EKU Colonel's Battalion Cadets Bring Home Coveted German Armed Forces Badge

The Eastern Kentucky University Army ROTC Colonel’s Battalion finished fifth out of 34 schools in the recent German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency Competition at Indiana University.

Six EKU students earned badges. Gold Badge recipients were Adam Thompson, freshman from Radcliff;  Christian Wamsley, senior from Long Beach, Calif.; Ethan Buford, sophomore from Jamestown, Ohio; J.P. Gramig, sophomore from Honolulu, Hawaii; and Erin Williams, sophomore from Louisville. Justin Frizelle, a junior from Greenville, N.C., won a silver badge. The Colonels out-performed all other participating schools from Kentucky.

The German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is highly sought and one of the few approved foreign awards for members of the U.S. military, originating in the German Army in 1960 and made available to U.S. service members in 1972. It is one of the few decorations ROTC cadets can earn and continue to wear after they are commissioned in the military. Gold, silver and bronze badges are awarded, based on cadets’ performance in marksmanship, swimming, track and field, first aid, and a foot march.

Published on March 08, 2013