What do you think of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge?

2014-07-11T19:07:39-04:00

I found out today that my unit has opened slots to try and earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. Have you earned it? Do you find it to be a well sought after award or just something else to put on your uniform? Curious to hear your thoughts.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 9:55 AM

2014-07-12T09:55:05-04:00

Do it! How did you find out about it?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 11:53 AM

2014-07-12T11:53:32-04:00

I would say that it is extremely rare for National Guard soldiers to have the opportunity to obtain such an award. It is fairly common in the Regular Army but regardless it is still an sought after award. I have a few badges and would love to obtain the badge. It gives you a chance to work with other soldiers from another nation. Best of luck.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 8:36 PM

2014-07-12T20:36:43-04:00

I earned the Gold Badge in 2012 and was the OIC for event last year for the Iowa National Guard. It is a really awesome opportunity to not only compete, but to also work with the German Liaison to bring the event to Iowa.

The best advice I can give you is to practice swimming and to practice firing the m9 pistol, as these were the two events that most participants No-Go on.

Best of Luck.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 7:52 PM

2014-07-16T19:52:58-04:00

Strongly recommend you go for it. I earned this award and other foreign badge. But this one means more to me than the others do, good luck to you

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 8:55 AM

2014-07-17T08:55:16-04:00

Swim, Swim, and swim some more before you go. The rest is a breeze.

Did I mention you need some swim practice?!?!?!

Seriously though, that is the number one killer for American Soldiers trying to earn that award.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 26 at 2014 2:00 AM

2014-08-26T02:00:28-04:00

Make sure you get your orders translated into English before you try to add them to your records or it will be returned (or is that old school info I'm spewing?)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 2:07 AM

2014-08-26T02:07:52-04:00

The MA NG had this even last year. Unfortunately, my unit was on its way to A-Stan when it took place so we missed out. I would have loved to have done it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 7:08 AM

2014-08-26T07:08:29-04:00

I earned my Gold badge many, many years ago and have recently heard that the standards have been dropped considerably because people couldn't get it anymore. Yeah, that's the new Army standard.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 12 at 2014 1:50 AM

2014-09-12T01:50:21-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member how did you do?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 7:59 AM

2014-10-03T07:59:15-04:00

Go for it! It isn't about putting something on your uniform. It is about the experience and participating in something positive. I value the time I spent earning the badge more than I value the time I have spent on RallyPoint.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-11-09T22:03:00-05:00

The answer is yes. I found it a way to connect with our Allied partners as well as challenge myself. I think the standards have dropped since I got mine, but it can still be challenging as the sports badge portion deals heavily with track and field(which most Americans don't participate in regularly). I recommend accepting the challenge; it's one of the few items that you can wear on your uniform that is tangible, no nonsense.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 3 at 2014 5:04 PM

2014-12-03T17:04:17-05:00

Why not go for it? it would be an experience and you may actually have fun doing it and learn something. You can never learn to much.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 3 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-12-03T18:21:27-05:00

You should go for it.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 3 at 2014 10:17 PM

2014-12-03T22:17:16-05:00

Just do it! Do practice swimming. It is no joke.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 2:20 PM

2014-12-04T14:20:22-05:00

So how did it go?

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Dec 4 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-12-04T15:37:46-05:00

Congrats, try to pursue that if you have the opportunity. Go for it!

It is one of the main military reasons why I re-enlisted for Germany. I've heard many people talk about the event as challenging but worth it as you get to learn of a partner countries process and military style. Sadly, I recently learned that my unit doesn't do the competition much because its a hassle to organize or nobody wants to organize the event, either case I would be more than happy to do take the mantle of responsibility. So for some, it may be out of reach, thus I recommend competing for it when the opportunity arises and trying your best to win! Good luck to you!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-01-05T14:12:43-05:00

Is it in the same date for all posts? I've been looking for a date, because I want to be prepared for it and train hard to make it but I haven't found it yet.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-03-18T15:19:15-04:00

The GAFPB qualification is definitely a fun and challenging experience, and you'll have some extra shine on your dress blues!

I'm interested in planning a qualification event for Soldiers in the New England area, active, reserve and NG. Does anyone have a POC or information for the German Armed Forces Command in VA, or know of someone who could help get myself and others certified to run the event?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 19 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-04-19T08:45:23-04:00

WTH? Why is an American soldier concerned about earning a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge??

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 8:50 AM

2015-04-19T08:50:03-04:00

Go for it! This is maybe my favorite uniform item, and not just because it is a big, bad, gold bird. This badge really represents the concept of the Soldier-Athlete that is a much greater focus in European armed forces, with roots in the Olympic games of ancient times.

While this badge in particular is part of the annual physical training requirement for the German Military, as an ambassador between our forces, as you would be upon entering competition in an unofficial sense, you only need compete and qualify once to gain permanent wear. Not a bad trade off for a few months/weeks of training.

I competed with about 25 other soldiers and was one of 5 to qualify; it is certainly not to be taken lightly, but it is utterly attainable. While this will certainly set your ASU apart, it is not just chest candy, this is a chance to connect with a foreign ally, and to a piece of history long separated from us.

