It was two days of training and challenges for cadets during the weekend.
To test their physical and mental endurance, more than 60 cadets from different universities and ROTC branches took part in achieving the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
To earn the badge, cadets were required to spend the weekend challenging themselves in marksmanship, swimming in full uniform and suiting up in chemical gear.
“This is completely student-led,” said Lt. Col. Terry St. Peter, a professor of military sciences. “It teaches our seniors how to strategize, to resource and to lead.”
One of the very few types of international badges the United States authorizes for wear on a uniform, the badge is a form of decoration for military personnel in Germany.
However, allied forces are able to receive them as well, said Sgt. Maj. Matthias Joachim of the German Armed Forces.
“Everything was well-prepared,” Joachim said. “This badge … we’re here to show that we take (testing) very seriously.”
Saturday afternoon, cadets convened near the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., to trek several miles with their rucksacks — the “Ruck March.”
Participants’ packs are required to weigh at least 33 pounds at both the beginning and end of their runs, which must be completed in about two hours.
“I ran this track last year,” said Cadet Molly Slattery, a senior studying engineering technology and management. “We’ve been planning for this for months. (The cadets) are doing well considering we had time constraints. This was harder to do in semesters.”
Normally, badge tests are held in the spring, but because of OU’s quarters-to-semesters transition, the testing was held earlier because it collided with other scheduled events, such as the Military Ball and field training, Slattery said.
Some of the cadets tested for the badge previously and chose to help organize the event for those who wanted to either retest for better scores or for those who were challenging themselves for the first time.
After the event was over, the awards ceremony took place in Bentley Hall, where individuals were honored when Joachim presented the badges.
Ohio University’s ROTC recently moved its offices to Bromley Hall.
Of the awards, 33 people received a gold honor, 23 silver and three bronze.
“It’s truly a great honor, (and a) great opportunity to work together,” Joachim said.
hy135010@ohio.edu
@HannahMYang
