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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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:)

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.

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

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.

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!