Page 12 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 1-8-16

High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin

12 January 8, 2016

35-pound kit of fighting gear. Of the 122 Soldiers who began testing, only 33 emerged From EFMB, page 1
The scenarios designed for the EFMB testing were to accept the badge from WACH Commander Col. Jason
Wieman at the Fort Irwin parade field, Dec. 18. not see battle.
purposefully intense to simulate combat conditions Sol- Rigorous testing in the classroom and in performance
diers would most likely experience in the field and the “If a Soldier is injured, if anybody is injured for
NTC Operations Group observer/coach/trainers worked that matter – combat scenario or otherwise – they can exercises qualifies the military medic from both the U.S.
closely with representatives from WACH to create the thank their lucky stars if one of these Soldier medics Army and Air Force, as well as North Atlantic Treaty
jarring sounds and distractions, realistic casualties, sur- shows up to take care of them,” Wieman said at the Organization soldiers to earn the EFMB. While not ac-
prise pyrotechnics, smoke, and opposing force activity award ceremony. “They have proven that they can sta- tual combat duty, the test itself is so difficult that only
in order to replicate a combat experience tailored and bilize life threatening injuries, protect themselves and 16.2 percent of those who tried it passed it in 2015. The
relevant to medical scenarios. their Soldiers, that they can get them evacuated and to EFMB is considered one of the most prestigious Army
the next level of care, quickly and in the most austere skill badges of all.
“This is my second try at the badge,” explained Capt. conditions. Their testing here at NTC brought a new
Alyssa Noltner, brigade medical officer with 2nd Brigade meaning to that.” Applicants must have cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who had made certification to take the test. They must also have passed
the trip to Fort Irwin from Fort Bragg, N.C. “Every- About the Expert Field Medical Badge the Army Physical Fitness Test and the M16 or M4 weap-
one knows Irwin is the most realistic place for desert United States Army medics who see combat action ons qualifications within 12 months of test application.
combat training and their people are good – absolutely on the front line, in the midst of battle, have been eli-
unyielding in trying to create a realistic, current train- gible to earn the Combat Medical Badge since 1945. In The EFMB test is the utmost challenge to the profes-
ing environment. That’s made this better, sure, but the June 1965, the Army expanded its awards program by sional competence and physical endurance of the Soldier
EFMB is tough enough as it is!” implementing the EFMB for combat medics who do medic. While the Combat Medical Badge is the “portrait
of courage” in wartime, the EFMB is undoubtedly the
“portrait of excellence” in the Army all of the time.

The commander of United States Army Medical Department Activity at Fort Irwin, Col. Jason Wieman Four Soldier medics are evaluated during a litter carry at one of the training villages at
(left), awarded Expert Field Medical Badges at a ceremony, Dec. 18. National Training Center.

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil