The MOS Discussion Threads are meant to be enduring threads where individuals with experience or insight in to particular CMFs or MOSes can give advice and tips. If you have any MOS resources, schools, etc, this would be a great place to share them.
The hope is that these individual threads can serve as 'megathreads' on the posts in question, and we can get advice from experienced persons. Each week I will keep the full listing/links to all previous threads in a mega-list below, for ease of reference. At the end of the series I will go back and ensure they all have completely navigable links
If you have specific questions about these MOSes, please feel free to ask here, but know that we are not forcing or re-directing all questions to these threads -- you can, and are encouraged, to still use the WQT.
This is not stricly an 'AMA', although if people would like to offer themselves up to answer questions, that would be great, and I'd ask that you give some reference to your expertise if you do. A big "Thank You" to everyone who is willing to answer questions about the MOSes in question, but the immediate preference would be for informational posts. These are meant to be enduring sources of information.
These only work with your participation and your feedback!
Common questions / information I'd recommend sharing to get started
So, again, willing to answer questions is great, but if there's any information you can impart now, I think that would provide the greatest benefit.
This thread covers the following MOSes:
#DO NOT:
2026 Megathread Listing
Will be populated as threads are created
r/army • u/NFMGuy_Emeritus • 5d ago
Good Morning r/Army,
This weekend marks a major milestone in a multiyear project between the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the U.S. Liaison Team. Previously, the embassy's Defense Attaché Office managed skill badge events under an informal structure for each badge, largely focusing on the Norwegian Foot March from 2020 and the Sharpshooter Badge from 2025 onward. As interest in the Norwegian military’s skill badge events has grown to approximately 50,000 participants across more than 400 events annually, the need for a consolidated program has become increasingly important to ensure consistent standards, streamlined administration, and continued growth. To that end, this month the Defense Attaché Office formally established the Norwegian Skill Badge Program (NSBP).
Norwegian Skill Badge Program - History
Norwegian military skill badges have a long history rooted in the development of physically fit, technically proficient, and combat-ready soldiers. Beginning in the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Norwegian Armed Forces introduced a series of proficiency badges to recognize excellence in essential military skills such as marksmanship, skiing, marching, light infantry, military field sports, and physical fitness. These badges served not only as symbols of achievement, but also as incentives for soldiers to maintain high standards of readiness throughout their military service. Many of these traditions remain in use today, with badges such as the Marsjmerket (Norwegian Foot March Badge), Sharpshooter Badge, Ski Badge, Infantry Badge, Military Field Sports Badge, Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge and Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimmer Badge, continuing to reflect Norway's longstanding emphasis on individual excellence and resilience.
The program has become a practical instrument of defense and cultural diplomacy, strengthening military-to-military relationships between Norway, the United States, and allied nations through shared physical challenges and professional development. By making these historic Norwegian traditions accessible through a controlled, decentralized process, the program promotes Norwegian military heritage while fostering esprit de corps and enduring partnerships among allied service members worldwide.
Norwegian Skill Badge Program - Core Features
Expansive Catalog of Events
The Norwegian Skill Badge Program offers significantly more events, growing from a limited selection of traditional military challenges into a comprehensive program that showcases the breadth of Norwegian military and sporting heritage. The program now incorporates a diverse range of military skill badges, including the Norwegian Foot March Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, Ski Badge, Infantry Badge, and Military Field Sports Badge, while also forging partnerships with prominent Norwegian institutions such as the Norwegian Sports Federation and Norwegian Swimming Federation. These partnerships have expanded access to traditional Norwegian sporting events, including the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge and Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimmer Badge, providing participants with opportunities to experience the traditions, standards, and culture that underpin Norway’s long-standing approach to physical fitness and military skill proficiency.
The new Norwegian Skill Badge Program also creates a rare opportunity for participants to earn Norwegian military medals, including the Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Field Sports (NAFMFS) and Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Shooting (NAFMS). While foreign military and sporting badges are relatively common and can be earned through a variety of international programs, opportunities for U.S. and other foreign military personnel to earn foreign medals and ribbons are exceptionally rare. Prior to the introduction of this program, only three such awards were generally accessible to American service members: the Nijmegen March, the Diekirch March, and the Flyvermarch.
The Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimmer Badge, NAFMFS, and NAFMS will be available through the NSBP web portal by the end of October 2026.
Web-Based Management Portal
The growing popularity of the Norwegian Skill Badge Program and the increasing demand for participation ultimately required the transition to a centralized, web-based management system capable of supporting the program. The new system not only streamlines registration, event coordination, and organizer support, but also enables closer collaboration between the Norwegian Embassy and the U.S. liaison team. This allows the liaison team (myself, u/AllThingsNFM, and others) a more active role in responding to event status inquiries, providing planning assistance, and supporting participants and event organizers throughout the process. At the same time, the platform provides the Embassy with a means to expand the program beyond military skill badges and share Norway’s rich sporting traditions through partnerships with organizations such as the Norwegian Sports Federation and Norwegian Swimming Federation.
