Army Reserve soldiers take part in rigorous training, testing to earn Expert Field Medical Badge

FORT McCOY, Wis. (WKBT) – Army Reserve soldiers from across the country are spending a few days in Fort McCoy.

They are there to earn their “Expert Field Medical Badge.”

There are more than a dozen requirements soldiers need to accomplish, some of which are done under simulated combats.

They are working through a number of realistic scenarios, including handling casualties and medical care while under fire, evacuations, and efficient communication.

Following hands-on training, the soldiers have to complete a rigorous test; and it’s far from easy.

Only a small majority earn the badge on their first try.

“In a very short period of time, we have to master tasks,” said First Lt. Molly French. “All the candidates have been waking up at the crack of dawn and studying until the sunset, and even sometimes in their tents with their red lens on trying to study as much as possible so we can earn this badge.”

French said Friday that by earning this badge she can lead by example and motivate others to take on the challenge too.

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