Resolute Castle

About Resolute Castle

Exercise Resolute Castle is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led, multinational, joint exercise which marries U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, as well as allied and partner nation engineering unit training opportunities with the completion of real world construction projects that enhance training capabilities in various areas of Europe's eastern member-states. Resolute Castle is designed to reinforce regional partnerships and promote interoperability with host nation forces by providing improvements to existing infrastructure.

Resolute Castle 24 utilizes U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and NATO engineers to increase partner capacity and strengthen capabilities across NATO’s eastern member states through real-world engineer-related training and the expansion of infrastructure in support of defender-series exercises.

Press Information

All news, photos and videos from Resolute Castle is available for download on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
All products are public domain and can be used by media outlets. You can search without an account, to download you'll need to create a free account.

Images

MORE PHOTOS

Videos

Video by Jorge Gomez

The Badge & the Lab Tech

Irwin Army Community Hospital

May 12, 2025 | 4:10

For SPC Seth Adkins, a medical lab specialist at Irwin Army Community Hospital, earning the Expert Field Medical Badge isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about redemption. After falling short during his first attempt at Fort Campbell, Adkins is back for round two at Fort Riley, determined not to let even the smallest mistake stand in his way.

In this interview, Adkins opens up about the intense preparation required for the EFMB—one of the most demanding badges in the Army. Often referred to as a "memorization marathon," the EFMB tests a Soldier’s ability to perform life-saving medical tasks under combat-like conditions, with zero room for error. Candidates must flawlessly execute critical skills across Tactical Combat Casualty Care, evacuation procedures, warrior tasks, and a grueling 12-mile timed ruck march. No notes. No second chances on test day.

With historical pass rates ranging from just 18 to 33 percent, the EFMB is a prestigious symbol of excellence in field medicine. Miss one critical task—like verbalizing glove checks or securing a splint correctly—and the opportunity is lost.

Adkins shares how he’s training differently this time: reviewing step-by-step protocols, drilling scenarios repeatedly, and working to increase both speed and accuracy. Watch as he reflects on lessons from his first attempt, the pressure of test week beginning May 18, and what drives him to earn the badge that so few ever do.