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RSS goes for gold at German Schutzenschnur

Oct- 2-2009 » Filed Under: 2nd SCR

2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment PAO

Pfreimd, Germany – More than 25 Soldiers from the Regimental Support Squadron (RSS) of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment traveled to Pfreimd, Germany Thursday to enjoy some quality time with their German counterparts participating in a weapons qualification event known as the Schutzenschnur.

The event was hosted by the RSS partnership unit, Combat Support Logistics Battalion 4. The Schutzenschnur is the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency. To earn the coveted badge, Soldiers must successfully qualify with the German service rifle (G36) and the German machine gun (MG3). The award is broken down into three grades gold, silver and bronze. The overall score for each individual Soldier determines the award they receive. The coveted Schutzenschnur rope is one of only three German medals authorized to be worn on the U.S. Service members Class A uniform.

According to German Master Sergeant Stefan Hagel, one of the event hosts, the day wasn’t about competition, it was more about brotherhood.

“Today is all about partnership,” Hagel said. “This is a day to get people together and see how we can work together and get to know each other.”

Hagel stressed the importance of Soldiers connecting on a personal level.

“I have often been in contact with U.S. Forces through partnerships,” he said. “Meeting people from other countries means learning about different cultures and different points of view.”

Sgt. Mark Ellis has been waiting to compete in a Schutzenschnur for a long time.

“This is my third tour in Germany,” he said. “This the first time, in six attempts, I have been able to get a slot so I am excited to be here.”

For Sgt. Jayme Thompson the event was a chance to do something he has never done before.

“I have never fired a machine gun before,” he said. “I am use to firing a rifle and pistol so it was a little different for me.”

Thompson said that despite his lack of familiarity with the weapon, he felt comfortable due largely in part to the help of his German counterparts.

“The guys on the line were really helpful,” he said “If you didn’t know something they went out of their way to teach you.”

Both Ellis and Thompson echoed the sentiments of their fellow participants and said they thoroughly enjoyed the event and will remember it for a long time.


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