JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS –
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines stand in formation during the German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge ceremony rehearsal at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, April 2, 2025. A total of 232 Soldiers and Marines competed for the badge, with nine achieving 24 perfect shots. The qualification consisted of two exercises: a 10-round course with the M17 pistol and a 14-round course with the M4 rifle. Participants could earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold classifications, with perfect scores receiving special recognition. The GAFMB, historically known as the Schützenschnur Badge, dates back to 1894 and is a prestigious award given to service members who demonstrate exceptional rifle and pistol marksmanship proficiency. The event provided an opportunity for U.S. service members to showcase their skills alongside allies, partners, and joint forces. Pictured, from the left, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Perez Morales, U.S. Army Sgt. Marcus Hopson, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Burns, and U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Patrick Fulgham, not pictured, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Logan Tew, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. August Gordon, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lucas Vandenbosch, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Ricketson, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Reyes Sandoval, were recognized for achieving perfect scores. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airmen Abigayl Salyer)