SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Twelve Airmen from the 82nd Security Forces Squadron recently had the rare opportunity to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge following a series of challenging physical and military events, marking a significant achievement in international military cooperation and individual excellence. The badge, known in German as the Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst, is a prestigious foreign military award and one of the few authorized for wear on the U.S. military uniform.
Over a three-day period, participants completed events including pistol marksmanship, an 11x10-meter sprint, a flexed arm hang, a 1,000-meter run, a 100-meter swim in uniform, and a 12-kilometer ruck march carrying 35 pounds. Each event was scored for accuracy and time. In total, 12 Airmen earned the badge: two bronze, eight silver and two gold. “This is a prestigious honor,” said Staff Sgt. Micah Fordhan, one of the gold badge recipients. “I am very grateful for the unique opportunity to complete this test with our counterparts—our NATO allies and the Germans. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for me.” Col. Georg Wolters, commander of the German Armed Forces Tactical Training Command at Sheppard, emphasized the importance of partnership during the event.
“I think the significance of providing this opportunity for the Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base to earn the German Proficiency Badge demonstrates the cooperation we see here in Team Sheppard every day,” Col. Wolters said. “We, as the GAF Tactical Training Command—being a tenant unit on this base—wanted to give something back.”
The event not only celebrated individual accomplishment, but also highlighted the enduring partnership between U.S. and German forces.