had the choice to run either a 100-meter sprint or 1,000 meter dash. Those surviving the first day returned for a 9 mm qualifying range and the final event, a 7.5-mile ruck march, in under two hours for those trying to earn the gold badge; 5.6 miles in 90 minutes for the silver badge and 3.8 miles in 1 hour for the bronze badge.