The opportunity to earn a prestigious military badge will bring more than 30 service members to the Cal U campus and surrounding area March 23-24.
Three Cal U students and two alumni will be among the active-duty, reserve and National Guard members seeking the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
Service members must pass a series of rigorous physical challenges and safety tests in order to earn the badge, one of the few foreign awards that they may wear on their uniforms.
Military members from across Pennsylvania will join those from Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Tennessee and Virginia in the two-day test of strength, smarts and skills. A service member from Puerto Rico also is expected to attend.
"This is the sixth year that we've hosted the testing," says Robert Prah, director of Cal U's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. "It's something we're proud to do. It's always an honor to host a new group of eligible service members who are putting themselves to the test."
Earning the badge requires proficiency in a range of activities. Tests include sprints and a 1,000-meter run, a flexed-arm hang and 100-meter swim, first-aid proficiency and nuclear, biological and chemical hazards tests.
The marksmanship qualification takes place off campus, and this year service members will head to the Yough River Trail for their final test -- a road march with a 33-pound pack.
Timothy Bish, a specialist in the Army National Guard, is ready for the challenge.
"It's a great opportunity to not only earn this badge, but also to do it at my school," said the Cal U sophomore, who is majoring in criminal justice.
"I'd like to see where I am physically at this point in my military career and to hopefully open doors for more opportunities to earn more badges as my career progresses."
A ceremony recognizing participants who complete the badge requirements will be held at 1 p.m. March 24 along the trail (or, in case of inclement weather, at the Smithton Volunteer Fire Department.)
About the badge
A decoration of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Armed
Forces Proficiency Badge has been available since 1972 to U.S. service members who
meet rigorous proficiency standards.
All eligible members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard may compete for the award.
The badge is awarded in gold, silver or bronze, depending on the results of the pistol qualification, the first-aid test and the road march.
More information
Capt. Robert Prah, Office of Military and Veterans Affairs: 724-938-4076 or prah@calu.edu