JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- For the second year in a row, Madigan Healthcare System's Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a weekendlong series of events to allow Soldiers to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
The badge is one of a few foreign awards U.S. military members can wear on their uniforms. The events must be officiated by a member of the German Armed Forces, making it a difficult award to earn.
Based off feedback from Soldiers, Madigan HHC Commander Capt. Tristan Manning brought the opportunity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord last year as something different to do.
Last year 79 Soldiers came out to try to earn the badge but only 30 graduated. This year 137 competed and 60 earned the badge.
Also, this year Airmen and Pacific Lutheran University and Central Washington University cadets competed alongside Soldiers from Madigan; 1st Special Forces Group; 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 62nd Medical Brigade and Warrior Transition Battalion cadre.
"I'm stoked to do this for the rest of post," Manning said. "My goal is to do something outside of the box and operate within our parameters but be a fun, challenging endeavor for Soldiers, Airmen and cadets."
To help officiate was German Army Sgt. Maj. Kay Rogge who is currently stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
"We want to give as much opportunity to the U.S. Soldiers to earn the badge," Rogge said.
To earn the badge, service members must complete each task within a certain amount of time and accuracy. Tasks include a 200 meter swim, 3,000 meter run or 1,000 meter swim, shot put, long jump or high jump, 100 or 1,000 meter sprint, pistol qualification and ruck march. If a participant doesn't meet the requirements for an event then they are disqualified.
The badge is awarded in gold, silver and bronze, which is determined based on pistol qualification accuracy and ruck march time.
For German Soldiers, these events are mandatory every year and they must qualify, but for Americans, some are not used to these types of activities.
Private Waggoner Spurlen, 218th Medical Detachment, trained for the swimming events, but found that long jump was the most difficult because of his height. He qualified on high jump instead, and said he was glad to have had the opportunity.
"It was really exciting to represent (my unit) and accomplish this," Spurlen said.
For Air Force Capt. Daniel Hartung of the 8th Airlift Squadron, last weekend's events offered a diverse challenge.
"The neat thing about this is that you might cruise through most of the competition but one thing will challenge you," he said.
Many participants practiced the track and field events prior to last weekend, including PLU cadets, who brought 17 cadets to try to qualify. Eleven of them earned the badge. Cadet Lt. Col. Wesley Wood attributed their training and family-like relationship to their successes.
"It's huge to be recognized as future leaders that are also proficient enough to compete against captains and lieutenant colonels," Wood said.
Colonel Mike Heimall, Madigan's acting commander, commended the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge recipients for their performance.
"This is the recognition of your physical endurance and competency in leadership and warrior skills," Heimall said. "The competency of warrior skills will keep Soldiers alive on the field."
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