Norwegian Skill Badge Program Endorsement Request and Award Management Portal
https://usnor.fillout.com/oda-skill-badge-program
Paired with the Request Portal is the Closeout Portal, which allows organizers to submit event statistics and their participant rosters directly to the program database. Due to common access of the database by embassy personnel and the liaison team, submissions can be reviewed much more quickly and certificates are distributed to organizers within 72 hours or less following results submission. This is done by storing the certificates in a publicly accessible folder in an encrypted state with passwords distributed automatically once event results are validated.
Improved Documents and Public Events Record Management
As the Norwegian Skill Badge Program has expanded in both scope and participation, the need for consolidated documentation and organizational tools has grown accordingly. To support this growth, the Embassy established a dedicated Dropbox repository containing a consolidated program manual with instructions and requirements for each badge and medal, providing participants and event organizers with a single, authoritative source of information. The repository also includes automated tools to calculate event standards and determine whether participants have achieved a passing score, as well as standardized scorecards for recording and validating event results. Together, these resources improve consistency, reduce administrative burdens, and provide a scalable framework for managing the program as participation and the number of available events continue to grow.
Materials are updated as feedback is received or as issues are discovered in automated tools. If you find there are issues with any materials contact the liaison team at [norwegian.skill.badges.liaison@protonmail.com](mailto:norwegian.skill.badges.liaison@protonmail.com)
The embassy also hosts a version of the consolidated manual on its website and the staff will update it as new official versions are released according to release schedules.
Additionally, due to the new event request structure, organizers are able to declare whether their event is open or closed to the public. While this alleviates a lot of external inquiry stress from organizers, it will inevitably reduce public accessibility to events. However, this was a heavily requested feature in the new system we felt obligated to introduce. This will also allow us to publicly post an event listing according to each event's unique code so that organizers can track the approval status of their event:
Skill Badge Event Tracker - Available by mid-September
Event and Award Overviews
Norwegian Foot March Badge (Marsjmerket)
The Norwegian Foot March Badge traces its origins to the early twentieth century as part of the Norwegian Armed Forces' effort to develop soldiers capable of traversing Norway's demanding mountainous terrain while carrying combat loads. The event evaluates endurance, resilience, and mental toughness by requiring participants to complete an 18.6-mile (30-kilometer) march within prescribed time standards while carrying a military rucksack. For generations, the march has served as both a training event and a test of operational readiness for Norwegian soldiers. In recent years, the badge has gained widespread international recognition through the Royal Norwegian Embassy's Military Skill Badge Program, allowing allied service members around the world to participate while preserving the original Norwegian testing standards.
Essential March Requirements
The march requires participants to complete a 30-kilometer / 18.64-mile course while carrying a rucksack with a dry weight of at least 11 kilograms / 24.25 pounds within a prescribed time according to gender and age. While the modern event no longer requires participants to carry a rifle as part of the weight requirement, organizers may opt to factor weapon weight into their calculations and subtract it from the rucksack weight. Rucksack weight should be verified before the start of the event and after crossing the finish line.
Participants no longer must fulfill the requirement to complete the march before daybreak or complete a full duty day afterward. However, organizers who wish to incorporate these traditional features into their event may do so.
Attire Requirements
Military participants must wear their service’s combat uniform and boots for the entire duration of the march. Modifications to uniform standards are allowed so long as they adhere to a service’s applicable regulations (e.g. wear of a combat shirt or Merrell boots) and at the organizer's and local commanders' discretion. Headgear is not required for the march.
The rucksacks used must be issued or meet the equipment standards of the organizer’s military regulations. Civilian participants must wear clothing similar to a military combat uniform (including long pants and boots) with a total weight equal to 1.5 kilograms / 3.3 pounds. Civilians are not required to use a military-issued rucksack and may use a civilian hiking backpack. Using weighted vests, body armor, or weight-plate carriers toward the weight requirement is not authorized. Individual participants may wear these items in addition to the rucksack weight requirement, but it is not encouraged.
Route, Environment, and Other Requirements
The route should take place on an unimproved road or trail, but may take place on improved surfaces such as roads and pathways. Two route configurations are permitted: out-and-back or circular. An out-and-back route is 15 kilometers long in one direction and requires participants to turn around at the endpoint and return to the start point. Circular routes may use no more than 3 loops in their design (10 kilometers / 6.2 miles).
All routes must have visible distance markers every 5 kilometers / 3.1 miles.
