The United States Army
09/02/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/02/2025 11:04
7th ATC NCOA Students earn GAFPB
[Link] 1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Soldier practices aiming down sights of the Gewehr G36 assault rifle at the shooting range in Delitzsch, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. The range training is part of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge testing, fostering interoperability and strengthening the German-American military partnership through shared training and standards. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kammen Taylor) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kammen Taylor) VIEW ORIGINAL [Link] 2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption - A U.S. Soldier follows proper decontamination procedures while removing a German chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective suit during the German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge, in Delitzsch, Germany, Aug. 19, 2025. The 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy and Bundeswehr NCOA conduct joint training to improve interoperability, enhance readiness, and strengthen the German-American military partnership across the European theater. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kammen Taylor) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kammen Taylor) VIEW ORIGINAL [Link] 3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption - A U.S. Soldier performs the backstroke during the swimming test in Delitzsch, Germany, Aug. 19, 2025. The swimming event is one of the requirements to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge and emphasizes endurance, discipline, and shared standards between U.S. and German Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kammen Taylor) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kammen Taylor) VIEW ORIGINAL [Link] 4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Soldiers hold a pullup to meet the time limit, a requirement to earn a German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge, Delitzsch, Germany, Aug. 18, 2025. The 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy regularly partners with the Bundeswehr NCOA and seeks to deepen the German-American military partnership to ensure training transformation efforts resonate at the point of need across the European theater and alongside our multinational partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kammen Taylor) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kammen Taylor) VIEW ORIGINAL
DELITZSCH, Germany - The Bundeswehr and the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Academies joined together for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) testing, an event centered on strength, determination, and overall Soldier proficiency that showcased the enduring partnership between both nations.
Twenty U.S. Army Basic Leader Course (BLC) students from 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and 20 German students from the Unteroffizierschule des Heeres (USH) participated in American-German Partnership Week, held Aug. 18-22, 2025.
The week's focus was completing requirements for the GAFPB and conducting individual training (CIT) events.
Physical events included the 11x10-meter sprint test, flexed-arm hang, 1,000-meter run, 12-kilometer ruck march with a 33-pound load, and a 100-meter swim in uniform.
Rifle marksmanship with the German G36 assault rifle was also required to meet qualification standards.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Thompson with 7th Army NCOA praised the dedication of the
students who volunteered for the demanding competition.
"I think the level of students that chose to volunteer is very high," Thompson said. "They're physically strong and mentally tough as well. All they have to do is get out there and get after it!"
For many Soldiers, the week was about more than just meeting physical standards - it was about mutual support.
U.S. Army Spc. Julio I. Quiles, C Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, reflected on training side by side with his German partner.
"When we did the 11 by 10, I had the opportunity to do it with my German counterpart. He is super-fast. We both upheld the standards. I really like that," Quiles said. "For the flex arm hang, the same German counterpart helped me out when I was starting off. He held my feet for me to stop me from swinging back and forth. So, in return, I did the same for him."
Each student had to successfully pass every event to earn the coveted badge. Additionally, U.S. Army BLC students led instruction for both U.S. and German Soldiers during the CIT evaluation, reinforcing leadership and teaching skills in a multinational setting.
Partnership Week not only tested Soldiers' strength and endurance, while strengthening interoperability and deepened bonds between U.S. and German forces - bonds that remain vital in today's evolving operational environment.
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