USAREUR conducts Expert Field Medical Badge Fall 2020

Photo By Sgt. Katelyn Myers | Italian medic OR4 Maverick Alessandrini, with 4th Ranger Regiment competed during the 2020 Expert Field Medical Badge. Over 120 candidates began the grueling testing for the badge, and on the final day of testing only 27 were recognized for the ability to demonstrate the high level of professional skill, stamina, and attention to detail required to earn the badge.  

KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, GERMANY

09.25.2020

Story by Pfc. Katelyn Myers 

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Kaiserslautern, Germany – 30th Medical Bridge hosted a U.S. Army Europe Expert Field Medical Badge qualification from Sept.17-23 2020 at Baumholder, Germany.
The annual EFMB testing enabled military medical personnel from across Europe and NATO allied and partner nations the opportunity to test their skills to earn the prestigious badge while enhancing interoperability and building readiness across Europe.
To qualify for the badge, participants were tested across a variety of disciplines which included the Army Physical Fitness Test, a written exam, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, multiple combat testing lanes, and a culminating 12 mile foot march.
Army Brig. Gen. Mark W. Thompson, Commander of the Regional Health Command Europe, expressed during the graduation that the EFMB tests Soldiers ability to quickly, accurately and effectively perform complex medical tasks in a variety of hostile environments and tactical situations.
“Each soldier receiving the EFMB today poured their heart and soul into this competition,” said Thompson. “They spent countless hours training, studying and preparing for the chance to test their mettle against one of the Army’s most difficult challenges.”
Over 120 candidates began the grueling testing for the badge, and on the final day of testing only 27 were recognized for the ability to demonstrate the high level of professional skill, stamina, and attention to detail required to earn the badge.
Army Sgt. Robert Kluba and Pfc. Matthew Stover, from 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, were the top two medical professionals recognized during an award ceremony. They both agreed that their favorite part of the testing was teaching and learning from the other competitors and how working with international professionals helped improve their combat readiness.
“Seeing all the international medics, meeting with them, talking with them, and seeing how they do things is my favorite part,” said Kluba. “I went last year and learning from them and then us teaching them is the best part of it.”
Another recognized during the award ceremony was Italian medic OR4 Maverick Alessandrini, with 4th Ranger Regiment, who expressed that the competition was challenging and glad to have had the chance to work beside one another.
“It’s a really tough course and competition,” Alessandrini said. “In my opinion for the international part, it’s a good choice and it’s a big opportunity to share information with the other organizations and I’m glad to be here.”
Events such as the EFMB highlights qualified medical personnel while enabling forces and units to operate together. Working with allies and partnered nations not only builds comradery but it helps build Army readiness and interoperability across Europe.
Today, the EFMB test is the highest test to the professional competence and physical endurance of the soldier medic. It is the most sought after peacetime award in the Army Medical Department and while the Combat Medical Badge is the "portrait of courage" in wartime, the Expert Field Medical Badge is undoubtedly the "portrait of excellence" in the Army all of the time.

• Date Taken: 09.25.2020
• Date Posted: 09.29.2020 04:07
• Story ID: 378669
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE