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
Day to Day Life
"What's a deployment like?"
Career Advancement/Growth Opportunities
Best Duty Station for your MOS
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:
35A Military Intelligence Officer
35B Strategic Intelligence Officer
350F All Source Intelligence Technician
350G Imagery Intelligence Technician
351L Counterintelligence Supervisory Special Agent
351M Human Intelligence Collection Technician
351Y Area Intelligence Technician
351Z Defense Attaché System Technician
352N Signal Intelligence Analysis Technician
352P Voice Intercept Technician
352S Signals Collector Technician
353T Intelligence Systems Maintenance Technician
09L Interpreter/Translator
35F Intelligence Analyst
35G Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
35L Counterintelligence Special Agent
35M Human Intelligence Collector
35N Signals Intelligence Analyst
35P Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor
35S Signals Collector/Analyst
35T Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator
Ask MOS questions unrelated to those listed. "How did your duties compare to a 19D when deployed?" or "Is it true an MP Company carries more firepower than an IN Company" are fine. "While this is up, what's 92F like?" is not.
Do not ask random joining questions. If your question isn't about the MOSes listed, then it probably belongs in a different Megathread, the Weekly Question Thread, or a new post.
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.
From Left to Right: The Norwegian Foot March Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, Ski Badge, Infantry Badge, Military Field Sports Badge, Sports Federation Badge, Swimming Federation Badge, Shooting Medal, and Field Sports Medal.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Straight: Participants travel 30 kilometers / 18.64 miles from the start position without turning around or using loops.
Out-and-Back: Participants travel 15 kilometers / 9.32 miles from the start position and then return to the start position using the same route.
Loop: Participants travel 10 kilometers / 6.21 miles in a loop from the start position no more than three times.
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:
Straight: Participants travel the required distance from the start position without turning around or using loops, finishing at a different location.
Irregular: Participants travel the required distance, but finish at the same location as the start position. No portion of the course may be reused for another portion or test.
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.
Configuration 1: A portion of the overall course, not exceeding 1/3 of the total distance, is devoted to orienteering.
Configuration 2: The entire course incorporates the orienteering portion of the test, requiring participants to navigate throughout its entirety.
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:
Date and Time Group - DDHHMMZMMMYY
From - Rank and Name
To - Rank and Name
What – Objects Observed (e.g. 4 armored personnel carriers)
Where – Where the Objects Were Observed (in vicinity of or other spatial reference)
When – Time the Objects Were Observed (different from message time)
How – Describe the Objects’ Activity (e.g. moving rapidly in the direction of)
Message Author (May Vary from Message Sender)
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:
Overall Course: Complete
Courier Message: 4/8 Elements Correct
Target Discovery: One Target Correctly Identified (Sketch and Count)
Distance Estimation: One Target Distance Accurately Estimated
Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: One Target Hit
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:
Firing Point 1: Participant sprints, with unloaded rifle or carbine, 350 meters to the first firing point and assumes an unsupported prone position. They load a magazine with five rounds and engage a target 200 meters away in their lane. Once the last round is fired, the lane safety will verify the weapon is clear and safe, releasing the participant to sprint to the next firing point.
Firing Point 2: Participant sprints 500m to the next firing point. Upon arrival, they pick up a pistol, load a magazine with five rounds, and engage a target 25 meters away in their lane. Once the last round is fired, the official timer stops their stopwatch and records the total time.
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.
Orienteering Control Marker
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.
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):
Group 1 – Sustained Physical Activity
Group 2 – Flexibility / Precision
Group 3 – Speed
Group 4 – Strength
Group 5 – Endurance
For testing purposes, you complete ONE event or more from each group.
Note: Some events are not available to each age grouping and sex.
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):
Event 1 – Freestyle Swimming
Event 2 – Backstroke
Event 3 – Fully Clothed Swimming
Event 4 – Sculling
Event 5 – Timed Freestyle, 100 m
Event 6 – Underwater Swimming
Event 7 – Diving
Event 8 – Unclothe in Water
Event 9 – Springboard, Dock, or Platform Diving
Event 10 – Lifesaving Assessment
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
The Norwegian Foot March Badge
The Norwegian Ski Badge
The Norwegian Infantry Badge
The Norwegian Military Field Sports Badge
The Norwegian Pentathlon Badge
Civilian Skill Events
The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge
The Norwegian Swimming Federation Swimmer Badge
The Norwegian Biathlon Association Badge
The Norwegian Armed Forces Medal for Shooting requires successful completion of two marksmanship assessments:
Military Skill Event
The Norwegian Sharpshooter Badge – Silver or Gold
Civilian Skill Events
The Volunteer Riflemen's Proficiency Badge
Awarded by the Det Frivillige Skyttervesen / The Volunteers Shooting Federation
The Norwegian Shooting Association Medal – Bronze or Higher
Awarded by the Norges Skytterforbunds / Norwegian Shooting Association
The embassy and liaison team are coordinating with the NAIS to establish American testing standards and branches.
