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2011 German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge
On the morning of 14 May, a 12 person team representing the Fighting Saints Battalion set out individually to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (GAFBMP) hosted by the Mankato State University. The GAFBMP competition was established in the 1970s to recognize and reward Soldiers within the German Armed Forces whom possessed superior physical abilities. United States Soldiers are authorized to compete individually and wear the badge on the Class A, Class B, and Army Service Uniform. The FSB team led by Cadet Lentz and SFC Tajirian, 12 Cadets were tested rigorously for three consecutive days; both physically and mentally.
To begin the competition, over 55 competitors from various ROTC programs around the area were ushered into the pool to partake in various swimming events. Proving to be a demanding full body workout, competitors had to maintain their strength as they moved to the indoor field house for the high jump or long jump event. Day one was finally capped with the 3 and 5 kilometer runs that demanded the remaining energy of every competitor. Day two started where day one ended, at the track, only this time contenders were sprinting 200, 400, and 1000 meters. To end the track and field events, muscular strength was tested with the shot put or bench press. Day two drew to an end with the 9MM pistol shoot and the first aid test.
Day three would break every participant mentally, physically, and emotionally! This day consisted of one event, one event that many people begin to dread as it approached; the road march. With up to 18.7 miles to march everyone stepped off to exceed every demand this event offered. To conclude day three and the competition, SGM Berg, the representative from the German Army, presented us with our certificates and the badge which you received.