AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Third Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery also known as "Task Force Legion" held a top medic competition in February that tested their individual skills, readiness and fitness.
The competition began during the early morning hours with candidates conducting a modified "sprint" version of the Army Physical Fitness Test.
On a normal APFT the candidate has rest periods between the push-up, sit-up and run portions and are graded based off of their age group. For this competition, candidates were graded on the 17-21 year old age scale, and there were no rest period between events.
The candidates were then tested on their overall medical knowledge by taking a timed written exam covering first-aid basics, anatomy and combat medic skills.
The culminating event was a 2.5 mile medic aid-bag run with participants wearing their Army Combat Uniform. During the run the candidates also had to complete a trauma lane. It took place in a blacked-out tent, with fog machines, strobe lights and battle noise where the medics had to work quickly to treat several moulage wounds on "casualties" played out by service members.
Spc. Vanessa Galvan, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, was named the battalion top medic. She received the Army Achievement Medal and an Army Combat Medic medallion. Pfc. Bryan Crisp, HHB, received honors as the Iron Medic for earning the highest score in the physical events.
"Competitions like these fuel Soldiers to strive in their fields. They provide the opportunity for individuals to increase their skills and to bond in a productive manner, facilitating teamwork and boosting the confidence in our support elements and their dedication to the air defense mission," said Sgt. Brian Yaple, 31st ADA senior medic.
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