The medals are awarded not more than once per calendar year according to the following program and are agnostic to the total time required.
What has happened to the NCO CORP? Over the last 7 years I've watched:
A training NCO admit he doesn't know why he was put into the position, then proceeded to teach outdated training despite being shown a new material was released.
A senior NCO flat out refuse a deployment, cheat on a the pre deployment testing and then lie his way through SRP.
A second Senior NCO throw a full faced production, Including tears at a junior soldiers funeral, then turn around and call the soldier a piece of shit and laugh at how the soldier died
A career NCO (5forlife) refuse to help out a junior soldier when his ride fell through, then recommended NJP while laughing.
Lastly, another NCO refusing to speak to the 1sg on a soldiers defense over an SOP, IN WHICH THE SOLDIER WAS CORRECT IN FOLLOWING.
What happened to us being the :outstanding leadership: and not using grade or position for pleasure profit or personal safety? Have we become a joke?
Insert the 'are we the bad guys' meme here.
I'll take a double baconator, I'm giving up, might as well be happy.
30 days and a reprimand seems light and absurd for this situation. His lawyer saying he's taken responsibility and the family wants privacy is extra ridiculous considering the OpEd where they appealed to Trump/Pete and claimed he was being targeted by the SHARP system.
He plead guilty to assault charges, one of which is for non-consensuallykissing a cadet. It's crazy that a lot of the other 'on campus' stuff that got his title ix complaint started didn't make it to court martial, but dude abused his position as a PMS to creep on the female cadets.
Almost 20 years ago I went to Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson. Most of my drill sergeants were mediocre and the lead drill sergeant liked to punch me in the chest during no brass no ammo checks. He also like to stomp my helmet into the ground during the low crawl. My Company Commander was absent most of the time. I don't remember his name, I just remember he didn't seem to care at all and he had an 18th MP patch. However, during one of our last 12 mile ruck marches, the Battalion Commander rucked with me almost the whole way. I'm a big, tall dude so I carried the 240, the whole way. I was just a Soldier but he gave me the time to ruck with me and talk to me. We talked about family, goals, career, and everything else. I was struggling with the soldierization process, the abuse, and family troubles, like so many young soldiers at Basic Training. He treated me like a human and it was nice.
Today he was at the top of an email chain that invited me to a meeting to sit at the table and I saw he was working in the Headquarters I worked in last year, just a block from my Battalion Headquarters. I called him and though we had spoken before at the HQ he and I worked at, I didn't realize who he was or that I had met him. That little act of kindness 20 years ago had helped me so much. I called him from my office and told him how much that meant to me.
He retired over 10 years ago and didn't remember me, but I just wanted to share how much those little acts of kindness mean to young Soldiers who are struggling. Now that I am a Battalion Commander, I will work hard to pay that forward to my teammates and make sure that I am kind and compassionate to the people on my team because I may never know what it means to them, but remembering that moment reminds me how much impact small acts of kindness have when they come from leaders.
I'll take a Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty and a Frescata Sandwich.
Hello everyone, as the title suggests, I believe my CO made a dumb decision which indirectly lead to the death of my parent and I’m not sure what course of action, if any, I can take. I’m honestly not sure if I’m so overcome by grief and anger that I’m not thinking straight or if I genuinely have an edge to stand on here. I would really appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and provide their feedback. I apologize in advance for the long post.
In late 2024, I got a phone call from my mom’s caretaker (family friend) that she started eloping, meaning that she was leaving a safe environment undetected and wandering off, getting lost, running of of gas, and being found by paramedics in the early hours of the morning, an entire state away. He informed me that she had done it several times, and this was my first red flag that something was wrong with my mom. My mom and I live in different states.
In early 2025, whilst at NTC (preparing for a 2025 EUCOM rotation), I got another call, this time from my brother and SIL (who live a few blocks away from my mom and caretaker), that the caretaker had left my mom alone, and that somehow she fell down the stairs and broke her arm. They reported (and I saw pictures) that she ended up with two black eyes as well. Accusations were being thrown around that my mom was being physically abused by the caretaker. I was getting conflicting accounts by all parties as to what happened, and at the same time, my mom’s phone somehow got broken. The only person able to tell me what really happened was suffering with cognition issues and I was unable to get any real answers. With no way to contact her directly, and with opposing views on what really happened that day, I called the local police department to do a welfare check, and also filed a case for potential elderly abuse.
I reported all of this to my 1SG. My SIL tried to put a Red Cross message, but that was obviously denied because it wasn’t an emergency.
