Soldiers come from across the country to take German test

Hundreds of soldiers are taking a test devised by the West German military at two sites in Iowa this weekend. Army spokesman, Sergeant Chris Larsen, says the soldiers are taking the German Armed Forces Efficiency Test at North High School in Des Moines and Camp Dodge in Johnston.He says there are some 250 soldiers from several states. The tests involve all sorts of skills, from shooting to weight lifting. Larsen says those who pass the test get a special patch to wear with pride.He says there are three levels of the award — the gold, silver or bronze. Larsen says the tests started Friday and end tomorrow.He says German soldiers tell him they take the tests over a series of months, not days, making it much harder for Americans to complete. The tests were first developed in 1971.