Fort Stewart, Georgia. (June 2, 2023): In this photo by PFC Summer Parish, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division low crawl with a simulated casualty, one of many arduous tasks they must complete to earn their Expert Field Medical Badge. Soldiers must pass a written test followed by a physical assessment before entering the field portion of the program that includes day and nighttime land navigation, a 12-mile foot march, and a speed test on disassembling and reassembling the M-4 rifle. Troops must demonstrate their ability to provide combat care while under extreme stress under realistic combat conditions.

The physical fitness test consists of 15 burpees, 15 rowers, a 400-meter run, and a 50-meter drag of a 160-pound Sked. As you can imagine, the Expert Field Medical Badge is not easy to earn, with a passing rate of just 29 percent.

The 3rd Infantry Division, nicknamed Rock of the Marne, was activated on 21 November 1917 and fought in France during World War I. The 3rd Infantry earned this nickname for its heroic defense against overwhelming German forces at the Marne River which turned out to be the turning point in the war.

The division landed with General George Patton on the coast of Morocco, Africa during World War II and the 3rd went on to invade Sicily. Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy and the exploits of the 3rd Infantry were featured in the Hollywood movie “To Hell and Back”.

Their motto, “Nous Resterons Là” (We Shall Remain Here), is based on their heroic defense at the Marne.