German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency
Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst | |
---|---|
German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency | |
Awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany | |
Country | Federal Republic of Germany |
Type | Military Badge & Ribbon |
Eligibility | Soldiers of the German armed forces and Allied nations |
Awarded for | Military Proficiency |
Status | Currently awarded |
Description | Comes in three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze |
Statistics | |
Established | October 29, 1980 |
Military Proficiency ribbon with German eagle attachment |
The German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (German: Das Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst) is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The decoration is awarded to and worn by German soldiers of all ranks. Allied soldiers may also be awarded the badge, subject to their nations' uniform regulations. In the United States Army, the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is one of several hundred foreign awards approved for wear on the uniform.[1]
Requirements
To earn the award one must complete the following requirements:
1. Evaluation Report:
- Soldier evaluation report from Commanding Officer recognizing the Soldier's physical and moral standards. The purpose of the evaluation is to show evidence that the Soldier is both physically and morally fit.
2. First Aid Course:
- Combat Lifesaver Training (CLS) level 1 course or equivalent.
3. NBC Test:
- Soldier must demonstrate that they can properly don a protective mask and all NBC protective clothing.
4. Basic Fitness Test Three events completed within 90 minutes.
- a. 11x10-meter sprint test, in maximum time of 60 seconds
GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE |
---|---|---|
35-42 sec. | 43-48 sec. | 49-60 sec |
- b. Flexed Arm Hang keeping chin above bar, minimum time of five seconds.
GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE |
---|---|---|
65-86 sec. | 45-64 sec. | 05-44 sec |
- c. 1000 meter run/sprint, maximum time of six minutes and thirty seconds
GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE |
---|---|---|
2:50-3:45 min. | 3:46-4:40 min. | 4:41-6:30 min. |
- The score for each event is determined using a grading point matrix. The scores are then averaged to determine what level badge you qualify for.
5. Pistol Marksmanship Event:
- 6 shots at 3 targets placed at 25 meters; shooter begins in the prone position and fires 2 rounds within a 6 second time frame. First shot is double action (hammer is not in the cocked position). Shooter then moves to the kneeling position and has an additional 6 seconds to fire 2 rounds at the target. Both shots are single action (hammer in the cocked position). The shooter then moves to the standing position and will have an additional 6 seconds to shoot 2 rounds in single action (hammer in the cocked position). The only shot that is double action (hammer not in the cocked position) is the first shot of the prone position.
- All six rounds inside of silhouette target achieves Gold ranking.
- Five out of six rounds inside silhouette target achieves Silver ranking.
- Four out of six rounds inside silhouette target achieves Bronze ranking.
- Minimum of one hit from each firing position.
Previous versions of the pistol event only had 5 shots, but now it is a total of 6 shots with 2 shots per shooting position.
6. Foot March
- Foot March with 15kg (33lb) rucksack; for Bronze 6 km in 60 min; Silver 9 km in 90 min; Gold 12 km in 120 min; no differences between gender and age.
7. 100 meter swim in Military Uniform
- Swim is conducted in Military Uniform while wearing PT uniform (shorts and T-Shirt) underneath. There is a four-minute time limit for the swim. After swim is completed time stops, however you must also successfully remove your outer uniform without touching the side of the pool to pass.
Grades
- Grade III = German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold (Das Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst in Gold).
- Grade II = German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Silver (Das Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst in Silber).
- Grade I = German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Bronze (Das Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst in Bronze).
Design
The metallic badge is an approximately 55mm high by 43mm wide oval wreath of oak leaves with the German eagle at its center. The badge can be in gold, silver or bronze. A 1cm by 1cm square bearing a number in increments of five (5, 10, 15...) is added at the bottom when the gold grade badge is awarded for multiple years of achieving this grade. A capital letter "R" is added at the bottom for those who have earned the badge while a Reservist. Reservist recipients of the gold grade for multiple years receive a badge with the "R" at the bottom and the numbered square at the top of the badge.
The ribbon is all black with a small device in the shape and colour of the badge affixed to it. The ribbon is for civilian wear only and is not permitted for wear on the uniform of the Bundeswehr. [2]
Wear by allied military forces
Correct wear on the US Army uniform
The badge can be worn on the Army Service Uniform jacket. It can be worn by both enlisted and officers. The regulation for authorization for wear can be found in AR 670-1, section 22-18[3] and guidance for wear in DA Pam 670-1, section 22-18 [4] which states the following:
Males wear a foreign badge ⅛ inch above the right pocket flap, or ½ inch above any unit awards that are worn. Females wear the badge ½ inch above the nameplate, or ½ inch above any unit awards that are worn. Personnel may not wear a foreign badge unless at least one U.S. medal or service ribbon is worn at the same time. Foreign badges are not authorized for wear on mess or utility uniforms. Personnel may not wear foreign badges that are awarded only as cloth badges. Personnel may not wear foreign badges that cannot be worn properly because of size or configuration.[5]
See also
- Awards and decorations of the German Armed Forces
- Dutch Military Proficiency Badge (Netherlands)
- Expert Infantryman Badge (United States)
References
External links
- AR 600-8-22, Appendix D (Updated as of 20 March 2013)
- Fort Leavenworth Soldiers train hard to earn German badge
- Virginia troops vie for German Armed Forces Badge
- Bliss Soldiers compete for coveted German proficiency badge
- The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge: not a piece of cake
- Soldiers Compete for Coveted Foreign Award