FORT KNOX, Ky.- Roughly 600 infantrymen from the Duke Brigade pushed themselves to the extremes to see if they had what it took to earn the expert infantryman badge. Originally the EIB was not intended to take away from the importance of other branches in the Army, but was more of a traditional symbol for the infantryman that played a crucial role in defending our nation’s freedom.

The EIB was initiated in 1944 when 100 non-commissioned officers from the 100th Infantry Division were selected to attend one of the hardest three-day challenges they would ever encounter in their career. Needless to say the test was full undesirable yet necessary task to include things like weapons qualifications and familiarization, foot marches, physical fitness test, combat courses, a grenade course, and a military subject test evaluated by a board of officers.

Later on in March 29 of 1944, Lt. Gen. Lesley McNair presented the very first ever EIB badge to Tech. Sgt. Walter Bull.

Following the award ceremony McNair said, “Two-thirds of the troops of a division are Infantry. The other third artillery, engineers and the smaller units are to help and protect the infantry. These helpers must find pride and satisfaction in the achievements of their infantry, cheer it to victory… Infantrymen are killed and wounded in battle in far greater numbers than other branches. I am honored to be with you here. Be proud of your badges and become more expert every day. May they change to combat badges before long. Good luck.”

And now, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are carrying on with the long honored tradition of putting soldiers through the test to see if they have what it takes. On day one, 595 candidates started the test with an Army physical fitness test and were required to score at least 75 percent in each event. From there the infantryman conducted land navigation test during both day and night, urban lane testing, traffic control point lane testing, and on the very last day, a 12 mile foot march. Out of the 595 candidates, a total of 63 men were pinned with the Expert Infantry Badge.

Brigade commander Col. William Ostlund said the Duke soldiers who stood in the final formation proudly wearing their EIB, are now experts in the best Army our world has ever had.

“Every day you get up, and put on your uniform, and every night you conclude your business, you’re tired and take that uniform off, be proud of the fact that you are in the best Army in the history of this world. Bar none, the best Army in the history of the world.”

The infantrymen of 3rd Brigade who stood in last week’s final awards ceremony and were awarded their EIB, will no doubt wear that badge with pride and honor. The EIB proves to them and others that they are indeed experts in their chosen profession; a profession that is at the fundamental core that wins our nation’s battles.

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