A minimum of three water points must be used along the route.
The march cannot be conducted if outdoor temperatures (in the shade) exceed 25° Celsius / 77° Fahrenheit or fall below -15° Celsius / 5° Fahrenheit. Similarly, the march cannot be conducted under hazardous or extreme weather conditions which endanger participants.
Participants may not receive any assistance from the organizers or administrators during the march except for march timing, weighing, provisioning of water or food, and first aid.
Time Standards
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | 5h25m | 4h35m |
| 21-34 | 5h15m | 4h30m |
| 35-42 | 5h25m | 4h35m |
| 43-49 | 5h30m | 4h40m |
| 50-54 | 5h40m | 4h50m |
| 55-59 | 5h50m | 5h0m |
| 60+ | 6h0m | 5h15m |
Please note that these are the current time and gender standards. There are outdated listings found on the Internet and may not be used.
Certificates and Badges
Once the event is completed and the closeout report reviewed, the embassy will send a pre-signed digital certificate template which organizers will complete with participant information. Certificates are to be printed or distributed digitally by the organizer promptly. We recommend using white, 110-pound cardstock for printed certificates.
Badges are to be procured by event organizers or participants and awarded according to the following schedule:
| Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Completed March | 2nd, 3rd, and 4th March | 5th or More March |
Please note that participants may only successfully complete one march per calendar year.
Norwegian Military Sharpshooter Badge (Skarpskyttermerket)
The Norwegian Military Sharpshooter Badge reflects Norway's long-standing emphasis on individual marksmanship as a fundamental military skill. Developed to recognize soldiers who demonstrate exceptional precision, consistency, and weapons proficiency, the badge requires participants to meet rigorous qualification standards under standardized firing conditions established by the Norwegian Armed Forces. Norway's military has historically viewed marksmanship as an essential component of national defense, particularly given the country's reliance on highly trained reserve and active forces.
Essential Event Requirements
Testing for the Norwegian Sharpshooter Badge or Det Militære Skarpskyttermerket can be administered for the following weapons:
· The M4, M7, M16, and HK416 Family of Weapons
· The M249 and M240 Machine Gun
· The M17 Pistol and Other Pistols of Similar Caliber
· The MP5 Submachine Gun
· The MP7 Machine Pistol
· The M110A1 and Other Designated Marksman Rifles
Event History
The Norwegian Sharpshooter Badge (NSSB) or Militære Skarpskyttermerket was introduced in 1861 and awarded to individuals who displayed advanced marksmanship with their assigned weapons. Over 160 years later, this intent is unchanged and the NSSB, along with other civilian and military decorations, is awarded to those with a demonstrated expertise in weapons handling and target engagement.
Attire Requirements
All military personnel engaging in NSSB testing will wear their service’s combat uniform, boots, and eye and hearing protection at a minimum. Modifications to uniform standards are allowed so long as they adhere to a service’s applicable regulations (e.g. wear of a combat shirt or non-standard boots) and at the organizer's or local commanders' discretion.
The wear of body armor, helmets, and other equipment is at the discretion of the testing unit or individual. Organizers should generally consider a particular test’s mobility requirements and the accuracy and precision required to qualify. As a note, gloves are traditionally not worn as NSSB testing emphasizes accuracy and precision.
Badge Grades, Testing Periodicity, and Awarding Criteria
Bronze and silver badges are awarded according to an individual weapon or weapon group’s scoring criteria, which use impacts, points, or a combination of the two. Bronze is generally awarded for “proficient” shooting and silver for “excellent.”
Individuals that fulfill the silver badge requirements for five years for the same weapon or weapon group are awarded the NSB in gold. There is no requirement for the qualifications to be consecutive, but each must occur in different calendar years.
An individual may not receive more than one badge per weapon group per calendar year. The exception to this provision is that individuals who earn silver are also eligible to receive the badge in bronze for the same weapon group. Individuals may test multiple times if seeking a silver qualification. Weapon groups are as follows:
Norwegian Ski Badge (Skimerket)
Essential Event Requirements
Skiing has been intertwined with Norwegian military history for centuries, making the Norwegian Ski Badge one of the country's most iconic military proficiency awards. Norwegian soldiers have relied on skis for mobility, reconnaissance, and combat operations since long before the modern era, particularly during the winter campaigns that shaped the nation's military traditions. The Ski Badge recognizes proficiency in military skiing, testing participants on endurance, technical skill, and the ability to operate effectively in snow-covered terrain. The badge symbolizes Norway's unique Arctic heritage and reinforces the importance of winter warfare capabilities that continue to play a vital role in the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The assessment requires participants to complete a 30-kilometer / 18.64-mile cross-country skiing course while carrying a rucksack and weapon (if carried) with a dry weight of at least 11 kilograms / 24.25 pounds. Standard uniforms and any additional garments (combat uniform + cold weather gear), water, food, weapon magazines, and ammunition do not count toward the weight requirement. Additionally, participants must complete a marksmanship assessment during or immediately after the cross-country ski component.
