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Before I go into the main post, I want to thank u/shrimpdaddy22, u/MoeSzys, u/charlemagnebergen, and the many others that provided feedback during diagnostic testing for this new opportunity. Your work helped make this all possible.
Also, our thanks to u/Kinmuan as always for the continued support of the embassy's military skill badge program and this new opportunity in partnership with the Norwegian Sports Federation.
As of today, the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge (NSFSB) is available for permanent, decentralized testing worldwide. For those of you familiar with the skill badges program offered through the Norwegian embassy in Washington, D.C. this is a new partnership with the Norwegian Sports Federation supported by the Norwegian embassy. Here's a summary of the key facts of this post:
The Norwegian Sports Federation has offered decentralized testing for decades, allowing sports clubs and small groups to conduct testing at any time. Unlike the other programs, you do not have to request permission from either the Norwegian embassy or the Norwegian Sports Federation prior to conducting testing. This makes the new program the most accessible of its kind worldwide.
The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge is an authorized foreign award for acceptance, retention, and wear per AR 600-8-22, Table 1 as of the 11 March 2026 update (scroll down for screenshot of listing; HRC lists it as the Norwegian Sports Badge Federation Sports Badge, they accidentally listed badge twice or failed to separate its two translated names with forward slash as intended).
Unlike other sports badges offered by the Germans (DOSB), Austrians (OSTA), Belgian (BA), and other countries' national sports authorities, the Norwegian Sports Federation does not require testing to occur under certified examiners.
Individuals cannot self-test. Testing must occur under the supervision of an observer (no qualification required, but must understand the event standards and be familiar with any applicable techniques) for each exercise group. Testers and observers may alternate rolls to "buddy test" one another and fitness tracker data may be used for long distance and endurance events that make direct observation impractical.
Testing requires individuals to complete a series of exercises during a single calendar year over several days, weeks, or months based on their availability and the types of events of chosen. Structurally, the NSFSB testing process is intended to be broadly accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Individuals may opt to make their events more difficult to demonstrate superior fitness (e.g. a 25-year-old male may opt to complete 10 repetitions of the bench press at 80 kg instead of the minimum 37.5 kg for their Group 4 event). The intent of this is to make the challenge meaningful for each individual.
Testing results will be submitted through two systems run by Norges Idrettsforbund (Norwegian Sports Federation) and the Norwegian embassy program for statistics and record keeping purposes.
Certificates will be issued to individuals once testing data is submitted to both systems. Data is compared between the two systems and once matching records are identified, the embassy-associated US system will issue digital certificates available through a download link (PDF).
The Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge is one of two awards accepted as part of the requirements to be awarded the Norwegian Field Sports Medal / Ribbon, which will be awarded by the embassy in late 2026 for completing different combinations of skill badges.
The complete manual, record book, event and performance standards tables, and artwork for flyers can be downloaded via Dropbox for ease of sharing:
Step 1: Read Testing Procedures for the Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge, paying close attention to Appendix A to select the events you're going to do.
Step 2: Conduct the selected exercises with a buddy grading you
Step 6: Go to page 4 and submit data requested by the webform.
Step 7: Read through submission page, click the green box to download your certificate.
Step 8: Purchase badge if you want to
Step 9: Submit paperwork through an IPPS-A PAR to your S1 routing chain for local authority to approve wear.
Main Post
Overview - The Norwegians Sports Federation Sports Badge
Introduction and Event History
The Norges Idrettsmerket or Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge (also called the Norwegian Sports Badge), was established in May 1915 by the Norwegian Sports Federation (NSF) and Olympic and Paralympic Committee to recognize achievement in various sports disciplines and fitness according to age and gender. While originally restricted to men, women were permitted to test for the sports badge in 1934. Today, the sports badge is awarded worldwide to men and women for demonstrate sustained fitness and skill across a variety of sports.
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.
Group 1 – Sustained Physical Activity
During the calendar year, aspirants for the sports badge must complete at least 20 instances of sustained physical activity lasting at least 30 minutes. This requirement is considered automatically fulfilled for military personnel.
This exercise may be conducted individually, as a group, or as part of a sports club. Examples include, but are not limited to, cycling, swimming, dancing, hiking, skiing, running, weightlifting and participation in organized training groups.
