Non-Airborne foreign awards available?

COL Thomas F. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:27:02 -0400

I was thinking the other day, what interesting events could I do for my Soldiers that would be unique and allow them to earn something for their ORB/NCORB and their uniform that doesn't require them to jump out of a plane? Now, I know of the German awards like the German Military Proficiency Badge and the Schützenschnur Marksmanship Badge, but are there others like this from other countries? I see a bunch in AR 600-8-22, I can't seem to find one that is commonly awarded. Better yet, has anyone earned something non-German? I'd like to hear what people have been able to achieve.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 23 at 2015 1:11 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 01:11:35 -0400

I only know of the jump wings (I do have German Jump Wings), and the two German Badges. I am interested in seeing what comes from this.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 23 at 2015 1:20 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 01:20:30 -0400

I have the Israeli submarine pin, but that wasn't official, and you'll never see it on my uniform...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 4:01 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 04:01:53 -0400

A lot of Soldiers use to attend the French Commando Course in Germany back in the day. We don't train with the French as much anymore, I think the last time I heard of anyone getting the French Commando Badge was some Army and Marines in Africa around 2003.

I never attended but have several friends that did, they said it was an awesome course. The badge is pretty cool too!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 5:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 05:03:30 -0400

I was recently awarded the Royal Danish Marksmanship Badge (bronze). The DANCOM unit operating in Kabul setup and conducted the ranges. It was mostly an opportunity for the officers to qualify for the Badge, but I was one of a few enlisted Soldiers from my BN that were also given the opportunity.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 7:20 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:20:44 -0400

The Norwegian Foot March Badge is an annual event hosted by the University of Southern Indiana ROTC. Also saw it offered in San Diego, CA and Little Rock AFB. It's an 18.6 mile ruck march and needs to be completed in 4 1/2 hours, if you meet the distance and time standards you get a certificate, badge and DA 4187.

I would like to find a CONUS opportunity for the Austrian Sports Badge, let me know if you all hear that badge being offered.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 3:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 03:47:19 -0400

There are actually quite a few available to soldiers stationed in Europe. Slots are extremely limited for those opportunities and they usually go to the 173rd or the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces. A good place to look is the 7th ATC website for available opportunities that are not part of a EUCOM deployment.

Response by MSgt Harold Robinson made Jan 26 at 2017 8:50 PM

MSgt Harold Robinson — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:50:24 -0500

Interesting question. I spent active duty USAF time in Southeast Asia between 1968 - 69, 71 - 72 and 74 - May 30 76. During these periods of time I received the Royal Thai Security Force Regiment Badge twice; 2nd and 1st Class, the Royal Thai Air Force Skydiver's Wing Badge (wings) and the Royal Thai AF Wings (honorary). I retired 31 December 1976 and never had an occasion to wear them as a retiree. Once I get my uniform squared away as well as my awards and decoration (on-going saga) I will have a family photo with family if possible: 4 sons (one in rest in Arlington) 2 daughters and my wife, and those awards earned and awarded from the Vietnam War.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Oct 14 at 2019 10:00 AM

COL Thomas F. — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:00:49 -0400

I was able to complete the Nijmegan 4 Day March this year and earn the 4 Day March Cross. Definitely not something you'll see people wear in CONUS. It's a crazy hard, physically challenging event. Don't go on a whim. Better get fit before you go, but you will have an awesome time. Your feet not so much.