Well, in late 2025, I got another call, this time from my mom. She didn’t sound right. She was talking in incomplete sentences, talking about people that didn’t exist, laughing in a strange and unwarranted manner. I asked my caretaker what was going on with her and he said he didn’t know but that he had set an appointment a few months out with a neurologist to evaluate her. Well the appointment happened, and I was told by the caretaker that the doctor evaluating her said that she had the cognitive function of about a 6 year-old.
The problem is that the caretaker was financially in shambles. He was struggling to pay for their insurance and her insurance only covered so much because they had just moved states to be closer with my brother and SIL, and her insurance was in the process of transferring over.
I sat down with my 1SG and CO and explained the situation to them and pleaded with them that I felt like my mom wasn’t receiving the care that she needed, and that if I could have her come live with me, and pay for her monthly expenses, I could claim her as a dependent and put her under tricare so that I could guarantee that she get the care she needs. Additionally, I told them that every time I spoke with her on the phone, she sounded a little less coherent and that I could tell she was getting worse. She had a variety of other illnesses like diabetes and hypertension and the caretaker confided in me that there were several times that she could not take her medications because he could not afford to pay the copays until he got paid.
My mom, as cognitively impaired as she was, would insist that her caretaker hit her. I have her on a recorded line saying this. The caretaker and my brother and SIL do NOT get along with each other. The caretaker filed a power of attorney and my mom signed unknowingly because she had dementia for goodness sake, and my sibling filed several police reports for abuse, and elderly neglect. They were warring with each other and my mom was caught in the crossfire. I needed to get her out of there. All of this was explained to my command team.
I told them in very plain English that I was very worried that my mom would not make it through my deployment with her current care, and pleaded with them to let me sit this one out to sort out my family affairs. My CO looked me dead in my eyes and told me that the mission needed me more and that I absolutely had to go on this deployment. I asked for leave so that I could go see her for myself and check on her, and he denied me and said we were too close to the deployment date for that. He told me I’d need a medical emergency in order to get any leave approved. My brother and SIL tried to put in another Red Cross message, but was once again denied because it wasn’t a true emergency.
So on deployment I went. I listened over the phone as my mom got worse and worse, and there was nothing I could do. I kept promising that upon my arrival back stateside, I would take custody of her and finally monitor her care closely to make sure she was getting her medical needs looked after.
Well, in May of this year, only 2 months before the end of my deployment, she sadly she passed away. It was very sudden. I was on a convoy on my way to port when I got the call. I had to be turned around and sent back to FOS to await the next main body flight out so that I could sort out her funeral. That went well enough, but after months of grieving, I have started to feel very angry at my CO for not taking me seriously. I told him she wouldn’t make it because of her circumstances with her insurance and a financially unstable caretaker that was potentially abusive. And I was right. I told him everything that I am putting in this post, and still he decided to send me on this deployment, and now my mom is dead, may she rest in peace.
I don’t even know what to do. I don’t know if this is grounds to be taken somewhere, where that somewhere even is, or if I’m even justified in my righteous anger on behalf of my late mom. Please, if anyone can provide some insight, tell me I’m crazy, or tell me if there’s a chance I can get justice for my mom by having this man face the consequences of his (in my opinion) stupid decision, I would love to hear it.
If you read this far, thank you and just put the fries in the bag.
Got a call from an Army recruiter out of the blue and asked if any communications/PA positions were open. That's my college major, so I saw it as a potential opportunity to serve while building my résumé in a field related to my degree. He said absolutely and invited me to the office to discuss it.
When I arrived, he had me take a practice ASVAB. He liked all my scores except math, which he thought was decent but could use some improvement. He was confident I'd score in the excellent range with some studying.
When we started discussing jobs, he tried steering me away from communications and toward other MOS, including demolitions, armorer and intelligence.
He argued that communications would be boring because I'd essentially be learning what I already studied in college, and I'd have more fun learning a new skill. When I continued insisting on communications, he brought in two other recruiters to share stories about how honorable it is to serve in any capacity and claimed I could enlist in an available MOS and switch to the one I wanted later, emphasizing that serving was the reward regardless of the job.
When I refused to commit without knowing I'd get the MOS I wanted, the recruiter finally admitted there were zero openings in communications. He still encouraged me to enlist, promising he'd make sure I get the MOS i want as soon as a spot opened up.
When he realized I wasn't budging after i'd been there well.over an hour, he said he'd monitor openings and call me when one became available. I have yet to hear back.
Is this a normal experience at an Army recruiting office?
I’ve been seeing BH, been checked out the psych ward a while back; but last BH I had some mental health issues I still feel the need to address and seek treatment for. I went back to my troop office and 1SG tells my PSG i am kicked out of BH. No explanation no follow up -> so I bring it up to patient advocate. I go to a group BH class the next morning and a Major saw my email to patient advocate. He brings me in to his office to discuss the details. He calls my provider, asking her if she said anything to the effect that I can no longer see BH. She says no. Major asks if I want him to call 1SG, I tell him no because I’m uncomfortable with that plus my 1SG and CO are leaving in two weeks. Major schedules me for a different provider to do an evaluation. Today, my PSG calls me into his office asking why I have BH appointments and I told him my original provider was asked about it and she never said anything about being kicked out of BH. I told him it was a Major that scheduled my eval.
