CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- Soldiers of Task Force Warrior rose to the challenge and earned the Expert Infantryman Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge Feb. 2.
"You will remember this for the rest of your lives," Col. Miles Brown, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division commander, told the Soldiers.
As the testing started, 97 infantrymen and 15 medics from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) began their journey toward the badges.
When all was said and done, 30 infantrymen and four medics stood tall as their leaders pinned the badges on their chests.
While the tasks do not change, regardless of the venue, the stress of being deployed had a positive impact on the candidates, according to Sgt. Christian Duran, an EIB grader with B Company, 163rd Armored Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.
"They're thinking, 'when's my next mission,' and all these other things," Duran said. "I think the added stress level helps to keep them mentally agile and helps them focus and be more in tune."
Earning these badges is just the beginning for these Soldiers, as they will return to their units and share what they have learned during the grueling testing period.
"You are handing off your experience, your professionalism, your knowledge and your wisdom," Duran explained. "You're passing it off to your junior-enlisted Soldiers, and they are, in turn, going to become great leaders themselves."
One new EIB recipient enjoyed not only the chance to prove his skills, but also the chance to work with Soldiers, a rare opportunity after completing his time as a platoon leader.
"After (platoon leader time) you're an (executive officer) or you're on staff and you never get to work directly with Soldiers," explained 1st Lt. Stephen Gonzalez, with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment. "But being out at EIB, you are around Soldiers again doing infantry tasks."
Both the EFMB and the EIB have a long and proud heritage.
"These awards didn't start yesterday," Brown impressed upon the awardees. "The EFMB dates back to 1965, and the EIB dates back to 1944. They reflect the commitment of the Soldier's Creed: 'I am an expert and I am a professional.'"
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