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An Expert Field Medical Badge candidate drags a mannequin during testing April 7. Fort Jackson is testing for coveted skills badges until April 11, 2025.
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Soldiers run during the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the E3B competition held on Fort Jackson, April 7-11. The E3B comprises testing for the Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantryman, and Expert Soldier badges.
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A Soldier loads a sandbag onto a vehicle during Army Combat Fitness Testing as part of Fort Jackson's E3B testing. Testing for the expert badges took place April 7-11
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A Soldier with the Soldier Support Institute places a claymore mine during E3B testing on Fort Jackson, April 8. The E3B testing comprises the Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantryman and Expert Soldier badges.
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A Soldier evaluates a casualty during E3B testing on Fort Jackson, April 8.
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A Soldier plots a point during land navigation lanes during Fort Jackson's E3B testing, April 9. The ESB testing his held for Soldiers looking to earn a Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantryman and Expert Soldier badges.
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A candidate walks to his next plotted point during land navigation as part of the Fort Jackson E3B event, April 9.
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A Soldier performs a functions check on a M2HB .50 cal. machine gun during the weapons portion of E3B testing, April 8.
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A Soldier evaluates a casualty during E3B testing on Fort Jackson, April 8.
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For years testing for Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantryman, and Expert Soldier badges were completed separately, but recently were combined into one event – the E3B.
Each badge required individual, rigorous tests of the Warrior Task and Skills of each Soldier.
Each task tested involved numerous steps that had to be completed in order and in the given amount of time to receive a ‘GO’ and pass on to the next task- with some tasks having as many as 35 steps.
Historically, under 50% of those who go through testing earn medals.
The E3B “builds a community dedicated to training to these standards and proving you are the master of your trade. These badges are more than just accolades, they are a symbol of the best …” Post Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Ochs said during last year’s awards presentation ceremony.
The badges illustrate the Soldier’s competence and lethality.
First Sgt. Alisa Ryder, a senior enlisted leader with Medical Activity – Fort Jackson, said the EFMB “evaluates a Soldier’s ability to provide critical medical care in combat and operational settings.”
She said earning the badge shows “exceptional competence” and shows they “are the top tier” in what they do.
The EIB was first formed in 1943 when Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall spearheaded a plan to honor infantrymen with a badge that builds esprit de corps within infantry units.
In 1965 the Army explored the concept of training and earning a badge for those who qualify as expert Soldier/medics.
The ESB was created in 2019 to improve Soldier lethality as well as individual, unit and Army readiness.
Fort Jackson became the first Training and Doctrine Command installation to plan, prepare and execute the E3B in 2022.
A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Hilton Field to award those experts who earned the badges.
To see photos and video from the testing visit Fort Jackson’s Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/FortJackson
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