California University of Pennsylvania Hosts Testing for U.S. Service Members Seeking Elite German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge

Rigorous program at Cal U tests physical fitness, marksmanship, first aid

CALIFORNIA, Pa., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California University of Pennsylvania will host nearly 100 members of the active-duty, reserve and National Guard components of the U.S. military April 28-29 as they compete to earn the prestigious German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

The testing program has been organized by the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U, a state-owned university in California, Pa.

The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge is a decoration of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is one of the few foreign awards that U.S. military members may wear on their uniform.

The badge has been available since 1972 to U.S. service members who meet rigorous proficiency standards. Members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard may compete for the award.

To earn the badge, candidates must meet benchmarks in swimming, running and other physical activities; qualify on the pistol range; pass a first-aid test; and complete a road march while carrying a backpack weighing at least 33 pounds.

The decoration is awarded in gold, silver or bronze, depending on test results.

Physical fitness tests will take place, rain or shine, on Cal U's main and south campuses, located about 35 miles from Pittsburgh. Marksmanship tests will be held nearby at the Westmoreland County Community College Public Safety Training Center. 

Most participants are from Pennsylvania, but service members from Ohio, New York, Delaware and Louisiana also have registered.

A ceremony recognizing participants who complete the badge requirements will be held at 4 p.m. April 29, with a member of the German military in attendance. Troops will muster after the road march and march onto campus in tactical formation for the ceremony.

For a schedule of events or to arrange media access, visit www.calu.edu.

About California University of Pennsylvania
Serving nearly 9,500 undergraduate and graduate students, California University of Pennsylvania has been listed for seven consecutive years among the Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges. Ranked No. 1 in the nation for its Internet-based degree programs, Cal U offers approved programs of study through GOArmyEd, an online education portal for soldiers on active duty. Cal U is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. For more information, visit www.calu.edu.

SOURCE California University of Pennsylvania