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The chief master sergeant and master sergeant trailed behind a German reservist. After 12 kilometers and one and half hours, the only things that stood between them and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency, was 100 meters, a 33-pound bag, sweat and tired legs.
The 4th Air Support Operations Group Airmen joined their Rheinland-Pfalz Reservists Chapter Undenheim counterparts May 1 in one of many joint events designed to build relationships between the two nations.
“We have an ongoing cooperation and partnership between the reserves association and the 4th ASOG,” said Cmdr. Jürgen Lemke, Rheinland-Pfalz Res-ervist Chapter Undenheim chairman. “We have had several occasions were we meet, train and have fun together. We appreciate the attendance of the Airmen here. It gives this event international flavor.”
The ruck march is the third joint event this year for the two units, and there are many more to come.
“These events let us talk about the different military systems,” Lemke said. “The different states everybody is from, or just talking about movies and other hobbies. It’s perfect — everybody is happy that the Air Force is part of our event.”
During this event, the U.S. and German airmen worked side-by-side to complete one of the many steps for the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.
Other tasks included a weapons competition, medical evaluations, fitness examinations and a 100-meter swim.
Even though they competed for an award, 4th ASOG Airmen agree that the friendships and partners they built are a better reward, especially during the German May Day celebration.
“I want to thank the Undenheim reservist chapter for inviting us to this wonderful opportunity to ruck with them and enjoy their holiday together,” said Capt. Christian Robertson, 4th ASOG air liaison officer. “Training events like this ruck march, or firearms training in the past and even ceremonial events like last year’s Memorial Day ceremony, help us come
together.”
Whether it’s chasing a badge or running alongside a new friend, members of the 4th ASOG continue to build relationships between allies with events similar to this, Robertson said.
