Standardization, validation kick off Expert Field Medical Badge

By Capt. Daniel Boone, 212th Combat Support Hospital Public AffairsAugust 27, 2015

USAREUR EFMB Fall 2015
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Inhong Lee of the Eastern Regional Medical Command-Vicenza, teaches Soldiers providing support to Combat Testing Lane 1 the tasks they will provide during the USAREUR Expert Field Medical Badge testing, Aug. 20 in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The 212th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
USAREUR EFMB Fall 2015
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pte. Kane Overton of the United Kingdom's 4th Armoured Medical Regiment completes his in-processing paperwork for EFMB training with Pfc. Travis Williamson, 212th Combat Support Hospital. The 212th CSH hosts USAREUR Expert Field Medical Badge trainin... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
USAREUR EFMB Fall 2015
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Richard Fry of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment immobilizes the spine of his casualty with a Kendrick Extrication Device before vehicle extraction during standardization of Combat Testing Lane 3, Aug. 20 in Grafenwoehr Training Area. The 212th Combat Su... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
USAREUR EFMB Fall 2015
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Anthony Avelino of 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion dons his MOPP gear as cadre grade his efforts during standardization of Combat Testing Lane 2, Aug. 20 in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The 212th Combat Support Hospital hosts USAREUR Expert Fie... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
USAREUR EFMB Fall 2015
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Andrew Paulus of the 212th Combat Support Hospital provides a one-man buddy carry on his casualty as cadre grade his efforts during standardization of Combat Testing Lane 2, Aug. 20 in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The 212th Combat Support Hospital host... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The 212th Combat Support Hospital along with medical personnel from USAREUR and the United Kingdom's 4 Armoured Medical Regiment continue their preparation to ensure the upcoming Expert Field Medical Badge testing is a success.

The 212th CSH, 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command are in the final stages of preparation for USAREUR Fall 2015 EFMB testing at Camp Aachen in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The EFMB, established in June 1965 as an Army special skill award for medical personnel, is AMEDD's most prestigious peacetime badge. With an overall pass rate of 20%, it is one of the most difficult Army skill badges to obtain.

The EFMB identifies the best of the U.S. Military's medical personnel. It is awarded to those who show exceptional competence in all aspects of field medical care. Candidates must display tactical excellence, physical prowess, and medical proficiency in all areas of Army Warrior Skills and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. The badge, which can only be worn by medical personnel in the U.S. Military or soldiers serving in a medical unit, is highly sought after by members of the AMEDD community.

The USAREUR EFMB will have more than 180 candidates attempt to earn the badge. Of those, there will be 23 multinational candidates from six NATO Allies: United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, Hungary, and Slovenia. With multinational candidates from NATO Allies as participants and eight Soldiers from United Kingdom's 1 Armoured Medical Regiment serving as cadre, this EFMB enforces USAREUR's Strong Europe campaign increasing interoperability with other European nation's military forces.

Over 300 Cadre and Support from the 212th CSH and USAREUR along with the eight Soldiers from the UK are finalizing their lane setup for validation which begins August 19, 2015. Validation is a process in which a Test Control Officer from AMEDD Center and School observes the host unit to ensure they comply with the standards in Pam 350-10, Expert Field Medical Badge Test. After the TCO gives approval, the 212th CSH will initiate the USAREUR Fall FY15 EFMB testing, scheduled to start Aug 23, 2015.

Earning the EFMB requires candidates to pass a written test, complete day and night land navigation, complete three Combat Testing Lanes, and complete a 12-mile ruck march. The CTLs focus on Army Warrior Skills and Tactical Combat Casualty Care to include CBRNE tasks, casualty assessment and care, casualty evacuation, and movement under fire. The 12-mile ruck march, which must be completed under three hours, is the final event on the EFMB graduation morning.

Passing the Expert Field Medical Badge testing takes a wide range of skills and knowledge, along with the ability to perform under stress. It is not only stressful on the candidates, but also the Cadre and support to provide mentoring, grading, and technical support. The Cadre are held trained to a single standard of testing and grading the candidates, and must be able to teach each task of their CTL to standard.

Capt. Hannah Skotty, OIC of CTL 3, sees this opportunity as a great leadership experience. "Being asked to take lead of an EFMB lane is a great opportunity. Not only will it be a great for my leadership development, getting to see fellow medical Soldiers earn this prestigious badge that they worked for is such a rewarding experience."

The EFMB is a challenging course, the ultimate test of competence and endurance. The 212th CSH is prepared and motivated to teach, train, and mentor each candidate to ensure they have the best opportunity to earn the coveted badge. The opening ceremony is on August 23, 2015 at Camp Aachen in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Related Links:

Expert Field Medical Badge Microsite