Photos by Airman Paden Henry
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs March 6, 2026
U.S. Air Force Airmen, Army Soldiers, and Bundeswehr Senior Master Sgt. Brian Wagner, event coordinator, pose for a group photo after completing their final challenge during the German and American Friendship Days at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 26. After completing swimming, marksmanship, and a German physical fitness test, members finished with a timed 12 kilometer ruck. These events tested members’ endurance, skill and resilience across multiple disciplines. By the end of week, 221 badges were awarded to those who successfully passed each trial in accordance with German military standards.
U.S. Army Sergeant Tyler Santos, 16th Special Troops Battalion and 16th Sustainment Brigade small unmanned aircraft systems operator, continues on the final challenge of the week, a 12 kilometer ruck during the German and American Friendship Days at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 26. Participants from across the globe took part in the week-long German American Friendship Days hoping to earn the German Armed Proficiency Badge in bronze, silver, or gold. By the end of week, 221 badges were awarded to participants who successfully passed each assessment in accordance with German military standards.
U.S. Air Force Airmen and Army Soldiers run side-by-side during the 10 meter sprint portion of the physical assessment test for day three of the German and American Friendship Days on Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 25. Each member must complete 11 repetitions of the sprints, returning to their starting position, laying down, before continuing.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Kelly, 86th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment apprentice, performs an isometric pull-up during the physical fitness assessment on day three of the German and American Friendship Days on Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 25. During the assessment, participants must complete 10 meter sprints and a one kilometer run as well. 356 service members from across the globe took part in the week-long event, only 221 badges were awarded to participants who successfully passed each assessment in accordance with German military standards.
U.S. Army Soldier continues his 12 kilometer ruck during the German and American Friendship Days at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 26. The participants tackled the ruck in two heats, turning in their score card for a final time before beginning. A total of 356 members began the challenge, and by the end of the week 221 badges were awarded to those who successfully passed each trial in accordance with German military standards.
U.S. Air Force Airmen and German Bundswehr event coordinators gather for a photo during the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge presentation ceremony at Ramstein Air Base,Feb. 27. Service members from all branches traveled from across the globe took part in the week-long German American Friendship Days in hopes of earning the GAFB in bronze, silver, or gold. By the end of week, 221 badges were awarded to those who successfully passed each trial in accordance with German military standards.
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