Nearly 200 JMRC Soldiers compete for EIB

HOHENFELS, Germany -- Nearly 200 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, participated in testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) from August 27-31.

The purpose of the EIB is to recognize Infantrymen who have demonstrated a mastery of critical tasks that build the core foundation of individual proficiency that allow them to locate, close with and destroy the enemy through fire and maneuver and repel an enemy assault through fire and close combat.

"A Soldier or leader that has earned his EIB has proven himself to be not only an expert in his field but a professional that can be trusted to teach and mentor the next generation of young troops coming," said Master Sgt. David Jones, the senior cadre of the event.

In addition to qualifying expert on their M4 rifle, scoring 80 points in each event on the Army Physical Fitness Test, and passing a day and night land navigation course. Candidates had to demonstrate their expertise in over 30 individual tasks ranging from clearing and correcting malfunctions in various weapons to providing first aid to a casualty.

This will be the third attempt for Sgt. Caleb Manning, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. He plans to give it his all.

"The nerves start to get at you, you've got to stay focused and not let the stress get to you," he said.

After days of testing, candidates had to complete a 12-mile road march in full combat gear in less than three hours. As they reached the end, they were faced with one last challenge-Objective Bull.

Objective Bull is named in honor of Technical Sergeant Walter Bull, the first candidate to earn the EIB in 1944. The simulated combat casualty care situation consists of three medical tasks that must be completed to standard in less than 20 minutes.

Out of the nearly 200 that began, only 41 went on to earn the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge. Sgt. Manning was one of them.

"As a sergeant, I had to stay focused, I couldn't let myself give up because if I don't give my best, I can't expect my Soldiers to give theirs," Manning said.

Sgt. Maj. Brain McCarthy, an EIB cadre says that all infantrymen should strive to earn the coveted badge.

"By earning your EIB you will stand apart from your peers and your supervisors will see the caliber of Soldier you are," McCarthy said.

Since 1944, the EIB is designed to give prestige to Soldiers in a branch that asked its members to come face to face with the enemy. The test has always been a challenge, in its first iteration, 100 candidates attempted with only one, Technical Sergeant Walter Bull, earning the title of Expert Infantryman. Annually approximately 18 percent of candidates earn their badge each year but the multi-day test is no less challenging than the original.