FORT GREELY, Alaska - The distinctive foreign marksmanship award attached to Class A uniforms by a cord is sometimes seen worn by Soldiers who've been stationed in Germany. Stateside Soldiers rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to earn the "Schutzenschnur," so members of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) stationed here count themselves very lucky to have done so May 21 and 22.
The Schutzenschnur medal is earned for qualifying on a minimum of two NATO weapons. Soldiers may qualify on a variety of pistols and machine guns. With five areas required for range qualification, the type of badge earned is based on the area with the lowest score. Soldiers fortunate enough to qualify for the Schutzenschnur are awarded either a gold, silver or bronze award.
An exceptional 22 Soldiers from the 49th MDBn. were awarded with the prestigious gold German marksmanship badge, 31 were presented silver. Enlisted soldiers may display the badge on their dress uniform. Officers may accept the award, although it is not authorized for wear by this command.
The unique opportunity for the full-time National Guard Soldiers was engineered by Capt. Glenn Slaughter, who struck up a friendship with German officer Oberstleutnant Bernhard Prohaska while attending the Captains' Career Course at Fort Bliss, Texas. The oberstleutnant is stationed there with the German Forces Air Force/NATO Command USA/CA. It is part of Prohaska's duties to cultivate positive relationships between German and American forces.
An avid hunter, Prohaska was drawn to tales of Alaska's grandeur and peerless hunting. He volunteered to officiate at the Schutzenschnur competition while vacationing recently in the state. Hosted by the Soldiers of the 49th MDBn. for a portion of his vacation, he toured the surrounding area and did some fishing. (Rumor has it he fell in love with the state, and plans to build a summer cabin here.)
The two-day event, held at a qualification range here, was run flawlessly for the 76 Soldiers who enthusiastically participated.
"One of the best ranges that I have seen," said Prohaska at its conclusion, commenting that it was on par with the professionalism he had seen displayed by members of the 49th MDBn.
Each Soldier profusely thanked Prohaska for his efforts in officiating the unique German weapons range.
"I've been waiting my entire Army career to earn this badge which, previously, I've only seen on Soldiers stationed overseas," said Sgt. Joseph Ten-Eyke.
Prohaska said he would propose having the range officiated for Alaska National Guard Soldiers as a possible bi-annual event.
The success of the range was a credit to all involved. "Everyone came together" said Slaughter.
Sgt. Jason Martin, formerly of the U.S. Army marksmanship team, "was an excellent asset to Soldiers," said Slaughter. Martin conducted all-day clinics and improved Soldiers' shooting techniques prior to firing on the European and American small arms.
And, although one would not normally associate heat injuries with the state of Alaska, the range turned out to be held on the two warmest days since last summer, so the services of medic Staff Sgt. Fernando Sangco were much appreciated. He provided a safe environment and constantly checked on range conditions and Soldiers to ensure no heat injuries or accidents occurred during the competition.
All in all, there was much evidence of the partnership and positive relationships that both Germans and Americans wished to foster, in addition to great training!