Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Nofziger | Staff Sgt. Kara Howard and Sgt. Benjamin Hildebrandt salute after receiving the German...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas -- Fort Bliss troops took part in a long-standing tradition with the German Armed Forces this past week. The German Air Force Air Defense Center has been stationed at Fort Bliss since 1956 and has fostered a relationship built on mutual respect and learning. Beginning in the 1970s, German Airmen have invited U.S. participants to compete for one of the most sought-after foreign badges authorized for U.S. military wear-the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
Requirements to acquire the GAFPB are stringent and require physical and mental determination, making it that much more respected among U.S. service members. 129 hopefuls from all Fort Bliss resident units gathered at the Aquatics Training Center on Monday, September 24 to begin the week-long testing. By the time the last participant crossed the finish line of the final test event Friday, 106 had earned the coveted GAFPB.
In addition to a 100-meter swim in full uniform and 6- to 12-km ruck march, testers had to complete the German Basic Fitness Test, pistol marksmanship test with a Heckler + Koch P8, Combat Lifesaver evaluation, demonstrate their ability to properly don Nuclear/Biological/Chemical protective gear in allotted time, and be recommended for testing by their commanders.
German Air Defense Center Public Affairs Sgt. Maj. Peter Breuer said the testing has been conducted consistently for the last ten years. “It makes us feel we are a part of Team Bliss. It builds camaraderie and helps us learn from our American counterparts; and they learn from us, too.” Breuer said he enjoys the entire course of events because of the passion and motivation the U.S. service members put into the testing. “It’s special to see their tired faces at 5 a.m. but they’re so eager. It’s amazing to see how thankful they are.”
The German airmen in charge of the event put in long hours and worked diligently to ensure the test was conducted to standard, both by German and American regulations. A mere seven hours after the conclusion of the final event, they had calculated participants’ scores, produced individual certificates for each recipient and prepared a graduation ceremony at the 82nd Airborne Division Association’s Benavidez-Patterson chapter in El Paso. Unit members, friends, and family gathered on Friday to celebrate the accomplishments of the GAFPB recipients.
Winner of the GAFPB in Gold, Mesa, Arizona native Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Letson was shocked to hear his name called last as the highest scorer. Letson, an Army Reservist currently mobilized with the 1-364 Training Support Battalion as a small arms instructor, said he chose to participate in the testing because of the challenge of earning one of the most sought-after foreign badges. “This testing really brings together our nations and builds cohesion and rapport. I was able to help people during marksmanship and we sort of ‘leap frogged’ ahead of each other during the ruck, cheering each other on.”
At the beginning of the awards presentation, it was announced that the near 70-year residency of the German Air Force on Fort Bliss will come to an end in 2022. Breuer said he will be sad to leave Bliss, after a total of 15 years working and training on the installation over the course of his over 28-year career. “Even if I am retired when we leave, I will definitely shed a tear. It will be a tearful goodbye for sure.” He said the GAFPB testing will continue until the unit departs Fort Bliss, however, so there is still time to earn your place in the history of the incredible relationship between the U.S. and Germany.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2019 15:48 |
| Story ID: | 296960 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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