Allies stitch together premier medical training event

By Maj. Jason Hughes and Capt. Robert GallimoreMarch 26, 2015

Allies stitch together premier medical training event
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Allies stitch together premier medical training event
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Allies stitch together premier medical training event
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany (March 25, 2015) -- Allies serve and train together, fighting and bleeding together when necessary. Innovative integration efforts also ensure allied medical personnel can save lives as a team.

One 21st Theater Sustainment Command, or TSC, battalion demonstrated alliance extends well beyond headquarters buildings and includes training grounds and aid stations.

The 421st Medical Battalion (Multifunctional), or MMB, 30th Medical Brigade, 21st TSC, achieved the ultimate in partnership during its Expert Field Medical Badge, or EFMB, event, fully integrating allies from the United Kingdom's 1st Armoured Medical Regiment, or AMR, into every aspect of EFMB training and testing.

The 1st AMR is standardizing and evaluating a combat training lane, assisting 421st MMB in commanding the tactical operations center and signal shop, and working alongside the MMB's medical support team in a clinic to provide sick call services throughout the month-long operation. This effort allows the U.S. EFMB team, comprised of U.S. Soldiers serving throughout Europe, to strengthen relationships, training, interoperability and effectiveness as a team with their British allies.

The units are also learning from each other through sharing lessons-learned, problem-solving methods and exposure to foreign military doctrine.

"We exchanged our clinical practice guidelines and conducted joint training to discuss differences and similarities in our methods," said Pvt. Anthony Prinold of the AMR. "During emergency bandage application training, we were able to share new methods learned with our U.S. partners during our recent deployment to Afghanistan. Sharing lessons we learn helps save lives and ensures our collective growth as medics."

This partnership seeks to enhance relationships and promote understanding of U.S. and British military capabilities, amplifying the "Strong Europe" message that forward, responsive and engaged forces must build relationships to keep security and foster a climate of trust among allies.

Testing began March 22. Candidates, including British and German allies as well as U.S. personnel, will complete a series of challenging field medical tasks during a grueling training week. The event culminates in a 12-mile foot march scheduled for March 27.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

EFMB Update Webpage

US Army Europe Webpage

30th MED BDE Webpage

USAREUR EFMB Official Web Page

30th MED BDE on Facebook

421st MMB on Facebook