German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency

Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst
Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst
	German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency
Type	Military Badge & Ribbon
Description	Comes in three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze
Country	Federal Republic of Germany
Eligibility	Soldiers of the German armed forces and Allied nations
Status	Currently awarded
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 1 target placed at 25 meters; shooter fires from 3 firing positions with a 6 second per position time limit. (The first shot is done without cocking the hammer back.)

2 shots from prone (supported or unsupported)
2 shots from kneeling position (unsupported)
2 shots from standing (unsupported)

All six rounds inside of silhouette target achieves gold ranking.
Five rounds inside of silhouette target achieves silver ranking.
Four rounds inside silhouette target achieves bronze ranking.
Minimum of one hit from each firing 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.

The march must be accomplished in military uniform (ACUs, ABUs or BDUs) and boots with a rucksack weighing no less than 15 kg.

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

Bronze grade	Silver grade	Gold grade	Gold grade for 5 years	Gold grade for 10 years	Gold grade for 15 years

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.

Bronze grade for reservist	Silver grade for reservist	Gold grade for reservist	Gold grade for reservist for 10 years	Gold grade for reservist for 25 years

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 US Army Green Uniform and Army Service Uniform jacket. It can be worn by both enlisted and officers. The regulations for wear can be found on AR-670-1, section 29-19 part B.^[3] It 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.^[4]

References

^ [1]
^ ZDv 37/10 Nr. 502 Absatz 1 Bundeswehr service code.
^ AR670-1
^ 578.120

External links

[1] [1]

[2] ZDv 37/10 Nr. 502 Absatz 1 Bundeswehr service code.

[3] AR670-1

[4] 578.120

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