Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lymari Sanchez | Soldiers from the 1st Mission Support Command, the Reserve Officers Training Corps,...... read more read more
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The GAFPB is a decoration of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the United States Army, the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is one of several hundred foreign awards approved for wear on the uniform and one of the most sought after awards for Soldiers.
The difference between this competition and other similar events is that participants in the GAFPB do not compete against each other. Each soldier participates individually in order to receive the highest merit they can achieve. “Acquiring the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge is unique for a US Soldiers. This is special because besides the regular physical exercises like push-ups, sit ups and the 2 mile run, you have different kinds of categories and different kinds of training paths to test the Soldiers and their physical condition of their military training” – said Sgt. Maj. Mike Kitzler, German Liaison from the Combine Arms Support Command in Fort Lee, Virginia, who was present to supervise the event.
This year, Soldiers from Puerto Rico had the opportunity to improve their physical condition facing a series of events divided in two different categories, Basic Fitness and Military Training. The Basic Fitness includes 11 x 10 meter sprint test, Flexed-arm Hang, and 1000 meter run. The Military training includes swim in uniform, Combat Lifesaver Written Test, MOPP4 (Mission-Oriented Protective Posture) proficiency test, 9mm Pistol or rifle Qualification, and a Road March from 6km to 12km carrying a 33 lb. rucksack.
Capt. Benjamin E. Kim, commander of the 613th MP Co was the officer in charge of this event. “Their participation is voluntary. The impression I get from the Soldiers is a mix of motivation and anxiety; some of them get really nervous but once they see their battle buddies meet the standards they get more confident and perform better.” said Kim while emphasizing that the perseverance of the Soldiers who participated at the event were tested through their physical and mental discipline. “We want to reward that type of behavior and fortitude.”
To earn a bronze, silver, or gold badge, gold being the highest merit possible, Soldiers must successfully complete all challenges. Spc. Edgardo Muñiz from the 941st Quartermaster Company in Salinas, PR, earned the gold badge and said that the most challenging event was the 100 meter swim in uniform and the 12 km ruck march. “Being positive helped me stay strong and finish the event. I felt tired and weak at the end of this competition, but all the effort was worth it and I am proud of that. This experience was very different and new for me, but these events teach one thing, stay strong and you will succeed,” said Muñiz.
From the 95 participants, 25 Soldiers earned the gold badge, 25 earned the silver badge and 1 earned the bronze badge. The remainder of the participants will be required to pass the swim event within a one year period to receive their GAFPB.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.05.2016 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 194400 |
| Location: | PONCE, PR, PR |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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