Medic Soldiers Train for Rigorous Challenge
(July 22, 2010) |
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Spc. Juan Ramirez, a West Palm Beach,
Fla., native and medic with 2nd Special Troops Battalion,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, checks the
eyes of Pfc. Robert Sellers, from Palm Bay, Fla., during
training for the Expert Field Medical Badge, June 23, 2010. |
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FORT HOOD, Texas (July 16, 2010) — For as long as there have
been Soldiers on the field of battle, there have been medics
alongside them, putting themselves in harm's way to care for
the wounded.
In the spirit of this dedication, medical Soldiers from the
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, on Fort Hood,
Texas, are continuing intense training started earlier this
year in preparation for one of their field's greatest
challenges—the Expert Field Medic Badge.
“The EFMB is a big deal in the medical community,” explained
Sgt. 1st Class Donna Hunter, a Piscataway, N.J. native and
the medical non-commissioned officer-in-charge for 2nd BCT.
The EFMB tests a Soldier's knowledge of their job and
ensures they are performing to the best of their ability and
meeting the standard, she explained.
In order to earn an EFMB, Soldiers must be in the medical
field, but do not have to specifically be medics. They are
required to complete a 12-mile rucksack march in an allotted
time, perform various medical tasks while under simulated
fire, and use basic Soldier survival skills. The testing is
slated for August and will take place over approximately
five days and, upon completion, Soldiers are authorized to
wear the EFMB on their dress and regular uniforms.Because of the high standard Soldiers are expected to meet
to earn their badge, prior training is essential. |
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According to Spc. Juan Ramirez, from West Palm Beach, Fla.,
a medic with 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT, this
training is how leadership prepares and pre-screens Soldiers
to ensure they are physically and mentally ready for the
rigors of the EFMB test.
“We want to make sure their medical skills are up to
standard,” said Hunter.
The training for the EFMB has been taking place over the
course of the last several months and emphasizes skills that
will be tested by the EFMB including, trauma care,
lifesaving skills, needle chest decompression, rucksack
marching, providing cover and a written test.
This is an opportunity for all medics to go over their basic
skills, relearn anything they might have forgotten since
school and ask questions, explained Ramirez.
“This really helps build confidence,” he said. “We get a lot
of knowledge out of this whether we pass the EFMB or not,”
he said.
The testing in August will be the first time that Soldiers
in this brigade have had a chance to earn the EFMB since
before their last deployment in the beginning of 2009.
“It shows that their [medical] skills are where they need to
be,” said Hunter. “It says ‘We're the best of the best.'
It's an accomplishment of their medical skills, basic
Soldier skills and physical ability.”
With less than a month left before the EFMB, “Black Jack's”
medical Soldiers will continue to train hard to ensure they
have what it takes to earn their badge. |
Article and photo by Army Spc. Justin A. Naylor
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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