By: Cadet Althea Vicete, public affairs officer for Army ROTC
On September 11-12, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) Test was hosted here at Clemson University by our own Army ROTC’s Fightin’ Tiger Battalion. The test consists of six events, with four of them being graded by Clemson cadre: a 100m swim in uniform, a physical fitness test, a pistol shooting qualification, and a ruck march. Over the course of two days, cadets pushed themselves physically and mentally, proving they had what it takes to compete for one of the few foreign badges authorized for wear by U.S. Soldiers.
The GAFPB, officially known in German as the Abzeichen für besondere Leistungen im Truppendienst, translates to “award for special performance in military service.” It is awarded in three levels—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—depending on the participant’s performance across the six events. According to Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, foreign decorations must be presented by a representative from the awarding nation. (Maj. Joshua Frye, Aug. 31, 2023, army.mil)
After the ruck march on September 12th, badges were awarded by our German partners, Oberstleutnant (LTC) Marcus Nann and Hauptfeldwebel (1SGT) Bjorn Simoni, to those who excelled and met the various standards of the test in front of Sirrine Hall. Eight of our own cadets won Gold, twenty won Silver, and seventeen won Bronze. The GAFPB is a symbol of merit and accomplishment that these cadets will carry on throughout both their future military and civilian careers- exhibiting their hardwork, dedication and resilience.
About the Department of Military Leadership
Army ROTC, Military Science, was established as an integral part of the academic curriculum of Clemson University beginning in 1893 with the institution’s first full-time academic year of operation. Clemson’s long association with Army ROTC began in the context of a Military College with an all-male corps of cadets.
Clemson ROTC offers a general military subject curriculum. This enables the program to produce officers available for a wide variety of Army assignments in most branches.
At present, both the two-year and four-year programs are offered as part of the Army ROTC curriculum. This curriculum is a viable academic career program for both male and female students who desire entry into the Active Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard as Commissioned Officers.
