The elite 61st Medical Battalion of the Tennessee State Guard (State Defense Force) has been at it again. Judging by their consistent and visible presence across social media and state military operations, they’re fast becoming one of the most active and engaged State Defense Force units in the country. While there may be other highly active units across the nation, without posting updates or reaching out to us at news@statedefenseforce.com, their efforts remain in the shadows. The 61st, however, stands out in the light—visible, vigorous, and vital.
Over the past few months, this distinguished unit has accomplished several noteworthy missions that have strengthened not only the Tennessee National Guard but also the bonds across the state’s military structure. From enduring elite endurance challenges to training combat troops and hosting international events, the 61st Medical Battalion is proving its operational value again and again.
On February 17, 2025, the 61st Medical Battalion once again hosted the Norwegian Foot March—an 18.6-mile military endurance event renowned for its difficulty and steeped in over a century of tradition. Braving cold rain, high winds, and rugged terrain, Guardsmen from the Tennessee State Guard marched alongside soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and cadets from five Army ROTC programs.
This year marked the 4th annual event hosted by the 61st, and as always, it was a true test of physical and mental grit. Out of 41 participants, 32 successfully completed the grueling course with a weighted rucksack—earning the highly respected Norwegian Foot March badge. More than just a medal, this tradition builds combat conditioning and reinforces readiness, endurance, and allied military camaraderie.
Shortly after the foot march, the 61st was back at it—this time leading a five-day Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course for the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Campbell. The training provided critical Role 1 trauma care instruction—life-saving support delivered at the point of injury and within battalion aid stations.
The unit brought deep medical expertise to the training, covering NAEMT-accredited programs like TCCC and PHTLS, as well as American Heart Association certifications including BLS, ACLS, and PALS. The 61st also integrated SGAUS Field Casualty Care instruction into the curriculum, showcasing its all-hazards capability as Disaster Response Liaison Officers. For the frontline 278th, this training wasn’t just theoretical—it could mean the difference between life and death in combat scenarios.
In April, the 61st Medical Battalion expanded its reach even further by planning, organizing, and executing a full German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) and Schützenschnur qualification event. With two active-duty Bundeswehr officers flown in from Germany, the multi-day event in Johnson City brought together soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army ROTC, and Tennessee State Guard.
The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) is a prestigious foreign military award presented by the German military to allied service members who meet rigorous physical, medical, and marksmanship standards. It includes events such as a 5K run, 100-meter sprint, 35-pound weight throw, 100-meter swim in uniform followed by a 32-minute water float, marksmanship qualifications with both pistol and rifle, and a 12-kilometer ruck march with 35 pounds of gear. The badge is available in gold, silver, and bronze levels depending on performance, and it is one of the few foreign awards authorized for wear on U.S. military uniforms.
Alongside the GAFPB, soldiers also had the opportunity to qualify for the Schützenschnur, the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency. This award recognizes marksmanship skills, primarily with rifle and pistol. While the Schützenschnur is traditionally worn by enlisted German soldiers, it is also awarded to foreign enlisted personnel as a symbol of weapons proficiency and allied military partnership. However, current regulations allow only enlisted soldiers to wear the badge on their uniform.
The event wasn’t just a display of physical excellence—it was a celebration of the enduring alliance between Germany and the United States. Soldiers pushed themselves through fatigue and discomfort to earn these respected foreign military distinctions, further cementing the camaraderie that transcends borders.
As Rear Adm. Axel Ristau, German defense attaché to the U.S., aptly noted, “It’s a visual sign of our outstanding bilateral cooperation. We both, the Americans and German soldiers who earn this badge, can be very proud.”
The event not only fostered international military partnership but also reinforced individual resilience. Stories from the event included troops finishing ruck marches on blistered feet and swimmers cramping mid-event but finishing regardless—emblems of grit, perseverance, and military pride.
In just a few months, the 61st Medical Battalion has made leaps and bounds, solidifying itself as a critical support component to the Tennessee National Guard. Their unwavering participation in physically and logistically demanding events, coupled with their invaluable role in training medical readiness, highlights the indispensable role of State Defense Forces.
Through these missions, the 61st doesn’t just serve their fellow soldiers—they serve their state, their nation, and the enduring bonds between every branch under the Tennessee Military Department. The 61st Medical Battalion exemplifies what a modern State Defense Force unit should be: agile, active, and indispensable.
61st MED planned, organized and executed the GAFPB and Schutzenschnur, conducted by 2 active duty Bundrswehr Officers flown in from Germany and hosted in Johnson City for competitors from the TNARNG, TNANG, ARMY ROTC, and TSG
There were 2 testing groups that spanned from Wednesday to Sunday consisting of a 5k run, 100m sprint, 35lb weight throw, 100m swim in uniform, 32 min float, 200m rifle and 25m pistol qual, then a 12k ruck with 35lbs.
Great event with new relationships formed!
