This soldier refused to give up on an Army road march. Your thoughts?

Are you kidding me? I've done the EIB. When I was PFC. I was in the same way at 2 hours and 59 minutes. EIB or the EFMB is no joke. When a Soldier, male or female, can push themselves to finish something tough like this when their body says, " We're done" That sh** pumps me up. It would have been too easy for her to just stay down. But she said, "F*** you legs, lets go, now!"
"Murica is strong in this one.

I would like to comment on this as I was there. I was a candidate who was fortunate to of earned an EFMB with her and was proud to be in formation next to her as we were awarded our badges.

To me its not about the fact that she is a female or an officer, it is about is someone that reached their physical limit but had the mental toughness to finish what she set out to do and to not quit. I can tell you that the training/testing was demanding both mentally and physically.

There were soldiers there from all walks of the military. Some came trained better than others, some prepared more than others. Some soldiers were in peak physical condition and others not so much. Looking back on this I am sure that we all would of trained more. This soldier obviously had the toughness to finish when her body was telling her to quit. I am also certain that she will share her experience and help the future candidates be more prepared.

I think that when stories like this hit the social media circuit it is easy for us to judge or to form an opinion. As a leader I find her accomplishment to be nothing short of inspirational. I think that good leaders always push their soldiers, we try to teach our soldiers to overcome barriers, to keep pushing ourselves. She did just that and thats what is important. She lead by example.

During the graduation ceremony which immediatly followed the ruck march they placed a chair next to her in formation and she refused to sit in it and had it taken out of formation. To me this was another act of her mental and physical toughness.

Prior to EFMB I did not know this soldier or any other candidate for that manner. What I can tell you is that we all pushed ourselves day in and day out. It was not easy by any means.

In closing I think that we can all take something from this. Something that we can use to motivate fellow soldiers or even ourselves, friends or family members. To her I say congratulations and job well done!

I like seeing soldiers succeed. Their gender is irrelevant in that regard.

The better question is why does this make national news. I wouldn't put it in the newspaper, much less television and internet. Many units conduct a 12 mile foot march every quarter. All I saw was someone who needs to do far more conditioning so they dont hurt themselves next time.

I'm proud of the effort but have a hard time celebrating the achievement, a 12 mile foot March is a basic Soldier task. Yes she completed it, but at the cost of her ability to continue the fight. And yes I understand this is a school, my point is simply that I personally don't see this as an accomplishment of merit, maybe more so an indicator that some more preparation was in order.

I saw that video a few days ago. Pretty inspiring to see someone want to get through the end that badly. Regardless of the distance, when you reach your physical limit and push on, it means something.

I also thought I heard someone say "Don't touch her" as she neared the finish line. I am glad someone had the situational awareness to make sure others cheered her on, but didn't assist her. That assistance would have DQed her from the EFMB, if I recall correctly.

The more we keep drawing attention to male vs. female in combat MOSs the more of a wedge we keep driving between the genders and the more we keep making an issue where there is none. SMs should be acknowledged and praised as SMs period.

I am a proud holder of that badge. If only 25% pass then does that mean that 75% are not fit to be combat medical soldiers? I doubt it. That test not only tests knowledge, skill and personal fitness but also teamwork and leadership (ie litter obstacle course) under conditions of stress. The teamwork part of the test is the biggest reason I am proud to wear that badge and be part of the elite community of Army medics! This event also involves teamwork in that her fellow soldiers are cheering her on! I have seen this type of situation on PT tests and obstacle courses as well. She may not necessarily be the last one to complete the course; only the last one who PASSED the road march portion of the test. Not quitting and having fellow soldiers cheer her on is part of what being a soldier is about! She will also know that she should continue to work on her fitness as well. I'm very proud of CPT Cudd and part of the fraternity of EFMB holders that she is now in.

I accept walking 12 miles with a moderate load, in moderate temps with an unlimited supply of water available, medical support on hand if needed, no threat of enemy fire or IED device, and a ready group of cheerleaders providing mental support was a significant emotional and physical challenge for her, and that she persevered. On a personal level, Well done Captain. You pushed yourself when your body said quit.. That is an accomplishment no one can ever takeaway.

I do not see it as a significant emotional challenge in general and view it as a feel good story only.. Not as a significant accomplishment or news worth.

"Cudd serves with Army Public Health Command at Fort Knox, Ky. The march was the last event required to earn the Army’s Expert Field Medical Badge"

MEDIC! HOOAH!