AMLC Soldiers embrace fitness, build camaraderie through new Norwegian sports badge
FORT DETRICK, Md. – Stepping away from their desks to meet up on the physical training fields together, 16 Soldiers from U.S. Army Medical Logistics Command headquarters recently got to work toward earning one of the Army’s newest authorized foreign awards, the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge.
Spearheaded by Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Doll, the initiative proved that maintaining functional fitness and unit cohesion does not require extensive planning or rigid testing schedules. Instead, it relies on individual initiative, peer accountability and an everyday commitment to self-improvement.
“The whole purpose of it is to encourage lifelong fitness,” Doll said. “We get so sucked into the office environment here, sitting in meetings and at our desks. Just getting outside … having a good conversation with someone, getting fresh air and exercise, it makes your day a whole lot better.”
Established in 1915 by the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, the badge recognizes comprehensive athletic proficiency. Following an update to Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), the badge was authorized for acceptance, retention and permanent wear on the formal Army Green Service Uniform.
Unlike other foreign military events that require certified judges and direct coordination with foreign liaisons, the Norwegian badge operates on a decentralized buddy-testing model. Any two individuals who understand the published evaluation standards can administer and verify each other’s performance over the course of a single calendar year.
To earn the badge, participants must meet age- and gender-adjusted benchmarks in five distinct categories:
- Sustained Activity – Twenty recorded workouts lasting 30 minutes or longer, automatically fulfilled by active-duty physical training.
- Explosiveness and Precision – Dynamic events including standing long jump, high jump, or precision throwing.
- Speed – Short-distance sprints at 60 or 100 meters, speed swimming or cycling sprints.
- Strength – Calisthenics and lifts, including pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, back squats or bench press.
- Endurance – Distance events ranging from a 3-kilometer run to cycling, rowing, swimming, rucking or long-distance endurance runs, such as a marathon.
The varied curriculum reintroduced Soldiers to athletic movements rarely emphasized in typical formation PT routines.
“When we did the jumping events, like standing long jump, some of us quickly realized most of us haven’t jumped like that since we were kids,” Doll laughed.
The first of 14 AMLC Soldiers to earn the badge was Capt. Maggie Potter, who checked off her last category after finishing a full 26.2-mile marathon for her endurance requirement. Two more personnel are nearing completion.
“I wanted to try something new,” Potter said. “The Army has so many opportunities that you don’t always get the chance to do day-to-day. It wasn’t extremely hard, but some of the tests were definitely challenging because they asked us to do things we don’t normally do.”
For Potter, the biggest reward came from building connections across the unit.
“It was awesome being able to get out of the office and spend time outside with coworkers,” she said. “Being able to work out with them and get to know them better was a lot of fun. I’m very happy I did it, and I’ll be trying for the silver and gold badges in the years ahead.”
The badge reinforces continuous self-improvement through a tiered progression system. Soldiers earn bronze for the first four years, advance to silver in year five and qualify for gold after nine consecutive years.
“The intent isn't just to scrape by the minimum standard,” Doll said. “It’s about setting an ambitious goal for yourself that’s tough but achievable, giving you something real to train toward year after year. If you jumped 2.3 meters this year, aim for 2.5 meters next time.”
For Soldiers who have already completed the 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March, earning the sports badge fulfills two of the primary prerequisites for the upcoming Norwegian Field Sports Medal, scheduled for release by the Norwegian Embassy in late 2026.
Beyond the athletic milestones, the lunchtime PT sessions organized by Doll brought together junior enlisted Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and senior leaders across the command.
“Taking part was an enjoyable way to strengthen camaraderie and boost morale,” Lt. Col. Raquel Giunta said. “Sgt. 1st Class Doll’s coordination and lunchtime lane setup gave us a valuable opportunity to step away from work, recharge and try something new. The event challenged me to engage different muscle groups and explore new ways to stay fit.”
Doll, who is preparing to depart AMLC on permanent change of station orders, reflected on the community built during the challenge.
“It was just fun to reconnect outside of the everyday grind,” he said. “For me personally, getting ready to PCS in a few weeks, it was a great way to hang out with the team and have one last meaningful project together.”
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