25th ID Trains for E3B

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – U.S. Army Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division expanded on their training, fitness, and military expertise as they competed for three exemplary badges of honor on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, March, 2025.

E3B, also known as Expert Infantry, Expert Soldier, and Expert Field Medical Badges, are badges that symbolize a Soldier's mastery of skills essential for their respective roles, and earning one of these awards is a significant accomplishment in a Soldier’s military career. Each of these badges have specific requirements that must be met, such as a physical fitness assessment, successfully pass medical, weapon, and patrol lanes, land navigation, complete a 12 mile ruck and more. The completion of these tasks reflect the high standards expected from the Army's best-trained and most skilled personnel, and the 25th Inf. Div. Soldiers surpassed their limits as they trained and competed for one of these badges. Not every Soldier who competes is awarded an E3B, but their presence in this competition shows courage, discipline, and dedication to their craft and to the U.S. Army.

Throughout U.S. Army history, it did not always start out as the E3B. In 1943, the Expert Infantry Badge, (EIB), was the first of the three badges established. The EIB was created to recognize U.S. Army infantrymen who have mastered their skills and proficiencies such as locating, engaging and annihilating the enemy.

“I just really want to be an expert at my craft,” said Spc. Elijah Butt, an infantryman from 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Inf. Div. “I want to be an expert infantryman.”

The second badge is the Expert Field Medical Badge, (EFMB), established in 1965. The EFMB is awarded to U.S. Army medical personnel who demonstrate high levels of competence, professionalism and execution in their combat medical and Soldier skills. The EFMB is one of the most sought-after U.S. Army special skill badges, and one of the toughest.

“The EFMB is very stressful,” said Sgt. Connor Ruddy, a newly awarded EFMB recipient and combat medic from 325th Light Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Inf. Div. “We started the day with about 100 people, and ended the day with about 60 people. Every time I did something, I wondered if I did the right thing, but I got through it.”

The final and most recent badge of E3B is the Expert Soldier Badge, (ESB), established in 2019. The ESB is awarded to U.S. Army Soldiers that perform highly in warrior tasks and battle drills, mission essential tasks, land navigation and physical fitness who are not in infantry, medical or special forces fields.

“My advice would be to give it your best every single day,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Kroll, a weapons lane grader from 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Inf. Div. “Soldiers who come out and are actively engaged, working hard, have a very good chance of passing.”

Not only is the E3B an opportunity for Soldiers to showcase their skills, noncommissioned officers and leaders of all levels get the opportunity to grade, mentor and share their knowledge and expertise to the competing Soldiers in the category they are scoring.

“Being the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Expert Field Medical Badge has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Lesher from the 25th Division Sustainment Brigade. “I am in charge of 18 graders here, who have all won the EFMB, and they represent some of the best medics in the Army. It’s been an honor working with them.”

The tests the Soldiers go through to obtain one of the E3B are rigorous, and as these Soldiers continue to maintain readiness and supersede excellence, they are walking the path to be an expert in their craft in today’s U.S. Army.

“If you went to E3B at all, no matter how far in you got, you gain experience,” Ruddy said. “Keep going until you get that badge.”