Lebanon Guardsman Earns Foreign Awards

LEBANON, Tenn. – After three grueling days of intense testing by German Bundeswehr officers, 21-year-old Spc. Sam Roberts, with the Tennessee Army National Guard, earned two German and one Austrian award for exceptional military skill and proficiency during a ceremony in Johnson City, April 24.  

Roberts, a mortarman in Gallatin’s Mortar Platoon, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and a 2021 graduate of Lebanon High School, was awarded the German Schützenschnur (Marksmanship Badge) in Gold, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in Gold, and the Austrian Armed Forces Sports Badge.

These awards are earned through a series of physical, combat oriented tests presented by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. They are some of the few approved foreign awards U.S. Soldiers can earn and some of the most sought after by U.S. and Allied Soldiers. The two German awards are in three skill levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. With Gold being the most challenging to earn.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to compete and challenge myself at that level,” said Roberts. “It was tough, I learned a lot, and it was an amazing experience to be able to test myself against the standards of other nations.”

The Schützenschnur is earned by demonstrating skill and accuracy with a handgun and assault rifle. Everyone who earns it is highly competent on both weapon systems. The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge is a respected symbol of excellence and achievement awarded to all German and Allied Soldiers who demonstrate exceptional competence in various military skills, including fitness, swimming, marksmanship, and more. To earn it, the testing must be completed by a qualified German Physical Training instructor.

“Being at a range and qualifying with different weapons is one of my favorite things to do,” said Roberts. “I love being outdoors and being challenged.”  

Some of the testing categories Roberts completed included a 12-kilometer combat march, pistol and rifle qualifications, various physical fitness tests, and swimming to meet the criteria for each award. The tests were held at East Tennessee State University, the Johnson City Police Department Range, and other facilities throughout the city.

“After everything was complete, I was tired,” said Roberts. “However, if given the chance, I would love to do it again.”

When not serving with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a mortarman, Roberts serves with Tennessee’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion at the Lebanon Army National Guard Armory, supporting recruiters and assisting with community support events throughout Tennessee.   

“I love serving in the National Guard, especially in my hometown,” said Roberts. “It has been an amazing experience, and I hope to become a recruiter in the local area one day.”

Roberts enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard this past December after spending nearly 4 years on active duty at Fort Hood (now named Fort Cavazos), with the 2-12th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division, with whom he deployed to Poland. He is also an Eagle Scout.

Author: Lt. Col. Darrin Haas
Last Updated: April 25, 2025
Category: Award Recognition