I'm deciding to either attend Air Assault School or EFMB; which would you choose and why? (Currently in Korea)

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 05:56:31 -0500

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 6:09 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:09:31 -0500

I think you should probably train for AA first because training for the EFMB will require a lot more time. The physical aspects of AA school should help you train for the physical aspects of the EFMB. By the way, there is an EFMB study guide/book online. If I can remember where I found it, I will send it to you.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 7:53 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 07:53:15 -0500

In my opinion, while Air Assault is nice to have, pick schools relatable to your MOS first, then go for the "extras" like AA. It appears you're in the 68 series so go for EFMB.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 8:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 08:11:53 -0500

EFMB if you think you can get the badge. ...EFMB if you don't think you can get the badge because its great training. I saw both in the early 2000's when I was in Korea, both good training but the EFMB has a higher fail rate and seems more prestigious. Air Assault is a given if you can climb a rope, ruck and load your short term memory with some rated capacities of load bearing materials. EFMB you got to have a large body of knowledge memorized AND be able to perform all the things.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 9:44 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 09:44:52 -0500

EFMB is less of a sure thing but the opportunities to do it are less prevelant.

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 14 at 2016 9:49 AM

SGT(P) Eric L. — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 09:49:12 -0500

Definitely go to EFMB it makes you a more valuable asset to your team, Air Assault school is useless except for the badge.....If you are in a high speed unit you will get the Air Assault training anyways.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:08 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:08:31 -0500

EFMB, harder to get and more prestigious. Either way, best of luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:11:32 -0500

EFMB of course, you can go to AASLT School at anytime and its offered at five other posts (Benning, Bragg, Campbell, Hawaii, Hood). Besides if you're a medic, that EFMB sets you above the rest.

Response by SPC Mark Burle made Feb 14 at 2016 10:13 AM

SPC Mark Burle — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:13:28 -0500

EFMB- it is more relatable to your job. EFMB is a little harder to get into as well compared to air assault.

Response by CSM David Hopkins made Feb 14 at 2016 10:15 AM

CSM David Hopkins — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:15:09 -0500

I will not really be saying anything different than those that have already commented. What I would tell you is this, look at what the letters stand for in EFMB. The first letter is what is important, Expert. When you earn that badge you are telling everyone that sees you wearing it that you are an expert in your craft. You gain instant credibility with your superiors when assigned to a new unit and depending on your actual MOS, you gain it with those you serve, for example a combat medic with the infantry, engineers, etc. earning the EFMB will not be easy but it will be better for you in the long run, plus you just might motivate those around you to earn theirs if you show them it is possible.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:50 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:50:27 -0500

EFMB, all day. It is the epitome of what it means to be a Combat Medic.
Not to mention much more valuable for promotion points.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 14 at 2016 11:15 AM

SPC David S. — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 11:15:49 -0500

EFMB - More applicable to your career path.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 11:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 11:53:38 -0500

You will do both

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 1:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 13:16:29 -0500

Do both, but if your a medic knock out EFMB first

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Feb 14 at 2016 1:38 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 13:38:21 -0500

EFMB, hands down.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 2:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:25:38 -0500

Get your EFMB first.
EFMB is MOS-specific and carries more weight when it comes time for promotions. Additionally, with your EFMB, you can then instruct at unit-level. Air Assault is a static course that has its own instructors at various posts but only carries standard promotion points.

Besides, EFMB is tougher, so get it out of the way now.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 2:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:34:47 -0500

Without sounding like a broken record, the EFMB. You may not have a chance to try for it in your career again.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 2:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:38:54 -0500

Depends on you. We should all be able to make honest assessments of our abilities and make decisions based on those assessments. From what I've heard, only about 10-15% of EFMB candidates get the badge (especially if it's anything like EIB). Air Assault graduates anywhere from 65-75% of the students that start the course. If you are relatively sure you won't be able to make the EFMB cut, then take Air Assault. As a SPC you will definitely benefit from the points a school plus a new award will add to your promotion worksheet.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 4:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:35:16 -0500

I would go with Air Assault. I would go merely for the fact that it would make you eligible for some positions. I am not sure how many Medics are required to be Air Assault qualified but I can't say I have ever seen a position that required an EIB/CIB or EFMB/CMB. I would go with the one that adds more options.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 14 at 2016 5:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 17:14:44 -0500

Go EFMB if you are in the medical field. Air Assault is basically being transported by a chopper.

