U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers earned the prestigious German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge during a qualification on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Aug. 3 – 7.

More than 80 American Soldiers from the 192nd EOD Battalion (EOD) and other Fort Bragg units earned the badge during the qualification event, including 40 gold badges, 36 silver badges and six bronze badges.

Capt. Joseph M. Cordaro, the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 192nd EOD Battalion, served as the officer-in-charge for the qualification. Cordaro was assisted by Staff Sgt. Alexander L. Knowles, the Operations Noncommissioned Officer.

During the qualification event, Soldiers had to complete a basic fitness test, 100-meter swim in uniform, pistol qualification and 12-kilometer road march to earn the badge.

Hosted by the 192nd EOD Battalion, the event was supported by the German liaison team.

The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Bundeswehr, awards the badge to German and allied troops who complete the qualification course.

“The GAFPB is a multi-event test of diverse military skills that challenges participants to their physical and mental agility,” said Cordaro. “The challenge begins with the Basic Fitness Test, a timed, sequential gauntlet requiring explosive power for shuttle sprints, followed immediately by the muscular endurance of a flexed-arm hang, and culminating in the 1,000-meter run.”

Cordaro said the combat swim was the most formidable challenge of the qualification event.

“Competitors must leap into the water in their full combat uniform, swim 100 meters, and then, while treading water, remove and cast away their heavy, soaked uniform and boots, all within an unforgiving four-minute time limit,” said Cordaro. “The badge also requires pistol marksmanship, engaging in a series of targets with a limited number of rounds. To finish, candidates must complete a forced ruck march of up to 12 kilometers with a 33-pound load.”

The HHD commander said Spc. Magdalene E. Eck, a 192nd EOD Battalion HHD intelligence analyst, stood out as the top performer overall.

“Her achievement highlights the high caliber of Soldiers in the HHD, 192nd EOD Battalion, and shows the drive and excellence our formation brings to every challenge,” said Cordaro.

“The fact that our Soldiers have succeeded in earning this badge speaks volumes about their readiness,” said Cordaro. “It shows that within the 192nd EOD Battalion, we are building Soldiers who are tough, adaptable and prepared to execute the full range of warfighting functions in support of the mission.”

Headquartered on Fort Bragg, the 192nd EOD Battalion commands U.S. Army EOD technicians stationed in North Carolina, Virginia and New York, including seven EOD companies that are based on three installations.

Fort Bragg-based EOD Soldiers support the 82nd Airborne Division’s Immediate Response Force mission around the world.

The 192nd EOD Battalion is part of the 52nd EOD Group and 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, the U.S. military’s premier deployable CBRNE command.

Cordaro said training events like the GAFPB qualification help to forge mutual respect between American Soldiers and the allied troops they serve with around the world.

“Working through tough, standardized events fosters a shared sense of accomplishment and a direct appreciation for each other's military standards. EOD Soldiers routinely engage in training that aligns with NATO procedures, ensuring technical and procedural interoperability. We routinely conduct EOD Team of the Year competitions and joint training events with our multinational allies in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany,” said Cordaro.

“These qualifications and joint events are critical for multinational operations because they ensure interoperability and the ability to act together effectively,” said Cordaro. “For an EOD team, this means everyone follows the same protocols when dealing with explosive threats, allowing for a safer, more efficient response.”

Editor's note: This story originally appeared in DVIDS and was written by: Walter Ham

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