Expert Gunner’s Badge Ceremony Super Garuda Shield 2024

By Cpl. Isaac CopelandSeptember 4, 2024

Expert Gunner’s Badge Ceremony Super Garuda Shield 2024
Members of the United States Army, Japanese Ground Defense Forces, and Indonesian Armed Forces hold a multinational Expert Artillery Gunner’s Badge ceremony during Super Garuda Shield 2024 in East Java, Indonesia, Sep. 03, 2024. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. Super Garuda Shield 2024 is the third consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, focused on commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Cpl. Isaac Copeland) VIEW ORIGINAL

PUSLATPUR 5, Indonesia – Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division conducted a ceremony in Indonesia on Sept. 3, 2024, to award Soldiers the prestigious Artillery Gunner’s Badge as part of Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2024. U.S. Army Capt. Christian Gonzalez, the battery commander, led the ceremony, which marked a significant milestone for both the unit and its international partners.

“This badge represents more than just individual achievement; it symbolizes the success of rigorous training and the strong bonds we’ve formed with our partner nations,” Gonzalez said.

Over several days, soldiers from all participating nations, including the Japan Self Defense Force and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, were tested on eight critical artillery tasks. Each soldier was required to achieve a perfect expert score to earn the badge, demonstrating their exceptional skill and dedication.

Conducting this exercise in Indonesia added a unique dimension, providing an opportunity to train in an unfamiliar environment with international partners.

“Sharing these experiences with our partners here builds relationships that will be crucial for future joint operations,” Gonzalez said.