FORT CARSON, Colo. — Capt. Jillian Schlenker, general dentist with Evans Army Community Hospital, dental activity, completes a combat testing lane during testing week for the Expert Field Medical Badge competition Sept. 21, 2020, at Fort Carson. Candidates attempted to prove their competence in the medical field, however, only 22 of 113 earned the badge. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Weaver)
By Sgt. Gabrielle Weaver
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — A Soldier completes a 12-mile ruck march for the final event at Fort Carson Sept. 25, 2020, during an Expert Field Medical Badge competition. The badge was awarded only to those who passed all events to standard. Twenty-two out of 113 Soldiers graduated. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Parker)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division and units across the nation participated in this year’s Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) testing Sept. 14-25, 2020, at Fort Carson.
The EFMB is a special skills badge earned by medical professionals who demonstrate expertise in their field, Soldier skill proficiency and physical fitness. Soldiers who earn the EFMB prove they are among the elite in the Army Medical Corps.
“The 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team was selected to host the event for the 4th Infantry Division,” said Col. Scott Knight, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “Soldiers from across the installation have the opportunity to train to the standard, which are publicized in reference documents and shared by us across the division.”
The first week began with standardization week. Candidates received step-by-step instructions of the tasks while testing, and were given the opportunity to practice the tasks on each other.
“The candidates were given an opportunity to see everything they are going to be tested on, and see what right looks like,” said Maj. Michael April, brigade surgeon, 2nd SBCT.
After completing the training, candidates moved to the main event, testing week. Testing required candidates to complete combat testing lanes as well as pass a written exam, pass the Army Physical Fitness Test and other events. Combat testing lanes allowed candidates to demonstrate their expertise in a wide range of medical and Soldier tasks, to include using communication equipment, evaluating patients, evacuating casualties and weapons proficiency.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — An Expert Field Medical Badge evaluator and candidate go through testing week during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and environmental combat testing lane Sept. 21, 2020, at Fort Carson. Candidates tested in three different combat testing lanes before they could qualify to receive the prestigious Expert Field Medical Badge. (Photo by Pfc. Ruby Torres)
“The second week, (candidates) go through a sequence of tests,” April said. “As they succeed, they will continue to advance and culminate with a 12-mile ruck march.”
The passing candidates, 22 of the original 113, earned the prestigious EFMB during a pinning ceremony Sept. 25.
“It feels really great,” said 1st Lt. Claire Schmelzenbach, executive officer, Charlie Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd SBCT. “I get to go home today and really appreciate it.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. August Bolt, left, combat medic with 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, completes the Expert Field Medical Badge competition’s final event with the support of Maj. Michael April, right, brigade surgeon of 2nd SBCT, Sept. 25, 2020, at Fort Carson. (Photo by Sgt. Gabrielle Weaver)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. Tanner Tackett, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives his Expert Field Medical Badge at Fort Carson Sept. 25, 2020. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Parker)