FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 5, 2014) -- After completing a final 12-mile foot march, 54 Soldiers walked away with the Expert Infantryman Badge Oct. 31 during a ceremony at Todd Hill.
The ceremony ended five days of physically and mentally challenging tasks that tested Infantrymen on the Army physical fitness test and land navigation followed by 39 basic Infantry tasks, including map reading, call for fire, first aid, hand and arm signals, and reacting to an improvised explosive device.
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, according to the U.S. Army Infantry School website.
Day one started with 611 candidates attempting the fitness test, with only 299 moving on to land navigation. By the completion of land navigation, 89 remained to complete the traffic control point, patrol and urban lanes.
Remaining candidates began the 12-mile foot march at 5 a.m. on the final day, carrying 35 pounds of dry weight before assembling and disassembling an M16 rifle with a functions check as their final test.
Only 12 Infantrymen earned the "true blue" designation, completing each task without making a mistake. Staff Sgt. Bradley Erwin, of 5th Ranger Training Battalion, said earning "true blue" on his first attempt was surprising.
"The most challenging of it all was the weapons proficiency system because it has to be done step-by-step to standard in a very small amount of time," Erwin said. "You always have to remember three weapons systems at a time."
Capt. Tyler Marshall, of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, also earned the designation on his first attempt.
"It helps to constantly study and prepare beforehand," Marshall said. "You have to set aside what you've done in the past to accomplish the EIB standard in the sequence they set."
Like Marshall, many hope the badge will set them apart for promotion and progression throughout their careers.
"As a captain and potentially a company commander, this gives you validity when you tell your guys to do something and it gives them motivation," he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Guden, Infantry School command sergeant major, was the guest speaker during the ceremony. He said Soldiers who desire to earn the EIB should not delay preparation for the tasks.
"If you want it, you have to get it right now," he said. "Understand exactly what it means and what is expected of you. It's not just about earning it, but mastering all of the training and testing for it."
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