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JBSA News
NEWS | April 3, 2017

ARNORTH Hosts German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge test for first time

By Sgt. Maj. Dean Welch U.S. Army North Public Affairs

U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) hosted the first-ever post-wide three-day German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, or GAFPB, test for the first time post-wide on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Camp Bullis March 31-April 2.

 

A total of 210 U.S. service members from the active, Reserve, and National Guard earned either gold, silver or bronze GAFPB, depending on their overall score.  The German Armed Forces Command in Reston, Va., authorized the test and hopes to partner with JBSA to test twice each year.

 

In order to earn the GAFPB participants needed to demonstrate proficiency in basic fitness with a 110-meter shuttle sprint, a flexed-arm hang and a 1000-meter run.  In addition, those vying for the badge were tested on first aid, chemical training, weapons marksmanship, a 100-meter swim in uniform and a 12-kilometer foot march with a 33-pound rucksack.

 

The GAFPB is one of the few approved foreign awards authorized by the U.S. Military for wear on the service uniform.