The Expert Field Medical Badge

What does it take to become an Expert Field Medic?

(1) Written Test--100 performance-oriented multiple choice questions of which 75 must be passed.

(2) Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)--The events are push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. A minimum of 60 points in each event with a composite score of 180 points must be achieved for those candidates not APFT certified by their commander.

(3) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)--Candidates must have a current American Heart Association (AHS) card as a prerequisite. The certification must be valid through the test-end date.

(4 Land Navigation Courses--Both day and night courses will be navigated individually.

(5) Weapon Qualification--Marksman or above within 12 months preceding the EFMB test start date.

*(6) Litter Obstacle Course--Candidates form into four-person litter squads to negotiate eight obstacles: low obstacle, high obstacle, gully or trench obstacle, barbed wire obstacle, uphill/upstairs carry, downhill/downstairs carry, rough terrain, and narrow obstacle (Candidates are graded individually).

(7) Forced Road March--A 12-mile forced road march must be accomplished within three hours.

*(8) Communication--Candidates must demonstrate competency on use of field radios and radio techniques. "Prepare and transmit a MEDEVAC request, and be able to perform three of four tasks in order to receive an overall "GO" for the Communication Lane.

*(9) Common Skills Tasks--Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of survival skills in a Biological and Chemical environment and in combat situations requiring the use of the M16/M4 series rifle, and M9 pistol.

*(10) Emergency Medical Treatment--Candidates must demonstrate knowledge in treatment of various wounds similar to those encountered in a combat situation.

*(11) Evacuation of Sick and Wounded--Candidates must demonstrate evacuation techniques utilizing a variety of vehicles and manual carries.

*NOTE: These items must be performed under simulated combat conditions.

Must pass 100% of the tasks.

FY 2003 EFMB Test Pass Rates*

Overall EFMB Test Pass Rate - 20% of those who even attempt the competition!

 •Written Test - 64%

•Day Land Navigation - 72%

•Night Land Navigation - 73%

•Communications - 75%

•Survival - 96%

•Emergency Medical Treatment - 76%

•Evacuation - 91%

•Litter Obstacle Course - 99%

•CPR - 92%

•12 Mile Road March - 92%

All stats provided by the EFMB Home Page.

As you can see this is not just an award or badge that is given to anyone.  It is earned by only 20% of the Medics that even attempt the course.  It is quite an honor to have earned the badge.  Congratulations to all who have been successful.  To those who have not earned it.  Good Luck and keep trying.

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