JOLON, Calif. — The 91st Training Division hosted service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, where they earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., June 2-3, 2012.
The GAFPB is a highly coveted decoration traditionally earned by soldiers of the German Army, but can be earned and worn by U.S. soldiers, in accordance with Army regulations. In order to earn the badge in the United States, a German Army liaison officer must be present to validate each event.
German army Sgt. Maj. Kay Rogge, from the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., was present to witness the event. He is the German liaison non-commissioned officer in charge at the Fort Huachuca, N.M., German Liaison Office. “For the German soldier this is a common award, but here in the US it is totally different. Here in America it is a big award and I am happy to be here to watch this event,” said Rogge.
Rogge was invited here by the event organizer Capt. Gregory G. Hampton, 91st Training Division’s HHC commander. “It is an honor to be here and I am proud that American service members want to earn and wear this badge on their uniform,” said Rogge.
Hampton earned a GAFPB in 2007 at Leonard Wood, Mo., and was inspired to organize this event after he met two German Army Officers during a training exercise in 2011. To maximize multiservice participation, he invited units from the Presidio at Monterey, the 31st Seabee Readiness Group and a National Guard Special Forces Company from California. “It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. I’m very happy with the results,” said Hampton. “The success of this event showcases the 91st Division’s ability to arrange and execute a multiservice event.”
Open to service members of all ranks, the badge can be earned in gold, silver or bronze. The two-day competition consisted of five primary events on the first day, and a 9mm weapons qualification and a fast-paced road march on the second. The candidates were required to complete each event successfully in order to continue. A failure in any primary event resulted in elimination from the competition.
The second day’s 9 mm range determined which badge the competitors could earn. The final event of the competition was a grueling roach march where each participant was required to carry at least 33-pounds in their rucksack. The fast pace of this event turned into a grueling test of will. Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Mayes, of the 91st Division Headquarters, exhausted after the march, was very excited that she earned a gold badge saying, “My feet hurt, but other than that I’m good.”
The GAF Proficiency Badge event helps build partner-nation relationships. The GAFPB badges were presented by Brig. Gen. James T. Cook and Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Chatman at the base theatre. Cook was impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of all of the competitors saying, “I want to thank everyone for coming. This competition is not only a physical ordeal it is also a mental test.”
When the badges were handed out, 28 competitors won gold, 20 earned silver and six received bronze. After the ceremony Hampton said, “I can’t wait to start planning next year’s event.”