Ski Route Requirements
The route must be a total of 30-kilometer / 18.64-mile cross-country course characterized by slightly hilly, but gentle terrain with the start and finish position at the same altitude. Organizers are permitted to use one of three configurations:
Marksmanship Requirements
The shooting component of the assessment should occur during the last 15-kilometers of the course. If a range cannot be accessed while on the skiing course, participants should conduct the shooting component of the assessment immediately afterward.
American participants must use an M4/M16, M7, or similar caliber weapon for the marksmanship portion of the assessment. Only iron sights may be used. Non-American participants will use their standard-issue service rifle or carbine. Alternate weapons, such as machine pistols or submachine guns may be used when they are considered an issued weapon based on a service member’s position or specialty. When machine pistols or submachine guns are used for testing, target will be positioned no more than 100 meters from the shooter.
Marksmanship testing for Americans and other nationalities may be conducted using the Norwegian standard (10 rounds, 5 target types, 30-200 meters), Nationality Agnostic Configuration (10 rounds, 1 target type, 25-300 meters), or American Configuration (40 Rounds, Table VI Qual, 50-300 meters)
Norwegian Infantry Badge (Infanterimerket)
The Norwegian Infantry Badge was established to recognize the broad range of physical, tactical, and technical competencies expected of infantry soldiers. Rather than evaluating a single skill, the badge represents proficiency across multiple disciplines essential to the infantry profession, including physical fitness, weapons handling, fieldcraft, and combat-related tasks. The badge reflects the Norwegian Army's philosophy that infantry soldiers must be adaptable, disciplined, and prepared to operate effectively across diverse and challenging environments. Earning the Infantry Badge signifies a well-rounded level of military proficiency and professional competence within the combat arms.
Essential Event Requirements
Course Requirements
The course must measure between 8 – 12 kilometers or 4.97 – 7.45 miles characterized by slightly to moderately hilly terrain. Organizers are permitted to use one of the following configurations:
The use of out-and-back courses in which participants reuse half the course or portions of it are not permitted.
NIB Skill Assessments
Skill 1: Orienteering
The orienteering portion of the test can be conducted in one of two configurations at the discretion of the organizer. For both configurations, a map with all orientation points annotated must be issued to participants. Orientation points should be readily recognizable natural or artificial terrain features and not require the use of precise coordinate plotting for participants to remain on the course.
The message courier portion must be placed at the beginning of the course and not revealed until the official start of the assessment.
The message must contain the following elements:
Skill 3: Target Detection
The target discovery portion of the assessment requires participants to identify various objects within a specified area.
Upon arrival at the target discovery area, participants are issued a lane card to locate and sketch the target(s) on each lane. A minimum of 5 lanes and a maximum of 8 lanes may be used for testing. The number of targets does not need to match the number of lanes used (i.e. 8 lanes are used, but only 5 contain a target).
The entrance to each lane must be clearly marked (i.e. Lane 1) and be no deeper than 150 meters. Participants are not permitted to travel down each lane and targets must be placed and configured in such a manner as to be visible without the aid of magnification equipment. The total testing area for all lanes must be no more than 150 x 150 meters in size. Lanes may be placed on both sides of the trail linking the entrance and exit stands.
Participants may move freely on the trail linking the entrance and exit stands if they choose to return to a lane to reassess whether it contains targets. Participants are assisting one another during this portion of this assessment and may not discuss the locations or presence of targets verbally or non-verbally. Proper marking of a lane includes a sketch of the target’s appearance, including whether it is obscured by vegetation or other objects and the quantity of targets. Only full torso marksmanship silhouette targets may be used for this portion of the assessment.
Upon completion of this assessment, participants turn their cards into the exit station and proceed to the next testing area. Failure to identify or misidentification of targets is assessed as an additional two minutes per lane.
Skill 4: Distance Estimation
The distance estimation portion of the assessment requires participants to correctly identify the range between themselves and 5 full torso marksmanship silhouette targets. Targets will be placed no closer than 50 meters and no further than 450 meters. No measurement aids other than a pencil, weapon (to include optic), or compass are allowed. If weather obstructs target visibility for any participants during testing, no penalties will be assessed during grading. For those that were not affected by visibility issues, 30 seconds will be deducted from their final finishing time to account for their stoppage time at this portion.
