38 service members earn coveted Expert Field Medical Badge

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Erickson | Sgt. Philip Schuster, a medic of C Company, 225th Brigade Support battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, carries a simulated casualty to an evacuation point during the testing week of the EFMB testing at Area X, on Schofield Barracks Oct. 21, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brian C. Erickson, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office)  

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, UNITED STATES

10.24.2014

Story by Sgt. Brian Erickson 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Nearly 50 years ago in 1965, the U.S. Army expanded its awards program by implementing the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) for combat medics.

While not actual combat duty, the test itself is so difficult that only 19% of those who tried it have passed it across the Army this past year.

“The Expert Field Medical Badge is a portrait of excellence, the EFMB is one of the most prestigious and coveted awards a medical professional can obtain,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Stoddard, senior enlisted adviser, 325th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

More than 236 Army and Air Force medical personnel from throughout the pacific region converged on Schofield Barracks Oct. 14 – 24, for the opportunity to earn the EFMB, one of the most sought-after awards in the medical field.

To earn the EFMB, candidates must complete 60 multiple-choice questions in general military and medical knowledge, preventive medicine, and map reading with a score of 75 percent or higher is required.

On top of the written test, all the candidates faced tasks that included day and night land navigation, tactical combat casualty care, medical and casualty evacuation, warrior skills and communications.

“The EFMB is a great thing, but it is extremely challenging,” said 1st Lt. Sebastian Coates, medical operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 25th ID.

According to Coates, it comes down to the attitude the candidate brings with them that will determine whether or not they walk away with the badge.

During the first four days, the EFMB hopefuls went through a standardization week. This is when each person was shown how they must accomplish each and every task. This was the opportunity to refine their skills and build their knowledge before heading into the test week.

After the first five days of testing, only 20 percent still remained. The only thing between the 46 remaining candidates and the prestigious badge was one final task on the last day.

The final task, a 12 mile forced road march that must be completed within three hours while carrying a standard load of fighting gear.
Among the 38 who completed the road march in the allotted time, one Airman earned the honor of calling himself an Expert Field Medic.

“For the Air Force it [earning EFMB] is more about pride and shows us how we measure up to our counterparts in the other services,” said Air Force Senior Airman Chris Bowlds, a medical technician, 15th Medical Group, 15th Wing.

Those who made the journey through every task and challenge received the EFMB during a graduation ceremony on Weyand Field, Oct. 24.

“You [graduates] have inherited a responsibility to train and develop the next generation of EFMB awardees. I ask that you take this responsibility to heart and share the knowledge that has made you successful today,” said Stoddard.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2014
• Date Posted: 10.28.2014 23:06
• Story ID: 146389
• Location: SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US