The tests for the Deutsches Sportabzeichen took place in Frosinone; this is a recognition by the Federal Republic of Germany. The gymnastic tests, aimed at assessing the physical qualities of military personnel, were organized by the 72nd Air Force Flight. The successful completion of these tests results in the award of the Sport Badge, which has the dignity of an Order and Honorific of the Federal Republic of Germany. The tests evaluated the participants’ aquatics skills, explosive power, speed, strength, and aerobic and muscular endurance, and enabled the 72nd Air Force to promote sports activities and the dissemination of a healthy gymnastic culture among military personnel. Certified gymnast (Pressüfer), identified by the German Authorities, for the verification of this testing session was the 1st Lieutenant Pino D’Astore Sergio of the Naval Force. Among the 64 candidates, in addition to personnel from the 72nd Air Wing, there were also military personnel from other AM entities and other Armed Forces, in particular the 41st “Cordenons” Regiment from Sora and the 80th Volunteer Training Regiment from Cassino. The tests are divided into eight age groups: 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years, 50-54 years, 55-59 years. Each candidate must pass four types of tests depending on the physical performance to be verified: aerobic endurance, explosive power, speed and aquatic ability, agility and coordination. The fact that these tests are all conducted within the same day assesses the candidate’s aerobic and muscular endurance. For physical endurance, a 3000 m run is planned. For explosive power, one of the three proposed tests can be chosen: the weight throw (the weight varies according to age and gender), the brick throw, and the standing jump. For speed and aquatics, one of the two proposed tests can be chosen: the 100m run (or 50m in the case of younger age groups) or the 25m swim. For agility and coordination, one of the two proposed tests can be chosen: the high jump and the long jump. Depending on the results obtained in the four types of tests (times in the speed and distance tests for throws and jumps), one can obtain the bronze medal, the silver medal, and the gold medal. Six soldiers from the 72nd Storm Wing have obtained the German Sports Certificate, respectively the Gold Medal for M1 Giuseppe C. and SMCapo Dino I., and the Silver Medal for Major Emiliano R., Captain Pasquale P., Lt. Col. Luigi C., and M1 Fabio M.