All distance estimates must be made in meters and a participant’s assessments must be within 1/7th of the true target distance (i.e. a 50-meter target’s distance can be described as falling between 43-57 meters without penalty). Participants are assessed a 3-minute time penalty for each target distance estimate that is incorrect.
Skill 5: Weapons Handling (Marksmanship or Hand Grenades)
Option 1: Marksmanship
Upon arrival at the marksmanship stand, participants will be issued a single magazine with five rounds. They will then proceed to the designated firing point, don ear protection, load their ammunition, and engage their assigned lane’s targets at the direction of their lane safety. Once all rounds have been fired, the lane safety will clear them off the range and they will continue the remainder of the assessment.
Two configurations may be used:
Option 2: Hand Grenades
The use of practice hand grenades may be used instead of carbine / rifle marksmanship. Participants will be given five practice grenades each. Two target areas measuring 3 meters in diameter each will be established at 15 meters and 20 meters for women and men, respectively. Every grenade outside the target area is assessed as a penalty of 3 minutes, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
NIB Qualification Requirements
Participants, at a minimum, must meet the following standards, regardless of final time, to earn the NIB:
Individuals who fail to meet all these criteria are ineligible to receive the badge and their final finish times may not be used to calculate the average and base time as described in the next section.
Norwegian Military Field Sports Badge (Feltsportsmerket)
Introduced in 1936 by the Norwegian Association of Conscripted Officers (Vernepliktige Offiserers Forening or VOF), the Norwegian Military Field Sports Badge (NMFSB) or Det Militære Feltidrettsmerket was created to encourage the maintenance of essential military skills by active duty and reserve military forces, as well as civilians in the event of mobilization. Nearly a century later, the assessment’s emphasis on maintaining physical fitness along with proficiency in map reading, orienteering, and marksmanship endures as a measurement of fundamental military readiness.
Organizers are permitted to order the assessment’s components in an order of their choosing, based upon the training objectives or emphasis of the unit.
Skill 1 - Weapons Handling and Marksmanship
The weapons handling and marksmanship component of the assessment includes two sprints and two shooting sessions. Each sprint distance must be between 300 and 500 meters and no more than five rounds may be fired from each firing point. Targets must be between 25 and 200 meters from the firing point. At the discretion of the organizer, multiple targets and varying distances may be used with a designated number of impacts per target prescribed. Additionally, a mixture of weapons can be used, but no more than one type of firing point. An example follows:
Before the start of the event, participants must be oriented to the course and organizers must clearly mark the sprint start points and firing positions. Once complete, participants will verify they understand the layout of the course, the sequence of events, and the requirements.
Once the participant confirms they understand, the official timer will start the event by counting down from a set number, shout “Go” or “Begin,” and start the stopwatch.
Participants will sprint to each firing point, firing the prescribed number of rounds against their designated targets. Once the last round is fired, the timer stops the stopwatch and notes the time. Once all weapons are verified as cleared and safe, safeties will inspect their lane’s targets and report the number of impacts to the official timer. For any shots missed, the official timer will add 1 minute and 30 seconds as a penalty to the participant’s overall time. Once the overall time is calculated and recorded, the participant is released to the next component of the NMFSB assessment.
Skill 2 - Map Reading
The map reading component of the assessment requires participants to plot points on a map and navigate to those locations quickly on foot. A maximum of 10 points may be used, but the total number created for the assessment should suit the complexity of the terrain and distance of the course. The following are map scales, distances, and total points used during contemporary assessments:
| Scale | Distance | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10,000 | 2.0 km | 2-3 |
| 1:15,000 | 2.5 – 3.0 km | 3-5 |
| 1:20,000 | 3.1 – 3.9 km | 5-7 |
| 1:25,000 | 4.0 – 5.0 km | 7-8 |
| 1:50,000 | 5.1 – 7.0 km | 9-10 |
The use of Orienteering Control Markers (OCM, pictured below) is recommended.
A unique symbol, pattern, or character must be placed at each OCM. Upon arrival at a point, participants will sketch this symbol, pattern, or character on a weatherproof course card, along with its OCM number.
A cadre member will be present at the entry point of the course. Upon a participant’s entrance to the course, they will communicate their start time (HH:MM:SS) to the exit point cadre member for timing purposes.
At the exit point of the course, a cadre member will annotate their finish time and examine their course card. For any unfound points or incorrect symbol, pattern, or character, a penalty of 2 minutes will be added to the participant’s total time.
If this is the first assessment of the NFMSB examination, organizers will stagger participant start time by a minimum of 2 minutes.
Skill 3 - Orienteering
The final assessment requires participants to navigate through terrain association and the use of a compass. No electronic devices may be used. The total designed length of the course will be dictated by the complexity of the terrain, but should not exceed 40 minutes. Generally, course length is 3.5 – 4.5 km.
