An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | May 15, 2018

Regional Health Command-Pacific Hosts Rigorous German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Competition

By Ana Allen

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII -- Service members from across Hawaii vied for the honor to wear a decoration of the German Armed Forces.

The competition, hosted by Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P) with the assistance of the Schofield Barracks 303D Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), took place April 30 through May 4, 2018.

The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB), or as referred to in German as Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst, is a decoration of the German Armed Forces, authorized for wear by the U.S. military, and awarded to Soldiers of all ranks. The GAFPB is one of the few approved foreign awards, and according to program leads, is one of the most sought after awards to achieve.

During the three-day event, 567 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and university of Hawaii cadets, across the Pacific region took part in the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition and were tested over the course of three days with a 100 meter swim while wearing the Army Combat Uniform, basic fitness test encompassing a sprint, flex arm hang (chin-up test) and a 1,000 meter run.

Competitors also had to pass a pistol qualification, which included firing an M9 in a prone position, kneeling position and standing position, as well as enduring a ruck march, carrying a 33 pound ruck sack, in order to earn gold, silver or bronze badges.

As the final tally came in, a total of 326 service members met the rigorous challenge, thus earning the badge, with a medal count of 15 bronze, 210 silver and 101 gold.

"The service members who competed for the GAFPB are a shining example of the strength of our nation," stated Sgt. Maj. Larry Reyes, acting senior enlisted advisor, RHC-P. "I am especially proud of the team of RHC-P Soldiers and support staff who put forth their very best in the competition and to host this event, as they carry on the tradition of Army excellence, representing the Army's number one priority, readiness."

The competition is also a time to partner together with German allies, who travel across the country in support of the event.

"Any time we can come shoulder to shoulder with our international partners, we not only strengthen our longstanding alliance, but enhance our Soldier skills," said Reyes. "Both of those are a win, no matter how many participants walk away with a badge."

Reyes also added that this year's competition is the largest held to date.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,201
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...