The Expert Field Medical Badge

This post is about the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge. This is a badge that Army medical soldiers compete for. Medical and Soldier skills, physical endurance and gut power are all tested.  The competition tests intestinal fortitude.

I was competed for the EFMB in September of 1990. Desert Shield had just kicked off. I was a new medic still wet behind the ears. I needed this. The competition was  hosted by our sister unit, the 1st bn / 75th Rangers. I was in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ( Airborne).

I was still a teenager when I earned my EFMB. It was a test of fortitude. 
The hardest part of the course was the day time land navigation course.  I barely passed. I would not trust my compass. It was a learning experience. The last even was the 12 mile road march. 
I passed out after the march and needed IV Fluids. It was worth it. I had my EFMB badge punched into my chest.


I wish that soldiers would be allowed to wear both the combat medical badge and the expert field medical badge. The Combat medical badge is awarded because of circumstances. A combat medic with  a combat unit engages the enemy. The EFMB is earned by meeting established standards.

www.armycombatmedic.com