FORT SILL, Okla. – More than 50 soldiers earned the prestigious German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) and the German Marksmanship Badge following a rigorous series of tests conducted from March 24-28, 2025 at the Fires Center of Excellence.
The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, one of the few foreign awards authorized for wear by U.S. service members, evaluates soldiers on physical endurance, military skills and marksmanship. To earn the badge, participants must complete the following events: a basic fitness test, a timed ruck march, a swim assessment and underwater undress, pistol qualification, a protective equipment assessment and a first aid assessment. Depending on performance, soldiers are awarded the badge in gold, silver or bronze.
The German Marksmanship Badge, or Schützenschnur, tests soldiers on their precision and proficiency. Competitors must qualify at varying distances with both a pistol and rifle, achieving high scores to earn one of three levels of distinction.
For many Soldiers, earning the GAFPB was a personal challenge. This year’s only gold GAFPB awardee, SSG Michael Thomas from 2-4th Field Artillery Battalion, saw the event as an opportunity to test his limits. “I wanted to prove it to myself,” he said. “Another Soldier in my previous unit earned the badge last year. I told him, ‘If I was up there with you, I would have gotten gold, too.’ So, that kind of motivated me to do it.”
The significance of these badges extends beyond just physical ability; they represent dedication to excellence in military service. “These aren’t simply awards; they are testaments to a soldier’s comprehensive skills and commitment to excellence,” said LTC Joerg Presser, German Army Liaison. “The GAFPB requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to push beyond one’s limits.”
By partnering with German Armed Forces liaisons to offer these two badge testing events, Fort Sill continues to strengthen its bond with allied nations, providing opportunities to broaden their military experience and capabilities. The achievement of these 50-plus soldiers enhances lethality and warfighting, reinforcing their readiness for future missions.
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