Photo By Sgt. Griffin Payne | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Wai Kin Tee, a unit supply specialist assigned to the 21st...... read more read more
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BAUMHOLDER, Germany – Soldiers assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command tested their tactical expertise and mental toughness during Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) testing at Smith Barracks throughout September and early October 2025.
The multi-week event brought together volunteers from across the command to take on two of the Army’s most challenging individual assessments. Candidates trained and tested under pressure, demonstrating technical competence, physical endurance, and precision execution in order to earn badges that represent combat readiness and professional excellence.
“All the Soldiers are showing high levels of proficiency,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew A. Decola, EFMB NCOIC and senior enlisted advisor for the 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. “Everyone who trains and tests here leaves better prepared, and that directly builds combat-ready formations.”
Modeled after the Expert Infantryman Badge, the ESB and EFMB require Soldiers to master warrior tasks, battle drills, and military occupational specialty-specific skills with minimal error. The test includes the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment, day and night land navigation, and multiple tactical lanes focused on weapons handling, medical aid, and patrol operations.
The EFMB, reserved for medical personnel, carries even stricter standards. In addition to core requirements, EFMB candidates are evaluated on complex medical lanes involving triage, tactical combat casualty care, and casualty evacuation under fire, often under time constraints and combat simulations. With a historic pass rate below 20 percent, the EFMB remains one of the most demanding qualifications in the Army.
“More Soldiers are becoming confident with their weapons and gear,” said Sgt. Phili Prin, an E2B grader, assigned to the 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. “E2B gives them the repetitions they need to perform without hesitation. By the end of test week, you see them locked in.”
The ESB, introduced in 2019, offers non-infantry, non-medical Soldiers the opportunity to validate their combat proficiency on par with their infantry and medical peers. The program promotes a culture of standards-based training and reinforces the Army’s focus on building lethal, disciplined formations.
“ESB keeps my skills sharp on basic Soldier tasks, and allows me to revisit the basics,” said Staff Sgt. Ivan Salazar, an ESB candidate, assigned to the 21st Special Troops Battalion, 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “It also supports my training and enables me to assist others in my unit.”
Staff Sgt. Ali Andrade, an ESB grader, assigned to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, echoed the importance of the program. “ESB helps develop Soldiers into leaders by building greater proficiency in Warrior Tasks and bringing added lethality to their units,” Andrade said.
The culminating event, a timed 12-mile ruck march, tested each candidate’s endurance and determination. Those who crossed the finish line in under three hours earned more than a badge. They stood before their peers, leaders, and families at graduation, recognized as technically skilled, mentally resilient, and ready to lead from the front.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2025 03:37 |
| Story ID: | 549896 |
| Location: | BAUMHOLDER, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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