Posted on Feb 14, 2016
I'm deciding to either attend Air Assault School or EFMB; which would you choose and why? (Currently in Korea)
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SPC
Expert Field Medical Badge EFMB
Air Assault School
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 46
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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.
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC Joshua Dawson - EFMB is not a course. It is a badge you are tested for. For example, I am an infantryman... as long as I turn in my packet to go test for my Expert Infantryman Badge I can go. There is no actual limit to "slots" for it. So in all reality, whoever told you that all the "slots" for EFMB were taken lied to you. As long as you are available to train and test, you can go for it.
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SSG (Join to see)
I suggest going to Air Assault. It gives you and identifier and although it is pretty important that you go get your EFMB, an ASI is always helpful to set you apart from your peers. My suggestion, since there are limited slots for AA go for it and try your hardest to clear your calendar for your next EFMB opportunity. They are similiar to our EIB when it comes to scheduling, so it will happen at least once a year guaranteed.
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SPC Joshua Dawson
SSG (Join to see) - Wow really? So just because you have SSG in front of your name you assume you know better than me? People like you are the reason why all the smart ones do get out. The EFMB is designated as a COURSE in which you are tested to verify that your skills do in fact warrant the award of the EXPERT FIELD MEDICAL BADGE and as with any COURSE or TRAINING exercise there are only a certain number of individuals that can take it at a time, slots, these SLOTS fill up quickly by individuals that actually have the time to try and go for it, ie hospital or aid station personnel. I was a combat medic when I was in so I'm pretty sure that I know what I'm talking about more than an infantryman because I was actually involved in it and did my research on it. I was simply never ALLOWED by my chain of command to even attempt to get a SLOT for the COURSE.
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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.
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you CSM Hopkins, appreciate the kind words and feedback. EFMB is something i am leaning towards aswell! HOOAH!
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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.
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Without sounding like a broken record, the EFMB. You may not have a chance to try for it in your career again.
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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.
Not to mention much more valuable for promotion points.
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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.
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LTC Paul Labrador
I've never seen any position that requires Air Assault qualification. It's not even necessary to participate in Air Assaults.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador We have chemical response teams that support other government agencies and they are required to have two soldiers that are air assault qualified. I'm sure there are other duties that require it also.
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LTC Paul Labrador
CPT (Join to see) - That's a new one.....again never run across a duty description that required AA. Even in the 101st it's not a requirement....although you will get major flak for not having it.
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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.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks I appreciate it, let me know the reference ; would love to read it. Appreciate the feedback !
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