Response by CPL Christopher Connolly made Feb 14 at 2016 5:41 PM

CPL Christopher Connolly — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 17:41:10 -0500

I would say that you need to look at two different things. First, are you doing this for promotion points. If that is the reason, the EFMB gets you 30 and the Air Assault only gets you 10. The Next question is where are you going when you return from Korea. If you are going to Fort Campbell, you will get Air Assault there. If you are going to an Armor Division, or something along those lines, then you may not have that opportunity when you get there. With that being said, if you are in Korea now, and they are offering you Air Assault, but you are going to an armor base, go ahead and do air assault. EFMB will be offered at EVERY base you go to, and many company commanders make it mandatory to attend the course until you get it. I know when I was at Fort Campbell, EFMB was help once a year by Division and once a year by MEDCOM. In the end, I would say that you should look at what you chances of being offered Air Assault again are.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:18:37 -0500

I advise you to attend schools that are related to your MOS. I could see that your a medic. Attend EFMB then Air Assault. I heard EFMB has one of the lowest graduation rates among army schools so don't be discouraged.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:30:56 -0500

Go with your MOS training you can do Air Assault anytime.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 12:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 00:38:15 -0500

Go Air Assault.
While EFMB is nice and all it isn't your CMB and that is all that matters. Also since you're actually a whiskey it's a slap in the face to attend EFMB and sit by while they teach outdated and poor skill sets. Land nav day and night is still applicable as is radio and the ruck march is still a good early morning ruck, as far as anything medically tested on EFMB lanes is why I can't take the badge seriously. Or give it any credit. "For EFMB testing purposes only" - hardly an expert then are you if we're using outdated information and protocols.

Go Air Assault, you'll be better for it.

Response by LTC David Stender made Feb 15 at 2016 9:52 AM

LTC David Stender — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:52:41 -0500

EFMB is done every year and as a medic you are expected to compete. AA might not always be available to you. Why limit yourself to one or the other? Do AA and next year do EFMB.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:36:12 -0500

EFMB regardless. There's so much more honor, pride, and a since of "I challenged myself and accomplished it" from it. Air Assault is a great skills to have, and very cool things to wear around, but the EFMB shows out more when you wear it.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Feb 15 at 2016 12:16 PM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:16:08 -0500

As a Med guy, EFMB is in your MOS career path, AA however is a nice to have... Set yourself apart from your peers and earn your EFMB, good luck

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 1:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:01:00 -0500

I'd go with EFMB. I was your MOS when I was enlisted and I was stationed at Ft Campbell. AA was a dime a dozen but only a small percentage of medical field had the EFMB. I got the AA badge but didn't pass EFMB the time I tried. Got a CMB for being in the right place at the right time but doesn't replace the EFMB which is earned by the best. Go for it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 1:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:29:18 -0500

EFMB is very important to you as a medic. Air Assault is the one school I applied the most in my time in uniform. Lots of knowledge applied while with a unit who has air asserts like 101st or any light fighter unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 6:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:57:25 -0500

As a medic who graduated Air Assault school and attended EFMB I think Air Assault is more important. You will get more use out of it in the long run. EFMB isn't worth the effort honestly. It doesn't determine who is an expert medic. It determines who can memorize verbatim specific steps. Most of the graduates aren't even medics. They are other 68 series (dental techs, behavioral health, etc.).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 23:22:35 -0500

I would say it is situational. EFMB looks really nice on promotion packet since not a lot of medics get it. Air Assault is fine and dandy, but you hardly get to put it on the resume as relevant experience. Applying for fire department or private ambulance companies and if they get to see EFMB, chances are, you are one of the top candidates. Hearing about your experiences jumping out of helicopters might look pretty badass, but unless you are sticking IVs while at it, I don't know how well it would sell.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 12:06 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:06:00 -0500

It's nice you have a choice.

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 17 at 2016 8:26 AM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:26:26 -0500

I believe the EFMB will have more impact on selections for promotion withon the 68 series. Then go for AA. Both would not hurt. I was the EFMB and MED OPS NCOIC for 168th MMB in Daegu, Korea 2013. I was in charge of everything from drafting the 8th Army OPORD to execution. If I can help in any way let me know. It is alot of studying and doing it by the numbers as per AMEDD C&S PAM 350-10. Some will discredit it by saying it is the expert field memory badge. Do not buy into this. It is a grueling week of mental and physical stamina. Best of luck and go to the AMEDD C&S EFMB TCO webpage for upcomming events. Every EFMB held is scheduled through them with the dates and locations.

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 17 at 2016 8:27 AM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:27:15 -0500

Who are you assigned with in Korea?

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 17 at 2016 8:35 AM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:35:17 -0500

Top 2 EFMB killers.
Written test
Land Navigation followed closely with CTL 1

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 17 at 2016 8:44 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:44:46 -0500

Consider this: AA provides a whole new skill set outside of your MOS training. It's not necessarily needed to participate in AA's, but it's a nice set of skills to have. EFMB, however, is a test to validate expertise in MOS skills. It's good training, but doesn't necessarily teach you anything you don't already know as a medic. Both are nice to have, both garner a lot of respect. Both are difficult to get, especially the EFMB. It's up t you as to which you see as more important if you can only do one....