Best of luck; Go for gold!

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Apr 19 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-04-19T11:49:08-04:00

I did not have a chance to go out for it, I got the German Marksmanship Badge which is nothing compared to getting that, but like many foreign badges like that, it is worth it to go out for it. While it does not give you a boost in your carrier per say, it is an accomplishment you can be proud of. To me soldiers should never pass down a chance to improve themselves and experience something new.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-04-19T12:04:31-04:00

Don't look at it as something else you put on your uniform. Rather, look at it as an opportunity to earn something that can set you apart from your peers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-04-19T13:40:51-04:00

I say go for it! Set yourself apart from your peers!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-04-19T15:42:09-04:00

Great opportunity, I tried for it but the swim got me. I was purely doing it for the challenge as I am not a strong swimmer but I love challenges and competition.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 19 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-04-19T20:20:21-04:00

It is a way to push yourself. Another challenge and goal to reach. At the end the trail, you will find yourself celebrating with a nice cold beverage telling stories.

Here is my beer story. My shot put was so bad I had to do the alternate event. Swim 90 meters in 90 seconds. I jumped in the pool my pants fell off (PG-21) so I had to re-do it. I made it by a second.

Just in case no one mentioned this, swim swim and swim some more:)

Response by CPT Chase Sanger made Jun 8 at 2015 6:49 AM

2015-06-08T06:49:18-04:00

I prefer the German Parachutist Badge. Since you can only wear one foreign award on ASU's, that's definitely the one I would want to (and do) wear! ATW!

Response by SSG Eric Trace made Jul 3 at 2015 1:13 AM

2015-07-03T01:13:36-04:00

Shousenstere, go for it, shows your a well rounded troop, not a one trick pony, willing to challenge yourself!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 1:20 AM

2015-07-03T01:20:52-04:00

I first learned about the GAF (at least that's what he called it for short) in Basic Training. I've looked forward to the opportunity to compete since that time. I haven't gotten the chance yet, but thanks for sharing the information (and the tips on the M9 and swimming!). Stay hungry and go get it!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-07-03T15:22:28-04:00

If you have the opportunity to do something in the military, do it.

I didn't have the chance until recently on my deployment to Kosovo.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-12-21T11:27:22-05:00

For me, it was just something to put on my uniform. In fact, after I earned my Chilean Jump wings, I never wore it on my uniform again, so it was just something to say I earned. It wasn't terribly hard. I earned the Gold, but know many who earned the Silver without much effort.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Dec 29 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-12-29T20:01:25-05:00

I have it an wore it with pride and memories of good times with my German friends.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 6:00 PM

2016-03-26T18:00:33-04:00

Go for it!!! I am interested in earning this badge as well.

Response by SP5 Glenn Gregory made Sep 19 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-09-19T12:13:45-04:00

Very Hard to get slots. Well worth the effort. I earned mine in 1991. Slots are few and far between. take any chance you get.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Sep 19 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-09-19T12:26:46-04:00

It was always my thought to never turn down opportunities such as these. I was offered the chance to attend the British Airborne jump school when I first got to England, but had to decline as I had just come off waivers for a back to back knee injury at my previous assignment. Would have loved to go.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 4:50 PM

2017-01-10T16:50:31-05:00

I participated in 2014. Swimming is by far the hardest part. If you get passed the swim you are pretty much on a downhill slope from there when It comes to at least getting a badge. Now, when it comes to getting the gold, make sure you can shoot straight. As far as I can recall, its a double action handgun you shoot. The first shot was the one I missed because it was harder to pull the trigger. Every shot after that was pretty much a go, however that was enough to bust me down to silver. Now, many get complacent during the ruck march. Do not get complacent during that phase. I've seen soldiers drop out because they became lazy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 5:45 AM

2017-04-21T05:45:53-04:00

As a 2011 recipient of this award (Gold), at age 41, I agree with many of the comments about ensuring you practice all the events to ensure you understand the requirements and especially some of the techniques required.
I am a swimmer, so had no issue with that portion, however some of the jumping and throwing was challenging until I "found" the technique that worked best for me and met the standards.
Overall, know the events, train to the standard, and take every opportunity possible to earn this award!

Response by LTC John Griscom made Oct 4 at 2017 9:52 PM

2017-10-04T21:52:01-04:00

Consider it as an equivalent to the EIB or EFMB. Criteria for earning it is fairly same.

Response by SGT Michael Smith made Nov 4 at 2017 10:29 PM

2017-11-04T22:29:11-04:00

I earned it in gold back I was stationed in Germany with Btry B 1-94FA. It's challenging and a good gut check.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-12-24T11:37:12-05:00

I had a good time doing it. I got mine at Fort Rucker in 2013, but I choose to wear my foreign parachutist badges instead.

Response by MSG James Devereaux made Mar 2 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-03-02T16:14:14-05:00

I found it to be very prestigious, especially the gold rating. I’ll say this, you better be able to swim and fast. Seriously

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Jul 3 at 2020 11:08 PM

2020-07-03T23:08:08-04:00

Get rid of the damned thing, and I got it to, never wear it unless told to