Eighth Army Medics compete to see Who’s the Best

Eighth Army completed its 2020 Best Medic Competition earlier this month. The event took place at Camp Humphreys, Camp Casey and Rodriguez Live Fire Complex from July 13-17.

Ten medics competed for 72 hours straight to demonstrate who was the most technically proficient, mentally astute and physically tough medic within Eighth Army.

The Soldiers competed in 11 events in the course of those three days.

“I did this to challenge myself and view my medical readiness and aptitude” said Maj. Andrew Oh from the Medical Department Activity Command Korea, 135th Forward Surgical Team, Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, after finishing day one of the competition.

The BMC is an annual competition that physically and intellectually challenges competitors on their tactical medical proficiency and leadership.

“This is a great opportunity for them participating in the event,” said Army Master Sgt. Steven Vaughn, Eighth Army Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Surgeon Cell, and BMC noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “It allows them to test their skills.”

The course requires medics to be responsive and adaptive, demonstrate mature judgment and initiative as they travel through terrain and get to a secondary location.

As the competitors persevered each day their resiliency grew stronger. They become more motivated to “finish strong” said Army Sgt. David Espersen, as he and another competitor passed the road march finish line on day three.

The teamwork that was shown from the competitors, those in charge and those who volunteered to help, was empowering to watch.

After 72 hours in the demanding, continuous and realistically-simulated operational environment, every Soldier managed to complete the competition. Winners will be announced soon.