CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo-- Measuring two inches in length and coated with bronze, silver, or gold metallic paint, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) does not hold much monetary value, but that did not stop Soldiers deployed to Kosovo from paying for it with their blood and sweat.
More than 160 service members from the Multinational Battle Group-East recently came together vying for the coveted badge.
In order to earn the foreign badge, each GAFPB hopeful had to complete a long list of physically challenging events which included: combat lifesaver training, nuclear biological chemical test, basic German fitness test, foot march, 100 meter swim in military uniform, and pistol marksmanship.
"Described in one word… challenging," said Cpl. Samuel McCutcheon, infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Although each event had its own level of difficulty, some stood apart from the rest.
"The most challenging was doing the DANCON march," said Capt. Catherine Osterman, physical therapist assigned to Task Force Med, referencing her decision to complete the 25-kilometer Danish Contingent ruck march instead of the standard 12-kilometer foot march.
McCutcheon, said the physical fitness test was the hardest part, citing the flexed arm hang as the most physically demanding of the events.
"If you're just hanging there with your arms locked out that's one thing, but when you have them locked at a 90 degree angle it literally burns your biceps, and your muscles just fall apart," he added.
Some of the participants felt like falling apart during the competition but agreed, that there was one thing keeping them going.
"[The Germans] challenged us to push ourselves harder," said McCutcheon. "If you think you can get gold, they know you can get gold, and they are going to push you to get it."
Osterman's incentive came from a less imposing figure.
"I was motivated to come out to the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition to foster comradery with the German Soldiers and support my Soldiers," said Osterman. "It's rare to get an opportunity to be able to do it and it's rare to have the kind of relationship we have with the German Soldiers."
Earning the badge also came with its own unspoken motivation. The GAFPB is one of only a few foreign badges still authorized to wear on the Army Service Uniform and helps Soldiers set themselves apart from their peers.
"Just getting the chance to earn a foreign award itself is an amazing experience," said McCutcheon. "To do it alongside the Germans has been great."
Regardless of where they found their motivation, at the end of the day, both Soldiers walked away with the prestigious badge, along with 120 others.
The popularity of the GAFPB has left many longing for the opportunity to test their physical prowess against the German standards. They won't have to wait long as the Kosovo Force 21 plans to host more competitions later this year.
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