Fort Carson soldiers testing for prestigious badge
On Friday, more than 100 Fort Carson soldiers were on day two of trying to earn the exclusive Expert Field Medical Badge.
Each of what’s referred to as specific lanes tests critical skills required by combat medics. Testing includes tactical combat casualty care, a 12-mile ruck march and a medical evaluation – part of a grueling 120 hours that shows a soldier’s physical fitness and mental clarity in high-stress situations.
The testing continues through Sunday.
About 19 percent of the soldiers who take the test pass, the Army said.
1st Lt. Edward Williams treats a soldier with a mock leg from in the field of battle Friday, April 22, 2016, at Camp Red Devil on Fort Carson while testing to earn the Expert Field Medical Badge. With a 17-percent pass rate, the badge is one of the hardest medical awards in the army to earn. The field started with 191 soldiers and was down to 151 after the first of four days of testing. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)