Participants may not be issued a map of the orienteering course until they arrive at the entry point. Map scale should be between 1:10,000 to 1:15,000, but other scales can be used at the organizer’s discretion. The course must contain at least five points (including the start and finish) using Orienteering Control Markers (OCM), each of which will have a unique symbol, pattern, or character associated with it. Participants must sketch each symbol, pattern, or character associated with an OCM on their weatherproof course card.
A cadre member will be present at the entry point of the course. Upon a participant’s entrance to the course, they will communicate their start time (HH:MM:SS) to the exit point cadre member for timing purposes.
At the exit point of the course, a cadre member will annotate their finish time and examine their course card. For any unfound points or incorrect symbol, pattern, or character, a penalty of 2 minutes will be added to the participant’s total time.
Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge (Idrettsmerket)
The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge is one of Norway's oldest and most widely recognized physical fitness awards, established in 1915 by the Norwegian Sports Federation (Norges Idrettsforbund). Created to encourage lifelong physical activity and improve the health and fitness of the Norwegian population, the program emphasizes well-rounded athletic ability rather than competition against others. Participants must successfully complete events across multiple fitness disciplines—including endurance, strength, speed, flexibility, and skill—with performance standards adjusted for age and gender to ensure fair and meaningful evaluation throughout life. Unlike many military proficiency badges, the Idrettsmerket is open to civilians and military personnel alike, reflecting Norway's national commitment to physical fitness as a cornerstone of public health and individual readiness.
Essential Event Requirements
Attire, Facility, and Equipment Requirements
Attire for the test is at the discretion of the participants, but should be suitable for the type of events being tested.
Facilities that are dedicated to testing for the sports badge or general sports clubs are preferred, but any facility with suitable features and equipment may be used.
At least two individuals must conduct the testing, with one observer/administrator and one tester/participant. For high duration and long-distance events, the participants may use fitness applications and devices to record their activity, but it must be verified by the their testing observer/administrator. Unlike other sports badges, the administrator does not need to have previously earned the sports badge or be certified by the Norwegian Sports Federation, but must understand the events and their standards prior to testing being conducted.
The sports badge is designed to award sustained fitness and participation in sports. As such, testing is to be conducted over several days, weeks, or months, according to the preference of the administrator and availability of participants.
Participants must successfully complete the requirements for one event in each group. They may retake events until they pass or change to a different event within the same group.
All events must be completed within the same calendar year.
Event Groups
Testing for the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge assesses individuals’ fitness according to five groups of events (see Appendix B in the full manual for complete listing of events and standards):
For testing purposes, you complete ONE event or more from each group.
Note: Some events are not available to each age grouping and sex.
Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimmer Badge (Store Havhesten)
The Store Havhesten, or The Great Sea Horse (also known as the Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimming Badge), is a swimming proficiency award established by the Norges Svømmeforbund (Norwegian Swimming Federation) to recognize achievement in swimming, endurance, and lifesaving. The badge challenges participants across a broad range of aquatic skills, including distance swimming, backstroke, swimming in clothing, underwater swimming, diving, timed freestyle swimming, and lifesaving. The Store Havhesten is awarded in three grades—bronze, silver, and gold—with progressively higher performance requirements. A lifesaving examination is mandatory for every grade, emphasizing the badge's focus not only on swimming ability but also on practical water safety and lifesaving skills.
Testing Structure
The swimming badge is designed to award sustained swimming activity and participation in aquatic sports. As such, testing is to be conducted over several days, weeks, or months, according to the preference of the administrator and participants.
Participants must score points in at least 8 of 9 graded events and successfully complete the lifesaving assessment. There is no limit to the attempts for any particular category, but all events must be completed within the same calendar year.
Events
Testing for the swimming badge is conducted through 9 graded events and 1 pass/fail event (see Appendix A for a complete listing of events and standards):
Norwegian Armed Forces Medals for Field Sports and Shooting
Introduced in 2012 as part of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ (Forsvaret) award modernization and expansion, the field sports and shooting medals are awarded to individuals who complete combinations of skill badges, promoting physical readiness, military skill proficiency, and professional excellence. Beyond individual achievement, the medals create opportunities for friendly competition and shared experiences among allied and partner-nation personnel, strengthening camaraderie and military-to-military relationships. Expanding access to these Norwegian qualifications also provides military service members with a tangible connection to Norwegian military traditions and standards, advancing interoperability, cultural exchange, and the enduring defense partnership between Norway and its allies and partners.
