FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Over 250 medical Soldiers from all over the Army started the process to earn the Army's Expert Field Medical Badge, hosted by the 44th Medical Brigade here Nov. 4-8, 2018.
Over the course of five days, participating service members attempted to successfully complete multiple objectives to stand on Pike Field and be awarded the EFMB.
“Only 18-20 percent are projected to make it through to the very end,” said Capt. Christian Koscinski, officer in charge of the EFMB testing with the 690th Ground Ambulance Company, 28th Combat Support Hospital, 44th Med. Bde., XVIII Airborne Corps. “To earn the EFMB, you have to be of the highest caliber, have physical and mental toughness, attention to detail, and be a well-rounded Soldier.”
Cadre set aside time to ensure participating Soldiers had an example of the standard, and that they had time to study.
“I told perspective candidates to attend the study halls we held every night and ask as many questions as possible,” said Sgt. First Class Dontre Robinson, EFMB testing noncommissioned officer in charge, also with the 690th. “We also had a week-long walkthough of all the casualty trauma lanes prior to the official start.”
Twice a year Fort Bragg offers Soldiers the chance to earn the EFMB, but only yearly can they earn it with the XVIII Airborne Corps.
“Overall we spent three weeks preparing these lanes; from self-validation to testing-control validation,” said Koscinski, the OIC and a Harper Wood, Michigan native. “To guarantee we qualify only the most proficient Soldiers prior to the testing phase, they have to pass an Army physical fitness test, have a valid weapons card and be cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualified.”
During the testing phase, candidates were evaluated on the successful completion of tactical combat casualty care and medical and casualty evacuation.
Candidates had to successfully pass their lanes, which included performing a functions check on a M9 pistol, reacting to indirect fire, performing nuclear, chemical, biological and explosive procedures, performing warrior tasks and battle drills and executing tactical combat casualty care.
“The badge is more than something they get to wear on their uniform,” said Robinson, a Houston native. “Graders hold all participants to the standard because wearing this badge is an honor. It sets them apart from their colleagues and says that they are elite and excel at medical knowledge under pressure and time."
Robinson, who earned his badge in 2008, said the testing is being looked at to add additional tasks in the future.
All told, 73 of the over 250 Soldiers earned the EFMB after five days.