BTW, when did they start making SPC's Head Nurses at 121....??? ;o)

Response by SSG Jesse Cheadle made Feb 17 at 2016 9:41 AM

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:41:33 -0500

Lastly, Korea will be your best opportunity to attend the event. Almost everyone who submits a packet will be given the opportunity to attend. We did 2 back to back cycles. I dont know if they still do that. Go to
Https://us.army.mil/page/suite/140048

You can also go to medtrng website to see when the event will take place and who the POC's are.

Response by SGT Matthew Kibbey made Feb 18 at 2016 1:01 AM

SGT Matthew Kibbey — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 01:01:30 -0500

Late to the party, but here's my two cents.

Air Assault was one of the most rewarding experiences of my military career and my life. I've been sky diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing and white water rafting as well as deployed in OEF. But nowhere else can I think of any organization that facilitates rappeling out of a muhfuggin helicopter!

The physical portions can be arduous, especially on 0 day as they weed out the first batches by extended smoke sessions and a PFT and obstacle course. Anyone in half decent shape with the will to push through can make it though. You need to pay attention during instruction in sling and load operations class because prior knowledge and mental acuity are needed to pass the testing. But the course allows for ample sleep, and as long as you don't jack off the whole time it's not the hardest evaluation the Army will throw your way.

But after the joy of a live descent from a hovering bird and the accomplishment of passing the timed 12 mile ruck you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Getting blooded at your pinning ceremony is just the tits.

I can't speak to the EFMB Course other than that i know its extremely rigorous and worthwile in its own right. Unfortunately my unit never got a slot for it. But AAS is in my top two military memories. I highly recommend that you do it should the oppurtunity arise!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 5:29 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 05:29:48 -0500

I wwould say EFMB bud honestly air assault is great but if you really want to stand out in your MOS which i assume is 68W then i would go for the EFMB, it teaches you some things and also shows you are knowledgeable and a true medical professional its a tough course but sets you above all your peers in the long run

Response by MSG Michael Jackson made Feb 19 at 2016 2:41 PM

MSG Michael Jackson — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:41:13 -0500

Whether you are nurse or a combat medic it doesn't matter. They are related in some form. Getting your EFMB shows how proficient you are in those tasks that may be used to save a life. It's a hard badge to earn. But once it's earned you gain a lot of respect. I've been in units where a soldier earned his EIB and got rewarded with an Air Assault or Airborne slot. Those schools you probably can get if you stay around long enough.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 21 at 2016 7:45 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 07:45:46 -0500

It depend on your mos, it better to do stuff that related to your mos.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 11:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 11:10:29 -0500

My advice would be Air Assault. While the EFMB is looked upon very highly, it is essentially useless. The book it is taken from is VERY out dated, includes improper treatments (circumferentially wrapping a chest wound) and tests you on your soldier tasks more than any actual medicine. The low graduation rates for EFMB is mostly the initial test. It focuses on thing most medical providers do not regularly (field sanitiation and preventive medicine) that while are valuable, are part of why the badge is misleading in my opinion. IT IS HARD TO EARN YOUR EFMB, do not get me wrong and I RESPECT anyone whom has earned it, but honestly I would focus on a school that directly relates to your MOS.

EFMB will look excellent on a promotion board, and it's a good test of yourself, but that is about the end of it's usefulness. Now slots are hard to come by for it so let that weigh on your decision.

I have come to the opinion that things worth doing only for "it looks good to a promotion board" should never take the place of an actual SCHOOL/TRAINING of substance. SUBSTANCE being the key word. Function over flash

Response by SPC Michael Mandzi made Feb 24 at 2016 12:44 PM

SPC Michael Mandzi — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:44:47 -0500

AIR ASSAULT

Response by SPC Julius Franklin made Feb 25 at 2016 1:07 AM

SPC Julius Franklin — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 01:07:15 -0500

air assault

Response by MSG Michael Jackson made Mar 3 at 2016 2:10 PM

MSG Michael Jackson — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:10:25 -0500

I would go for the EFMB, it shows your proficiency in your MOS and sets you apart from those in that field that doesn't have it. If you stay in the military long enough you may go to Fort Campbell, Fort Drum, or Hawaii where that opportunity for AA is readily available. I got my EIB as a PFC and it was the proudest badge that I earned throughout my career.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 5:36 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 05:36:01 -0400

Having earned both I would say my EFMB means more to me than my air assault badge. If you want to stand out amongst your peers the EFMB is the way to do it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 2:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 14:25:53 -0400

While in Korea go for the EFMB, reason only 1% of medical personal have earned this badge.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2018 12:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 12:17:23 -0500

EFMB

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Oct 23 at 2018 8:12 PM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:12:01 -0400

Do both they are both worth getting , I have 3 , AIR Assault, EIB and EFMB ... Be all you can be do as much as you can..