Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jacob Babcanec, a physical therapy specialist, from Bayne-Jones Army Community...... read more read more
FORT JOHNSON, La. —Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital welcomes home two of the U.S. Army’s newest Expert Field Medical Badge holders to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
Second Lt. Isella Wallace, chief of the patient administration division, and Spc. Jacob Babcanec, a physical therapy specialist, at BJACH both earned the coveted award during the EFMB lanes Oct. 22-25, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Sgt. 1st Class Timothy McCoole from Reynolds Army Community Hospital was the noncommissioned officer in charge the event.
McCoole said there were 46 candidates from 19 units and nine military installations who participated with only 21 earning the badge.
“The EFMB is known for its demanding standards,” he said. “Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of medical and soldiering skills, including combat lifesaving techniques, land navigation, and warrior tasks. The high failure rate makes it a significant achievement for those who earn it.”
McCoole said earning the EFMB is difficult and highly respected within the military community.
“Earning the badge indicates that Soldiers like Wallace and Babcanec are well-prepared to provide medical care in a combat environment,” he said.
McCoole said the skills tested for the EFMB are crucial for combat
readiness.
Command Sgt. Maj. Larry D. White II, senior enlisted advisor at BJACH, said earning the EFMB exemplifies excellence.
“I couldn’t be prouder of 2nd Lt. Wallace and Spc. Babcanec. They both exhibited determination and grit. They both received ‘No Blood’ which means they passed all tasks on the first attempt,” he said. “Spc Babcanec also came in first with the fastest time of two hours and 23 minutes on the 12-mile ruck march.”
White said Wallace and Babcanec represented BJACH during the Medical Readiness Command-West Best Squad competition as well.
“Both of these Soldiers have displayed the character and attributes of professional Soldiers, warriors and leaders since their arrival to BJACH,” he said. “They have made us extremely proud!”
Wallace said other badge holders helped her prepare.
“People who already hold the badge helped us prepare by teaching us tactical combat casualty care, simulating lanes, providing insight, and offering,” she said. “As a junior officer, I knew earning the badge was a good way to set myself apart from my peers.”
Wallace said the experience was challenge and rewarding and recommends other pursue it.
Babcanec said he is honored to hold the badge.
“To me this badge represents expert knowledge in my field as a medical professional,” he said. “I believe as a Soldier it’s my duty to be competent in my military occupational specialty as well as army field medicine. It is surreal to hold this badge knowing that so many have strived to acquire it.”
Babcanec said he is ready to face new challenges and teach the next generation of EFMB holders.
“I would tell others interested in earning this badge to give it a shot, you have nothing to lose and all to gain,” he said. “If you work hard and stay focused it is more obtainable than you think.”
Editor’s note: To learn more about EFMB visit the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence’s website: https://medcoe.army.mil/efmb
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2024 14:04 |
| Story ID: | 484217 |
| Location: | FORT JOHNSON, LOUISIANA, US |
| Hometown: | PORTLAND, OREGON, US |
| Hometown: | SHARON, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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