Soldiers and ROTC cadets to test for rigorous German badge
LOUISVILLE, KY — More than 150 soldiers and ROTC cadets will find out what they’re made of when they vie for a rare German Proficiency Badge Sept. 29 at the University of Louisville.
The military decoration, one of only a handful of foreign awards allowed to be worn on a U.S. Army uniform, is given to men and women who meet or exceed the standards for a list of physical tasks that rival the Olympic games.
Soldiers seeking the badge must hurl a shot put and clear a high jump, run a 100-meter sprint and 3,000-meter race, and march seven miles in two hours carrying a 22-pound pack—all in the same day. They will tackle the five tasks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
The candidates already have had to pass a first-aid test, do a timed 200-meter swim and prove they can handle a 9 mm weapon.
“This is a great chance for a bunch of great Americans to compete for the privilege of wearing a coveted military award,” said Lt.
