JOINT BASE MDL, N.J. -- From 17-28 Apr., 2015, Sgt. Erica Muniz, a mobilized Army Reservist hospital nurse with the 3rd Battalion, 312th Training Support Regiment, is competing for the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Muniz is one of over 230 hopefuls from across the Army who have their sight set on the goal of achieving one of the most difficult competitions the Army has to offer. With a traditional 80-percent attrition rate, the days ahead present a daunting task.
To prepare for the tasks that are not commonplace for nurses, Muniz conducted foot marches and land navigation training.
"I think the foot march at the end will be my biggest hurdle, mostly because my legs are so short," said Muniz. "I know three hours is very achievable though."
On day one, the competitors conduct a "shakedown" of their packing list then complete a day and night land navigation course. The course consists of scenarios and training objectives geared to draw out the best of the best in the medical field culminating with a 12 mile foot march that has to be completed with a three hour standard time.
During the opening ceremony, Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commanding general of Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC), Fort Detrick, Md., addressed the large crowd with motivational words about dedication, duty, and teamwork. Lein spoke of how this training and designation of badge wearers sets them apart from their peers. Following his remarks, Lein made his way around the room to shake hands with the competitors to offer personal works of encouragement and guidance.
The EFMB competition is a large event overseen by approximately 200 officers and senior non-commissioned officers.
Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Hansen, an Army medic and combat lifesaver course instructor, sat with Muniz to give her guidance to set her mind at ease about the challenges that await her.
"The details are what usually catch people," Hansen said to Muniz, "Things happen and people get nervous, forgetting things that are normally automatic for them. If you focus and do your best, you'll be fine."
Hansen reassures Muniz of her capabilities because he knows that confidence is the largest part of any competition and he believes she will succeed.
"We know how hard you've been studying," said Hansen. "If you exceed that standard that's great but no matter the outcome of this course, you're already a success."
Muniz is ready. She has studied the course work and has been working to improve her tactical proficiency. She knows that when this is over, she will have achieved something that few of her peers have attempted, let alone succeed.
"This competition is for the best of the best when it comes to medics," Muniz said. "Even though I am not really an Army "medic" per se, I think that anyone in the medical field holds this training in high esteem."
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