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

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.

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!

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)

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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.

You will do both

EFMB - More applicable to your career path.