ROTC Cadets Earn German Badge for Military Proficiency

Twelve cadets in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Army ROTC program completed a series of grueling physical tests to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

Hosted by Florida Southern College’s Army ROTC program, in conjunction with a liaison from the German military, the program was held March 17-18, and events included a 100-meter swim, firing at a 9 mm pistol range, a 1000-meter run, a flexed-arm hang, an 11x10-meter shuttle run and a 12-kilometer march with a 35-pound ruck.

Six of the Embry-Riddle Army ROTC program cadets earned Gold standard, which is the highest tier, while the other six cadets earned Silver standard, according to Lt. Col. Jerome “Jerry” Reitano, who serves as commander of the Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle.

A German Officer from MacDill Air Force Base was on hand to pin all Cadets and present them with a certificate of achievement highlighting their success in earning the GAFPB, which is a permanent award Army Soldiers can wear on their dress uniform.