Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB)

For the last three weeks, Jake has been at training for EFMB, the Vet Corps' prestigous award. It pretty much means a soldier knows how to be an effective first responder out in the field during war times. The first two weeks, Jake was in the classroom or field learning (and coming home at night). This past week, he stayed in the field for testing. He passed his written test, missing only a few, got all go's on the trauma lanes (scenarios that he was trained for), and then to end it all, he had to walk a 12-miler on Friday in under three hours. I did the ruck march with him, which started at 4:23 a.m., so we were up by 2:30 that morning. Ugh! Anyhow, he came in at 2 hours, 34 minutes. I was a minute or two behind since he ran at the end... I couldn't bring myself to do that last sprint. :)

The award ceremony was at 10 a.m. Here are some pictures of the ceremony of my hubby having the badge pinned on him. The whole front row received all go's, a few soldiers receiving a special coin for being "super soldiers" like coming in first in the march, scoring 100 on the test, etc. Jake did not get that coin but he did get a Ranger coin (the Rangers put this EFMB on so Jake had a taste of life with the Rangers) and his EFMB badge.

Prior to the start of the ceremony. SGT McAdamas, to the right of Jake, must be tired from the march! He told Jake part of his motivation during the march was to not be beaten by a girl... he finished right before Jake! :)

I love this picture of McAdams looking up to Jake!

74 soldiers started EFMB, 56 graduated. That's about a 79% graduation rate. Pretty good.

Saluting LT COL, a very nice gentleman. He thanked me for coming out that morning to march with Jake for support.

Just chatting it up... hob nobbing with the LT COL.

Having the badge pinned on by a Ranger NCO.

Proud soldier. The silver badge is on the pocket under the US Army patch (it's hard to see).

COL Warren, the hospital commander, congratulating Jake (Vet Corps is part of Medical). COL Warren is coining medical soldiers on Monday and invited Jake but we will be out of town. Jake will meet up with him after leave.

Looking good with some chest candy! (again, I know it's hard to see but it's there)