Soldiers endeavor to earn coveted EIB/ESB

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers across the 3rd Infantry Division and visiting units were constantly tested during the Expert Infantryman and Expert Soldier Badge qualification hosted by the "Spartan Brigade,” 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, between April 4-8 at Fort Stewart. The EIB/ESB qualification is part of individual training designed to increase Soldier proficiency in the Army Warrior Tasks to increase lethality and unit readiness. Only infantryman can earn the EIB and all Soldiers who are not in the Infantry, Special Forces and Medical career fields can earn the ESB.

In August 2021, the Spartan Brigade was the first unit on Fort Stewart to host a joint EIB and ESB qualification while simultaneously conducting mitigation measures amidst the rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant. This time without COVID-19 mitigation as an issue, the brigade could focus solely on training the Soldiers and providing the best environment possible to enable success.

“Last year we executed a very similar event,” said Col. Terry R. Tillis, commander of the 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “We had 28 graduates, today we had 115 Soldiers that are graduating, which is a 34% go-rate, which is unheard of when we execute the EIB/ESB.”

Tested events are based on the Warrior Skill Level 1 tasks first introduced at basic training. Regardless of pass or fail, EIB/ESB increases proficiency across the ranks creating disciplined, expert leaders that will enable greater unit lethality and promote cohesive teams from the confidence gained through more repetitions of basic Soldier tasks.

“Soldiers will be tested over a period of five days on 30 different skill level tasks, physical fitness and land navigation” said Sgt. Maj. Scott McClellan, the noncommissioned officer in charge and head operations NCO assigned to the “Can Do Battalion,” 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID.

Each event has multiple performance measures that each Soldier must follow. Once the steps are completed within the allotted amount of time, they receive a go; however, if the task is not completed within the allotted time or a step was missed, then the Soldier will receive a no-go. If a total of two no-goes are obtained by the Soldier, then they are immediately dropped from the qualification.

“If the Soldier is able to pass all the events, then they are able to obtain the coveted EIB or ESB Badge,” said McClellan.

At each station graders explain the tasks, conditions and standards to the Soldiers then initiate the assessment. They only have one chance to retrain and retest if the grader identifies any failures. The Soldiers train for two weeks before the EIB/ESB test week begins to assist in gaining the level of proficiency needed to pass.

“There is a lot of attention to detail,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert St. George, EIB/ESB participant assigned to 3rd Bn., 15th IR, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “If you mess up on one thing, you’re a potential no-go. Completing the steps in the level one book and with the grader is essential and doable as long as you take it one station at the time.”

On day one, Soldiers completed a physical fitness test that includes two minutes pf push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and a run, four miles for the EIB and two miles for the ESB. Those who pass then take a test measuring their land navigation skills by working through complex grid coordinates with one test in the daytime and one at nighttime.

Over the next three days, candidates went through three training lanes designed to test their knowledge of tactical combat casualty care, weapons and patrolling. On the final day, the remaining Soldiers had to conduct a 12-mile foot march carrying a 35-pound rucksack in a three-hour time limit to pass followed by a final mystery task. Within five minutes of completing the foot march, the mystery event was revealed as the disassembly, reassembly and function check of the M4 carbine.

“The reason we do that within five minutes is to put them in a mentally stressful situation after being physically stressed, so it allows them to demonstrate the ability to function under duress,” said McClellan.

Soldiers received their badge in an award ceremony several hours later where they were pinned by mentors, Families, leaders and loved ones.

This EIB/ESB not only brought units togethers, but a family. Two brothers from different two different divisions but from one family, the Hooker Family, completed this year’s competition.

“It was a special experience for me,” said Capt. Christopher Hooker, EIB participant assigned to the 3rd Bn., 15th IR, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “Our family has been in the Military for a few generations, so it’s really a privilege to be able to test with [my brother].”

“It's been a privilege and an honor to train with the guys here at 3rd Bn., 15th IR,” said 1st Lt. Richard Hooker, EIB participant assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “Also, this is the first time that we have been able to do something together since we put on the uniform.”

The EIB/ESB qualification fundamentally trains Soldiers to focus on the basics to create expert coaches that build cohesive teams.

“I wanted to set the prime example for my Soldiers,” said St. George. “If you don’t have your EIB or ESB, I encourage you to come out here and give it your best shot.

The Spartan Brigade is committed to creating experts early to form lethal teams that are ready now to fight and win the nation’s wars. The EIB/ESB qualification enables any motivated Soldier to improve themselves and demonstrate leadership.

“Every Soldier who has the ability should absolutely do this,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez, senior enlisted advisor for the 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “It's an opportunity to be an expert in your field, and most importantly it sets yourself apart from your peers and gives your Soldiers someone to look up to.”