Hiram College was proud to host a Pittsburgh-based army reserves unit on August 21. The unit took part in an internationally recognized German military fitness and skills challenge, named the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge.
Support for those who serve the United States has always been part of the College’s history. Long before becoming the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield served as principal of Hiram College – then called the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute. Garfield later served in the Union Army during the Civil War. While this looks different throughout the decades, Hiram remains proud to welcome those who serve their communities and country.
An Alum Returns to Hiram
When one member wanted to complete the challenge at his alma mater, the College didn’t hesitate to say yes. Robert Hutchinson Bailey III ‘13, informally called Hutch Bailey, is a major with the United States Army Reserve Psychological Operations. His unit was looking at places in the area that could house, feed, and help the reserve members during the challenge. He mentioned Hiram due to need of a pool, grass, and a track: “I came up one day with some of my guys and talked to the staff and they were more than welcoming about it!”
Bailey graduated in 2013 from Hiram with a social science degree. He also went to John Carroll’s ROTC program, which was affiliated with Hiram at the time. Bailey is with the Army Reserve part time, as well as a Pittsburgh firefighter with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.
Bailey shares, “Hiram meant a lot to me so it’s nice to come back. It’s cool to see the students out on the field and see some of the teams practice. A lot has changed, but a lot has stayed the same. It’s definitely a great honor to be back. I love it.”
The Challenge
Officially called the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge but informally called the GAFPB (German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge), this badge is awarded to service members who complete the fitness challenge. The GAFPB is a fitness challenge made up of a handful of events: “… a shuttle run, flexed arm hang, and a one-kilometer run. Service members must also pass a first aid exam and demonstrate proficiency in their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protective equipment. Pistol marksmanship is also key, with shooters required to engage three targets using five rounds. Most events conclude with the required ruck march or the challenging 100-meter swim and uniform doff.” [1]
During the challenge, a high-ranking official in the German military acts as a liaison. The official presides over and explains the GAFPB events during each evaluation. If soldiers successfully complete all required tasks, they are awarded the GAFPB. Their performance determines whether they get the gold, silver, or bronze badge.
Once awarded, the United States Armed Forces service member can wear the badge on their uniform as long as they are in the military. “[The GAFPB] is very prestigious to earn. Everybody wants to get it. Everybody wants it,” one service member shares.
By Hannah Maxwell