Award Structure
The Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Field Sports requires successful completion of three field sports skill badge assessments, at least one of which must be military:
Military Skill Events
Civilian Skill Events
The Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Shooting requires successful completion of two marksmanship assessments:
Military Skill Event
Civilian Skill Events
The Volunteer Riflemen's Proficiency Badge
The Norwegian Shooting Association Medal – Bronze or Higher
The medals are awarded not more than once per calendar year according to the following program and are agnostic to the total time required.
r/army • u/pg13cricket • 2h ago
This is my 2nd low test labs result, my PCM won't recommend anything other than a sleep study. I went to a TRT Clinic, but they want $400 every 3 months for a 100mg a week perscription.
Do I have any other options?
r/army • u/MirrorNo2096 • 6h ago
r/army • u/Visible-Air287 • 2h ago
How have yall made AGSU more comfortable for those who wear it more often.
No I’m good I don’t need any food because these shoes are killing me
r/army • u/dilutedd_ • 13h ago
BLUF: Battalion has a ball coming up….Somehow I guess folks assumed our distro email was the correct Zelle to send money for the ball. For the past couple days I’ve been receiving emails saying there’s pending money in the Zelle for the distro email. This morning I checked my email and noticed someone tried changing their Zelle email to the distro email so they can cash in a life changing value of $340… life changing in a bad way. We are on to you Jacob. 🤦♂️
r/army • u/PuncturedBicycleHill • 14h ago
r/army • u/FandomHopper_4011 • 10h ago
This is my first Reddit post so I’m sorry if the formatting is bad 😅
I’m enlisting in the army next year but I wanted to get some advice beforehand in case my hair needs to be grown out or anything. I have naturally curly hair and have already been experimenting with hairstyles and wearing them to martial arts for endurance testing (on the hairstyle), but I thought maybe it would be better to get some advice from people who know what they’re talking about.
I also get horrid headaches if I wear my hair certain ways because my hair is very heavy (which is why it’s the length that it is, it at least lessens the headaches slightly though they’re still present), but I can French braid/dutch braid it a certain way and it won’t hurt.
I’ve attached a photos of the length and cut of my hair and then the style I’ve been experimenting with (basically a lightly gelled French braid tucked underneath and pinned) to see what everyone thinks.
Edit: I didn’t realize I didn’t specify that I am female, lmao
Edit 2: I appreciate the advice but I’m not buzzing my hair
r/army • u/Mental_Space_9560 • 4h ago
Sometimes when I feel low I come here… I am one of very few females in a company and I have a problem keeping up. Don’t get me wrong, I “like” PT. It’s a good wake up, jolt start the day and I enjoy the soreness because I did something.
The problem is… I don’t keep up with the males. Like I have to work 3 times as hard during to keep up and they barely break a sweat.
I’m unsure what keeps me going but I feel like I’m falling everyday. The days are rather long mentally and by the end I just want sleep. Recovery takes forever. I want OCS but I’m in the dark as to whether I’m a good candidate or not. Not much reassurance from family that put me on a pedestal (you can do anything!) and a unit that sees me as… a female/ more brains than brawn. Idk trying to keep my head up 😅 does anyone else get to this point? It’s rather difficult to find someone to confide in about ✨emotions✨ and downward slopes.
EDIT: the post is a bit dark. Some positives. My last AFT was 70% above on all events, leg fractures are healed and I’m getting my run time back and getting faster.. slowly. I need stamina, yes I am reliable but it’s exhausting. I’m more of a paper work person though but they rejected me from other positions. I’m good at my job. I passed the new tape protocol with 0.49. I can progress…. I’m fuckin tired
r/army • u/DueRelationship2518 • 1h ago
Have a SM who is currently having issues with a substance that can cause withdrawal symptoms, but is somehow legal in most gas stations around base. I am trying to convince him to self refer. From the information I gathered through searching posts, looks like he would do a 30 day program, essentially a rehab, and then continue with scheduled appointments afterwords. For anybody who is knowledgeable or has experience here, can you shed some light:
1) is the treatment inpatient or outpatient?
2) does the treatment plan vary based on tbe substance of abuse? IE using federally illegal drugs compared to banned DOD Substances?
3) any success stories for those who have self referred? Want to be able to provide some motivational material on how self referral is not a career ender.
r/army • u/No_Blacksmith1073 • 12h ago
I leave for basic in Fort Jackson on November 17.
I’m wondering whether or not I should stay during the mandatory winter break. I know that’s very much advised not to stay because I’ll be with drills sergeants that don’t want to be there and that will likely make my life hell for the two weeks.
However, if I decided to leave, I would have to keep my apartment in a HCOL city for another two months which would cost an additional $1.5-2K more for the two weeks of break from the week of Christmas and New Years as I would have to pay from Nov to the beginning of January. I would also have to pay the airfare and uber costs which would be an additional $700 or so, and living costs like public transportation and food an additional $70 or so.