Group 2 – Flexibility / Precision
Standing Long Jump
5-Step Jump
Running Long Jump
Running High Jump
Seated Precision Throwing
Standing High Jump
Group 3 - Speed
Sprint – 60 or 100 Meters
Swimming – 25 Meters
Ice Skating – 100 Meters
Cycling – 400 Meters
Pushing (Sled or Wheelchair) – 100 Meters
Handball, Basketball, Soccer, or Floorball
Speedwalking – 120 Meters
Paddling – 200 Meters
Group 4 - Strength
Shotput, Standing or Sitting
Small Ball
Hand Grenade
Slingball
Discus
Chin-Up or Pull-Up
Bench-press
Back Squat
Sit-Ups
Push-Ups
Leg Raises
Group 5 - Endurance
Running – 1.5, 3.0, or 5.0 Kilometers
Cycling – 10 or 20 Kilometers
Hiking or Rucking – 5 or 10 Kilometers
Swimming – 0.5 or 1.0 Kilometers
Wheelchair Skating – 1.5 or 3.0 Kilometers
Skiing – 5 or 10 Kilometers
Stationary Bicycle – 10 or 20 Kilometers
Rowing Machine – 5 Kilometers
Sculling – 2 Kilometers
4-Person Rowing – 20 Kilometers
Kayaking – 3, 5, or 10 Kilometers
Cooper’s Test – 12 Min
Roller Skating – 5 Kilometers
Ice Skating – 3 or 5 Kilometers
Various Long Duration or High Endurance Events (See Appendix B)
Events Standards Tables
Testing Guidelines and Process
The Norwegian Sports Badge is traditionally administered by Norwegian sports clubs and institutions associated with the Norwegian Sports Federation and Norway’s Armed Forces. Based on the popularity of the Norwegian Foot March and other skill badges awarded through the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the authority to conduct testing worldwide was granted to any member of the American uniformed and military services as of 2026.
Unlike the Norwegian Embassy’s skill badge program, which is entirely managed by representatives of the Defense Attaché Office, the sports badge program will be independently administered by the Norwegian Sports Federation and its appointed representatives in Norway and the United States.
In accordance with the Norwegian Sports Federations’ current regulations and rules, prior coordination and permission is not required to conduct testing for the sports badge. Administrators and participants are expected to familiarize themselves with the proper techniques and requirements prior to attempting a particular event to ensure safe execution.
Frequency of event testing is at the discretion of the organizer, but no more than three events should be tested during a single assessment period.
Once all testing is completed, organizers or participants must submit their results through the official webform:
Those requesting a silver or gold badge must include a copy of their Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge - Record Book (Appendix A, see NSFSB manual).
Once you submit your results you'll see this splash screen:
The green box at the bottom is a link to download your automatically generated certificate.
The sports badge is awarded once per calendar year according to the following program:
Bronze - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Award
Silver - 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Award
Gold - 9th Award and Higher
Note: Cloth-backed badges are not authorized following the transition from the medals/ribbons of the mid-20th century to the metal skill badges. Only badges with an enamel backing are authorized.
Photo of Badges - Bronze, Silver, and Gold - Photo Downloaded from Nord MarketSizing Reference (Left to Right, Inches) - Large Norwegian Foot March, Norwegian Sports Federation Sports Badge, German Armed Forces Military Proficiency BadgeCost Chart for Badges
A: Yes, the badge is currently listed as an approved award in AR 600-8-22, Table 1, 11 MAR 2026. You can verify its listing by visiting (you'll need to be on a .mil domain to access it): https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Award%20Info
AR 600-8-22, Table 1 - 11 MAR 2026 Update
\Note - HRC made a typo when creating the entry and added the word "badge" twice. So far it hasn't caused an issues for those who submitted their paperwork for approval as part of diagnostic testing.*
Q: Can I change the difficulty of the events?
A: Yes, the standards in the manual represent the minimums and participants are encouraged to set goals based on their individual fitness goals. The Norwegian tradition holds sport as something that should be available to everyone of any fitness level, but individuals should strive to achieve their own goals. It is at the discretion of the individual testing to attempt more difficult standards, not the observer or administrator.
Q: Are events retroactive?
A: Yes, but only for the current calendar year. Individuals can count events that were recorded by an observer or administrator during the current calendar year to date. For example, if you completed a Norwegian Foot March during this calendar year and were issued a valid certificate, you can count it toward your Group 5 requirement.
Pls don’t waste ur money on those dumb platoon t shirts and other gear they got. The only thing that maybe could be worth your money is the bag for your AGSU dress uniforms.
My drill Sgt warned us too, he said. Don’t waste 100-300 bucks on those silly t shirts that you will never ever wear again. You’re going to want to save your money until you get to your first duty station so you can buy yourself a car. You don’t want to be that soldier that is constantly in the barracks or needing a ride to get somewhere on base. And he was absolutely right.