I shoot expert on the M4 qual every time (and the m17 for that matter) so have started to help with PMI for my unit. I want to take a small group of soldiers to a local gun range off post to help them practice some rifle marksmanship… I don’t believe in “pay to train” generally but it’s a small group all willing to spend some money on ammo to help learn marksmanship skills, so I’m cool with letting them run rounds through my rifle. We are in a high promotion point cutoff MOS so everyone is okay spending money to try and get these points.
Because the local ranges max out at 100 yards, and more realistically we’d be firing at a 25 yard indoor range, I was wondering if there would be a point in practicing with the old paper qualification targets. Trigger time will help with fundamentals but in terms of actually improving at the qualification range I’m not sure if the paper targets are a valid way to seek improvement. Just asking thoughts, or trying to see if there are other methods I’m not seeing to help improve range qual scores.
I’m mostly just trying to see if this is even a thing? My understanding was once a commander initiates separation that you become non deployable.
I started separation back in may and was told up until very recently I would not be going. I was now informed that despite me still being flagged for separation (I just checked prior to making this post) my paternity leave would be cut short and I’d still go despite not sending any of my stuff there and having 6 different things that make me non deployable. I am also phase phase 1 complete and phase 2 medical complete
I already did one rotation and loved it, that’s not the issue. My son is 6 weeks old and me and my wife agreed it would be better for me to just get out so that I don’t miss the first year of his life.
Am I mistaken and they really are able to just send me? Or should I try contacting ig?
Doing a map recon it seems like the Okinawa "ville" is more spread out and bases in Korea have restaurants, bars, and other businesses in a condensed walkable area right outside the gate. Is this the case, maybe there is a strip/walking street I am not finding? In Korea taxis line up on each side of the the gate to drive you to work or your apartment in town. For everything else you have easy access to a bus or train station so there is no need for a car. Any up-to-date information on Okinawa is helpful. I am trying to help someone make a decision. I've also hear and read some restaurants won't allow foreigners in and there can be a bad attitude towards Americans. Obviously right now would be a good example.
For context, I’m a LT in S3 purgatory in a line company. I commissioned G2G and went Infantry. I’m a prior 11C and tabless due to injuries. I’m training to go back in springtime.
Because I’m prior Infantry the enlisted seem to love and respect me instantly and come to me a lot more than the other officers. I remind them about chain of command, but it keeps happening. Now there’s talk of me picking up a platoon over some of the other LTs who have been here longer. I might be overreacting, but I don’t think they like me. I’m usually out of the loop on most of their conversations or social life. And when I do ask for help or advice I usually get a cold response or “figure it out”.
I really don’t try to step on toes, and help where I can. Have any other mustangs run into this problem that can help correct me?
EDIT: thank you all for your feedback. I’m hoping I’m just reading too much into this, and need to work more on my NCO to officer transition.
Please someone give me a good duty station I am at fort hood with HORRIBLE NCOs more E-5s then 6 or 7s but still you have SLs falling out of runs people doing drugs selling drugs, nothing happens you just sit there everyday I thought as a 11B I’d be so highspeed doing highspeed shit unlike the “pogs” and now I think they do more highspeed stuff then us. I wanna be in the army I love it but this is not what I expected I don’t want this first base to determine the whole army it’s self, can anyone please direct me to a better duty station before I just decide to leave
If I’m off and on profile around 6 months for the same issue, but I was able to attend the field, do my pt test, ruck and approved to go to ntc. How is it possible for my pcm to issue me a chapter 5-14 even after being off profile for 1 1/2 month when it was issued? How am I physically unfit to do my job when I’m still doing it on and off profile. I’m literally in the field whilst this chapter process is out but I’m unfit to do it? I was also given 30 days to complete a checklist to correct any “deficiencies” as apart of this list but no one is tracking any and to make it worse my pcm I need to get evaluated by has no appointment availability till after the 30 days and won’t make exceptions even after bringing it up to my 1SG/Company commander.
Just need someone to shed some light on this cause I’m extremely confused
As a new team leader, I keep getting nagged for not using the right counseling forms. If I'm not using the old 4856, I have to go to the USO to use adobe and open adobe files. Same goes for PowerPoint, Word, and other similar sites. I've tried doing it in the platoon office like they want, but it always wants me to try and pay for it or tells me I need to talk to an admin so I just have leave to the uso anyway.
Is there some weird army thing I'm doing wrong on these computers or is it just completely out of my hands.