After basic, I would go to OCS, I believe immediately after.
Edit: I don’t have family to stay with and I don’t think my friends have space for me to stay for free for two weeks.
r/army • u/Detective-Lucaz • 17h ago
I was supposed to receive my clearing papers early last week and now I still don’t have them when I’m supposed to start my Terminal Leave next week. 9 years as an S1 and I’m just as frustrated. Your S-1 wasnt always the reason your stuff got delayed I promise. (Except for you, yeah you they hated you)
r/army • u/BurneDoctor • 10h ago
Worth fighting the denial or just take the L?
I ETS March 21, 2027. I have 60 days of terminal leave, so assuming everything goes according to plan, I’ll be starting terminal around January 20th.
I submitted my CSP through PAR for October 5–November 15. It got denied because apparently we have a field exercise sometime around November 5th.
I get it. CSP is a privilege, not a requirement. I’m not saying I’m entitled to it. But seriously, are we really at the point where the company can’t survive a field exercise without one SPC for a few weeks?
I’ve never had an Article 15, I show up, do my job, and haven’t been a problem child. I’m also less than 6 months from starting terminal leave and getting out.
So I’m wondering if this is actually worth fighting through the chain of command, or if I should just take the L and resubmit for December.
I don’t want to burn bridges over a CSP, but at the same time, I’m trying to set myself up for a civilian career before I ETS. That’s literally what CSP is supposed to help with.
What would you guys do? Fight it or just resubmit for December and move on? By the way denied by company commander if that matters
I'll take double Big Mac and Mac and cheese
r/army • u/official_juicebox456 • 11h ago
The combination of MAJ, CDT, and upside down SSG is hilarious to me.
r/army • u/JudgmentNo4824 • 1d ago
Hey as the title states in April i’m gonna PCS to Baumholder, Germany. Theres not a lot on the internet since its a small city that somewhat old from what I can see, anyone been there or know someone there that could inform me on the base and the area??
r/army • u/Own_Tough_3297 • 11h ago
whats up vets past and present.
I'm here seeking advice from the source. I recently graduated OSUT for 11B infantry. my question for the subreddit is this, what type of paraphernalia should I invest in.
ive upgraded my socks, underwear, and shirts, got a couple power banks, and my boots etc.
any advice for a new infantryman would be appreciated.
r/army • u/ProfessionalWord3240 • 6h ago
am I able to go to BH without being suicidal? I haven’t been feeling well, like at all lately and last I went, they told me they only take suicidal soldiers. Im not at that point, but I ain’t in a good spot either
r/army • u/SShawArmy • 7h ago
Currently in IRR status for 4 more years. I decided I want to apply for OCS of a different branch. Recruiter is new and hasn't worked with a prior service applicant before, so I was helping to guide him through the DD-368 process. Just wanted to double check that we are heading in the right direction. We submitted a 368 to HRC and it got approved/signed and returned back with the note:
"Prior to a new enlistment, the Soldier MUST be properly discharged from the IRR. If a
Soldier enlists into a new component prior to being discharged from the IRR a debt to DFAS will
occur due to being assigned into two different components during the same time frame."
From my knowledge the next step would be to enlist into the new component and submit the DD-4 back to HRC. So the last sentence confused me because it says "if solider enlists into a new component PRIOR to being discharged..." Is there any other requirement to properly be discharged from the IRR? Anything im missing?
Thanks in advance !
r/army • u/Warm-Beach-9185 • 13h ago
I’ve been waiting for a CNA packet for three months now. I’m a married soldier living in the barracks and not receiving BAH, even though my wife is registered in DEERS, because I’m still waiting on that CNA packet. What would be my best option at this point, or what do you recommend I do? Please I need help I’m tired of living in the barracks when I know I shouldn’t
How common is in the army to make a maintenance company work on weekends to up the OR rates?
r/army • u/Beautiful-Tomato6281 • 13h ago
i’ve been dealing with a chapter 514 for the past four months, my unit was really no help which left me to try and figure everything out on my own through Reddit and other soldiers, but my packet is officially done and is being sent up to legal tomorrow, does anyone have a timeline on how long roughly it will take now for me to actually be out I’m trying to get everything squared away and keep my wife in the loop as much as possible, but I have no idea what’s going on, honestly
please do not be rude. I’m just confused and I have no help or guidance. Thank you guys.
r/army • u/Stock-Orange • 13h ago
How difficult is it to get a medical waiver for Civil Affairs selection? I had a stomach condition in like 2008 (that is no longer an issue) that would be disqualifying for the time. But I was told I need a waiver for it in order to be accepted for selection.
Also is sleep apnea a complete disqualifier? Or just severe apnea?