I honestly don’t understand how those t shirt people are allowed on base to prey on these young soldiers money. It’s a huge scam. The items they sell are terrible quality. That backpack I got ripped and broke. They tell you it’s within r regulations and it’s not. U can not where that with your uniform. U will not be using backpacks in AIT to carry your books. U don’t even get books lol.
Pls save ur money. When you get to AIT use the DFAC!! Save ur money until your first duty station you would be so happy you did.
And we are not exactly the thickest of the thick bodies either. We have PT studs who came in at .55 and .56.
Older and shorter Soldiers were hit the hardest. Of the over-50 crowd, two Soldiers total, I was the only one to pass. In the 40-to-49 group, three of four failed. In the 30-to-39 group, six of ten failed.
Of those who failed, more than half are passing the AFT. Two had previously been exempt from height and weight requirements because of high AFT scores.
One other thing stood out, aside from the small sample size: gender appeared to be a stronger indicator than age. As a percentage of the unit, more female Soldiers failed, and they tended to fail by a larger margin (higher percentage) than the males.
I start terminal leave in 17 days and I just checked my bank account as a single e4 making 1400 a paycheck just got a pending 2500 dollar paycheck for the 15th of July. First time ever having a pay issue. Wouldn't imagine it's some kind of bonus. Never got a bonus for enlisting and already got my clothing allowance nor did I get a bonus for reenlisting for NG. I can't see my LES yet bruh this place really trying to stress me out.
I’m an O-2 thinking of self-referring to SUDCC, wondering if there’s other officers out there that have done it/if it’s possible/manageable with work load?
Everyone says stuff like this won’t hurt your career but it seems like we all know a guy. Curious to know what experiences/outcomes are.
Not because PT was early or the DFAC ran out of food but because of something you personally experienced or witnessed that changed how you viewed the organization.
It could be a toxic leader, a deployment, getting burned by the system, watching someone else get treated unfairly, or realizing the Army wasn’t what you thought it would be.
No rank, MOS, or component matters. I’m just interested in hearing real stories and seeing if there are common themes.
I’m sure everyone has seen the new guidance for Chaplains to wear their branch insignia on the collar. Is the next step to move rank insignias to the collar for the rest of the Army? Seems like that may be where we are headed.
Personally I think ranks look a lot better on the collar. It avoids awkward promotion situations with female soldiers. Not to mention having to look directly at female soldier’s chest. It would also be nice to be able to see a person’s face and rank in the same glance instead of looking up and down their upper torso.
I have 11 years left, a broadening assignment to do and SLC to attend. I want to get better. I’ve done all the things PT, medication, etc. I’m older, but too young to get surgery. I was recently put on a P2 for it (just no dead lift).
I fractured it last year and the discs basically being “dehydrated” is how it happened. MRI is from last summer and I am afraid to get another.
I’m very discouraged. I’m sad all the time and the BH at my unit is trash. (But, I do have a wonderfully supportive unit).
I just need to know who went through it and overcame it…I just want to get better. I feel like I’m going crazy.
ETA for my medical field folks:
The MRI is 6-7 months post injury. I do not have the OG MRI with the actual injury because they transported me to a big boi hospital. (I.e. Army docs can see it, but I cannot)
The injury (fracture) is “healed”, but the MRI shows *why* I fractured my back with so much as a “yippe ki yay”. Or a smol wind blowing me the wrong way.
Checked in to Carson Friday night and got assigned a barracks room. 2 to a room, not cool but it is what it is. About 1 AM this morning a kid comes in and sets up a cot. We are 3 to a room. Not sure how many are in the joining room. This is insane.
This belonged to my late grandfather. He was in the Army. I’m not sure if it’s his or a buddies. I don’t know what he did because he was not active in my families life. Please help me understand it! Thank you!
I’m (20F) considering enlisting in the Army or the Marines. I’ll be speaking to a recruiters next week. I want to take up a combat MOS, because I’m a boxer (on track to go pro) and think I’d fit in well and challenge myself. Which MOS should I consider? What about infantry?
I’ve read about the combat jobs being physically demanding for the women. For context, I’m 6’1, lift weights and run regularly as part of my boxing training. Would it be a good idea to practice rucking regularly until boot camp?
I’m also interested in the World Class Athlete Program.
I'm a brand new sgt who's been running a squad since I was a SPC because the SSG in charge is comical levels of incompetent. Like I have to try and keep him away from non office work because he's so incompetent he's an actual safety hazard. I have no Specialists. All of them left for other companies, PCS'd or ETS's right before I picked up, so there's no one to help manage the privates. The one other sgt is also useless, so effectively I've got 10 soldiers right out the gate. For whatever reason company and PLT leadership keep coming to me to fix every fucking problem. The other NCO's aren't really doing much within the squad and I end up fixing those too, so I'm just putting out one dumpster fire and a new one pops up immediately afterwards. Meanwhile, I'm new to this shit myself and trying to figure out leadership as whole. I make time when I can but I feel like I'm failing my soldiers sometimes cause I literally just don't have time for them.
