Hundreds seek Expert Infantryman Badge

By U.S. ArmyOctober 28, 2014

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FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 29, 2014) -- Approximately 800 Soldiers spent a week prepping for their attempts to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge Oct. 20-24.

Hosted by the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade at Selby Hill Combined Arms Collective Training Facility, candidates endure a series of physical and mentally challenging combat scenarios that must be performed according to Infantry standards.

Their rigorous five-day evaluation started Oct. 27, and included an Army Physical Fitness Test, a 12-mile foot march and urban, patrol and traffic-control point lanes. Tasks include day and night land navigation, first aid, weapons master skills testing and radio operation.

Master Sgt. Michael Pore, patrol lane noncommissioned officer in charge, said about 10-20 percent of candidates are expected to earn their badge, with the foot march and physical fitness tests dramatically reducing the numbers.

"We have a variety of skill levels out here," Pore said. "We have privates up to captains and senior NCOs, so their levels of experience are different. By the end of the training, their experience shouldn't matter anymore. They should all know how to complete the tasks to standard in order to earn their EIB."

Whether identifying and throwing hand grenades, performing medical tasks or assembling weapons, the patrol lane tests high proficiency in tasks that are performed in theater or duty station training, Pore said.

"The EIB is a mark of excellence, which will certainly benefit their careers as they go on," he said.

Staff Sgt. Manon Murray, a grader for the patrol lane, said the EIB tests Soldiers to complete tasks in accordance with the Adaptive Soldier Leader Training and Education module, which involves outcome-based and critical thinking skills.

"Each Soldier is different, so one may be very good at task like throwing a grenade while others may be stumped by it," he said. "You never really know what the outcome will be."

A ceremony will be held Oct. 31 for candidates who earn their badges. For more information on the EIB, visit www.benning.army.mil/infantry/EIB.