Posted on Jul 11, 2014
What do you think of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge?
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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.
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Bronze)
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold)
Badges
Awards German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Bronze) German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold) Badges
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 41
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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.
Did I mention you need some swim practice?!?!?!
Seriously though, that is the number one killer for American Soldiers trying to earn that award.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Very true SFC(P) Gilley. I know numerous Soldiers who couldn't pass the swim portion. I finally learned to swim recently and hope to get a chance to earn the badge in the future. While I was in Germany there was never enough slots so I always let my Soldiers go.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC Gilley is right, I have scuba dived all my life but swimming that far in uniform ain't no joke, it sucked.
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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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
That is probably the best advice you could get. In all honesty the rest of the physical events, are not an issue for most soldiers. However, since we don't really train on swimming, the swimming event knocked out a lot of people I went with (myself included). It is a lot of fun though, getting to hang out with and learn about a foreign military like you get to at an event like that.
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MAJ (Join to see)
During the swim test you can swim however you want, just do not hang from the wall or let your feet touch the bottom of the pool.
You will have 4:00 minutes to complete a 100 meter swim. The uniform is the ACU top and bottom, which will be ditched once you complete the swim. You do not have to ditch the uniform to any time standard, just don't hang on the wall or touch the bottom of the pool.
You will have 4:00 minutes to complete a 100 meter swim. The uniform is the ACU top and bottom, which will be ditched once you complete the swim. You do not have to ditch the uniform to any time standard, just don't hang on the wall or touch the bottom of the pool.
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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.
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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.
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CPT Chase Sanger
Well said SSG Dave Rogers ! I couldn't agree more. There are so many opportunities in the military, you just have to hunt for them and do your research. No one else will care about your career more than you
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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?
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?
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CPT (Join to see)
Yes! We were able to get linked up with the GAFPB certification cadre located at the USUHS campus in Bethesda. They credentialed a few of us to be proctors, however, we were not successful in putting together an event before the end of the fiscal year, and when they German Armed Forces group has their big awards event. We also linked up with some Soldiers in the Mass NG who put a qualification badge event every year. So if anyone in the New England area is interested, I can provide contact info.
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1LT (Join to see)
I realize this is an old thread, but do you have the contact info for the GAFBE certification cadre at USUHS? I'm in the MD Guard and am looking to have my unit participate.
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CPT (Join to see)
LT, you can try finding MSG Neil Ewachiw on global, or try sending a message to this gmail account to email the cadre: [login to see] . Not sure if he is still there but hopefully someone still maintains that account.
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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
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COL George Harrington
I have to agree with Joe. We completed the course together while deployed. Good times!
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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!
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!
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SP5 Glenn Gregory
I was 26 when i got mine in 1990. Some events took a tool. My weakness was Swimming. Had to redo marksman to get Gold. Was well worth the effort as a new E5 in Infantry
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I have it an wore it with pride and memories of good times with my German friends.
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Suspended Profile
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.
I didn't have the chance until recently on my deployment to Kosovo.
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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!
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