2ID Soldiers compete for coveted EFMB

Photo By Chin-U Pak | Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division competed for the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge on Camp Casey, South Korea, Nov. 14-24. When the training began, more than 80 Soldiers attempted to earn the coveted badge but when graduation day came only 10 remained. (U.S. Army photo by Chin-U Pak, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)  

CAMP CASEY, SOUTH KOREA

11.24.2014

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

CAMP CASEY, South Korea – With two weeks of training and testing ahead of them, more than 80 medical Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division stood ready to earn the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge less than 15-miles from the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone on Camp Casey, South Korea, Nov. 14-24.

But when graduation day arrived, only 10 remained and were pinned with the EFMB on their uniforms. The EFMB is regarded as one of the toughest badges to earn in the U.S. Army and is considered the crowning achievement for the medical community.

“This process is not an easy feat,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. Spano, senior enlisted leader of the 2nd Infantry Division and the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony. “It is difficult, but it has to be. We want our medical personnel to be trained to higher standards, so our Soldiers know if they were to ever fall on the battlefield, they have a greater chance of survival because our medics are life savers.”

In order to earn the badge, candidates must successfully complete 46 tasks and subtasks which consists of casualty care, communications, evacuation techniques, triage, warrior skills and a rugged day and night land navigation course. Soldiers must also pass a comprehensive written exam covering all aspects of medical care. The final test is a 12-mile road march which must be completed in less than three hours.

The training and testing began with a week of practicing each of the tasks. After the instructors show the candidates each of the tasks and how they are to be performed to standard, candidates then have a week to master the skills. After the train-up week is complete, Soldiers must then exhibit excellence by completing the tasks without any mistakes.

“We essentially show them all the individual tasks [during training week] and show them what right looks like and what is expected,” said Maj. Anthony Bohl, a physician assistant and the officer in charge of the event from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. “Once test week begins, Soldiers only have one chance to complete the event without failure.

“Statistically, over the years, the pass rate for EFMB is 12-19 percent,” added Bohl. “Land navigation is where people have the most trouble. We will lose 50-70 percent of our candidates just from land navigation. What I told the candidates on day one was this is the Expert Field Medical Badge not the Easy Field Medical Badge. It takes a lot of heart, a lot of dedication and it takes a lot of mental fortitude to make it through.”

EFMB is one of the toughest badges to earn and not everyone gets to go home with the badge. Spc. Katherine Dawson, medic with the 629th Medical Company from State College, Pa., tried for the badge for the first time but wasn’t able to make it through. She said she is determined to try again next year.

“I’ve been in the Army less than a year, and I’m really excited to be here and honored to be selected to participate,” she said. “There are a lot of challenging events on this course, and it is very physically demanding. There are a lot of litter carries and that will be tough.”

Although Dawson didn’t make it on her first time, another Soldier earned the badge on her first attempt and even managed to receive the highest score on the written exam.

“My chain of command sent me, and I want to make them proud,” said Spc. Joo Yeon Shin, medic with Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, from Chandler, Ariz. “Being a female Soldier motivates me and makes me want to study harder. My peers are who motivate me. I’m going to Walter Reed Hospital after this and hope to use the skills I have learned here to help others and motivate them to try for the badge.”

• Date Taken: 11.24.2014
• Date Posted: 12.10.2014 03:00
• Story ID: 149890
• Location: CAMP CASEY, KR
• Hometown: CHANDLER, AZ, US
• Hometown: STATE COLLEGE, PA, US