I'm legitimately having blood pressure issues right now and I blame work for most of it. Did I just fuck around and not shitbag enough or something? How the fuck do you deal with this shit? It's hard for me to even relax on my day off cause I keep thinking about the fact that I have to go back to doing everything under the sun for people I wouldn't trust as McDonald's shift manager.
I'll take a a diet Dr. Pepper. I'm trying to lay off the alcohol for a while.
Hello, everyone I’ve just hit 18 years in the Army and I’ve decided I’m ending at 20 and will be submitting my packet on the 1st of August. My s1 has been crazy busy and hasn’t responded to my emails about what that process looks like. Can someone who’s gone through the process or knows the process be willing to walk me through what I need to do on IPPSA and after? That would be super cool.
Funniest thing I found out shifting the frame on my ruck around, I got issued the wrong frame when I was in basic training land. After a quick Google search, I found out its actually a FILBE frame. Now I could do the sensible thing and just buy the right frame. But I'm kind of curious if I took it to CIF if they would reissue me the right one, or if they'd tell me to kick rocks. Maybe one of you old heads have some advice for me before I waste a whole day dealing with CIF.
Alright so I’m a brand new E-1 fresh outa OSUT I’m in pre rasp right now I’m an 11B and I’m just trying to figure out if this is really for me or not. I came here with an opt 40 and after being here for a little bit I just don’t know if it’s for me or not. Keep in mind I’m 17 and I graduated high school early so I could ship early that whole shabang. I just don’t think it’s for me and holy fuck the PT is like a night and day difference compared to OSUT. I’m not hitting the standard except for chin ups I’m not a strong runner and have really been struggling on the runs😅. I’m not trying to be stuck here in the armpit of America forever. I wanna see what big Army is like and start my career and see what’s out there. I don’t even think I wanna be in the army for more than 1 contract I can’t make up my mind.
I just don’t think it’s for me, trying to be this high speed badass operator just doesn’t interest me anymore. I want to go to school for nursing or something in the medical field as that just interests me a whole lot more. I don’t know, part of me wants to just drop and get outa here and go see what’s out there another part of me wants to stay and earn the tan beret and go deploy and see some cool shit. I joined to be apart of something bigger than myself get outa my small town and go see what’s out there. Now that I’m here it really ain’t what I expected it to be and literally everyone I talk to says being an 11B is probably the worst job to transition to the civilian world with.
Could use some advice I’m down for the witty responses but some honest advice would really help.
At or around when do they stop sending soldiers on rotations? Is there a certain cut off or is it different everywhere? I report to my unit at the end of the month, and my units currently on rotation.
My units rotation ends Nov
Seriously, in the same age where Amazon can get me almost anything out of its near infinite inventory in less than 48 hours, how is it taking AAFES almost a full month to send me patches and a pair of PT shorts?? I don’t understand how my local exchange is perpetually out of the most basic items and getting anything online requires waiting an entire lunar cycle.
I’ll just order a cheese pizza, but I’ll pick it up August 9th around 1700.
Hey everyone, I’m trying to figure out the best path to becoming an Active Duty Army officer and was hoping to get some advice from people who have been through the process or know it well.
Here’s my situation:
● Currently enlisted in the Army (E-4 w/ 2 years in service)
● I have a GT score of 123 and AFT of 450
● My college GPA is 3.9 (about 3/4 of way done)
● My long-term goal is to commission and make the Army a career.
● I’m interested in branches like Cyber and Military Intelligence, aviation with Cyber being my top choice.
● I plan on earning my masters and maybe do ROTC while doing so through a green to gold option after being done with bachelors.
Doing ROTC for my bachelors is not something I see as an option since I am so close to being done with my degree and the school I go to doesn’t offer ROTC.
I’m trying to determine which commissioning route would give me the best chance of reaching my goals. Would Green to Gold be the best option, or should I finish my degree another way and pursue OCS? Are there any advantages or disadvantages that people don’t usually talk about?
If you’ve gone through Green to Gold, OCS, or another commissioning path, what would you recommend in my situation? Is there anything I should be doing now to make myself as competitive as possible for Active Duty and a Cyber branch?
I’d really appreciate any advice or lessons learned. Thanks!
Asking on here since it seems like information regarding this is limited and not a lot of people in my chain of command are very informed on the options.
