Command Sergeant Major Ryan Cole - A Journey of Resilience and Dedication in Pursuit of the Expert Field Medical Badge

Photo By Maj. Ian Morris | Command Sgt. Major Ryan Cole finishes the Expert Field Medical Badge ruck march with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. on April 28th, 2023, at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea.  

SOUTH KOREA

05.23.2023

Story by Maj. Ian Morris 

65th Medical Brigade

The Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) symbolizes exceptional competence and resilience in the U.S. Army Medical Department. To attain the badge, candidates must be in top physical shape and have the tactical and technical proficiency to excel under intense hardship. It is a testament to the grit and determination of those who have earned it. One such individual is Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Ryan Cole, whose journey to the EFMB is a story of resilience and dedication.

In 2005, Cole, a young medic in the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington, was sent with his 26-strong platoon to vie for the coveted EFMB. Despite his previous experience in Iraq, where he earned the Combat Medical Badge for treating wounded soldiers in need, Cole and his team fell short of the required 75% passing score on the written test. He resolved to try again, but his career obligations hindered his prospects of achieving the badge.

Over the years, Cole served and deployed in various leadership roles, attaining unmatched experience and proficiency. He currently serves as the Command Sergeant Major and Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 549th Hospital Center and Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital. Despite his notable career, the EFMB remained an unfulfilled aspiration.

Serving as a Command Sergeant Major influenced Cole’s decision to try for the EFMB again. He saw it as an opportunity to lead by example. “The EFMB is more than a badge. When others look at you, they know you're an expert in your craft,” Guided by the desire to lead from the front and inspire his junior Soldiers, Cole found time to train and practice. In addition to running the busiest Army medical treatment facility in Korea, Cole spent weeks reading the EFMB manual and brushing up on Soldiering tasks.

Once he arrived at the EFMB training site at Camp Casey, South Korea, Cole came to a stunning realization: as the senior enlisted at EFMB, he would be under intense scrutiny from the cadre and candidates alike. Knowing this, he was eager to demonstrate his proficiency, even if it meant low-crawling through the dirt and everything else he hadn't done in years. “I was used to treating patients during firefights, not reporting or talking on the radio," he admits. Cole had much to review during the training week but was driven to give his all alongside his Soldiers.

Cole felt pressure as the testing week approached. He knew that failure at his position and rank would be much more embarrassing than his attempt in 2005. "During land navigation, I double-checked everything while trudging through the woods. I didn't want to fail on the first day of testing," Cole recalled. Over the first few days, he completed the physical fitness test and located all his points during day and night land navigation. He passed the Warrior Skills tests and the Evacuation Lanes with minimal stress. His main obstacles, the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) Lane and 12-mile foot march, were all that remained. The TC3 lane is infamously challenging for EFMB candidates, claiming the highest failure rate of the three.

Cole studied every night, rehearsed scenarios with the other candidates, and practiced tasks during training sessions. He credits the cadre for their professionalism and guidance, which was instrumental in his success. "The cadre out there were outstanding, true professionals. They stayed up late with us and made sure we had a chance to study, no matter what," said Cole. In addition, Cole drew on support from his wife, a former U.S. Army Lab Technician and EFMB badge holder, who practiced with him over the phone after their son fell asleep.

Cole’s platoon shrunk from 48 to 8 candidates over the first three days. On day three of testing, Cole packed his aid bag and prepared for the complex TC3 lane, "Once I stepped up there and told the grader I was ready, cameras started rolling, and photographers stood in front of me taking my picture.” Cole admits that the pressure got to him, causing him to rush through his first tasks without paying close attention. This was something he knew he could not sustain. Cole had to treat three casualties within a 1 hour and 45 minutes standard under the watchful eyes of graders and photographers. Any significant mistakes would crush his EFMB dreams. Despite his nerves, Cole composed himself and smoothly completed the task, achieving a 100% grade.

That night, Cole and the remaining candidates packed and weighed their bags to ensure they met the 35-pound requirement for the final ruck march. "We turned the lights off around midnight and woke at 3:15 am. I knew I wanted to push myself during the march, but not so hard as to pass out. I wanted to finish at 2 hours and 30 minutes." Cole reached his goal and was the first EFMB candidate to finish at precisely that time. "After weighing my ruck and completing my final weapon functions check, I knew I had a massive smile." He had finally earned the badge.

Reflecting on his journey, Cole believes the EFMB is essential for professional development. "When you arrive at a new organization, and people see you wearing it, they know you're willing to work hard and never quit." To Cole, the EFMB symbolizes all the qualities demanded by the profession of arms and Warrior Ethos. He advises others contemplating the pursuit of the EFMB: "Don't be afraid of failure. Train up and go for it. Even if you don't earn it the first time, it still shows a lot to your leadership and fellow Soldiers that you tried. You'll be a better Soldier for it."

Cole's journey to the EFMB is the story of a Soldier who, despite initial setbacks, never gave up on his goal. His journey inspires his fellow Soldiers, demonstrating that anything is achievable with hard work, determination, and a never-quit attitude.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2023
• Date Posted: 05.25.2023 02:26
• Story ID: 445284
• Location: KR