FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- (Nov. 8, 2012) -- Several Soldiers training on Fort Leonard Wood are leaving post with more than a certificate of graduation -- they are earning the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
On Nov. 5, Lt. Col. Juergen Ludwig, German liaison officer at Maneuver Support Center of Excellence awarded 11 Soldiers from a Military Police Basic Officer Leader Course badges.
"This badge was introduced to my armed forces 40 years ago to set an incentive for all of our Soldiers to keep their physical skills on a good level," Ludwig said to the participants. "It's my privilege and pleasure to award you with the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. I would like to thank you for participating in this program along with your course, which usually takes quite a good portion of attention itself."
The competition consists of a 200-meter swim, track and field events, 9mm pistol shoot, a first aid test and a ruck march.
Results of the shoot competition and the length of the road march determine the level of the badge: gold, silver or bronze. An authorized German officer or noncommissioned officer must supervise the events.
Each participant must pass all required events to be awarded the badge and the certificate. Sport disciplines and the first aid test are pass/fail only.
One of the 11 awardees was 2nd Lt. Sutton Ward, who was a gold badge recipient.
"It's a personal goal. I understand that in Germany it's required for the officers and NCOs, but here it's just a great opportunity to test your physical ability and military proficiency," Ward said.
The badge was introduced to the German Armed Forces in 1971 by combining a civilian German sports badge with strictly military type events. The purpose was to show the embedding of the Armed Forces in the society; as well as to create a challenging event for soldiers of all ages.
United States Armed Forces and foreign students are authorized to compete as long as they have an overall good military record with no suspension of favorable actions.
Capt. Lance Cartrite, Military Police Captains Career Course, said he decided to try out for the badge to push himself to excel.
"It seemed like a challenge with a couple events I'm not familiar with," Cartrite said.
Cartrite said the track and field events were the hardest for him.
"The most challenging so far was the high jump. It was technical. I actually YouTubed videos on how to do get it done," Cartrite said.
Pfc. Michael Staunton, 512th Military Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, said the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency was harder than the Army Physical Fitness test because there are so many more events to pass.
"I liked passing all the them, like the shot put and the high jump. It's pretty hard.
So far the most challenging has been the shot put because the bigger guys can do it easier. The easiest for was swimming," Staunton said.
According to Cartrite, the best part about competing for the badge is building camaraderie with his classmates.
"I have enjoyed all of the events. I think this is fun," Cartrite said. "I'm here with my classmates and we are all having a good time trying something new."
As for wearing the badge on their uniforms -- according to Army Regulation 600-8-22, Chapter 9-30 and public law 95-105, an American service member is allowed to wear one foreign award or decoration on his/her class A, class B or dress uniform. Individuals will have to submit a DA Form 4187 requesting permission to wear the badge.
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