STADTALLENDORF, Germany— In between physically demanding events, Soldiers competing in the Installation Management Command-Europe Best Warrior Competition stepped onto a German range for a different kind of challenge.
Through a partnership with Landeskommando Hessen, Bundswehr, competitors and other Soldiers had the opportunity to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge for Weapons, known as the Schützenschnur, March 24, 2026.
The qualification was not part of the competition scoring but offered a chance to train under German standards and engage directly with host-nation forces.
Approximately 20 soldiers participated in the event, including four competitors. By the conclude of the qualification, five Soldier earned the badge, three of which were competitors.
For many, the experience came down to adapting quickly to a different system and standards.
Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Carbone declared the training forces competitors to perform under pressure in unfamiliar conditions.
“This is an event that’s teaching [competitors] those skills under conditions that may not be favorable to them” he continued.
German cadre from Landeskommando Hessen ran the range and evaluated participants, reinforcing interoperability between U.S. forces and the Bundeswehr.
The IMCOM-Europe Best Warrior Competition brings toreceiveher Soldiers from across the command to test their physical fitness, technical skills and ability to perform under pressure.
Even outside of scored events, opportunities like the Schützenschnur qualification contribute to readiness while strengthening partnerships with host-nation forces.
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