What do we think about an Expert Soldier Badge?

2016-04-07T05:22:33-04:00

Soldiers can do EIB and EFMB, but cannot wear those badges unless they are in that field. I think it would be a good idea to have an expert Soldier/Field badge to display proficiency and expertise in being a Soldier.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 5:24 AM

2016-04-07T05:24:40-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 5:24 AM

2016-04-07T05:24:55-04:00

What would it represent? And how would you test it?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 5:37 AM

2016-04-07T05:37:53-04:00

I don't wear badges, except on my blues, so I am impartial. That being said, anyone can participate in the EIB course and get the cert. I, personally, think that is good enough. You should perform for your self, not for a badge. The are other options, too. The German Armed Forces Badge is one example, and anyone can earn that. There are also spur rides, APFT Badge, Air Assualt, Airborne, and for the super high-speeds, Ranger School.

Response by SSG(P) Auston Terry made Apr 7 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-04-07T07:43:10-04:00

That's like a participation badge. It takes away from what EIB, EFMB mean. That's for the guys at the pointy end. This idea is as pointless as the CAB and giving the Aviation Badge to non crewmembers.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 7 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-04-07T08:34:58-04:00

Cabbage. I once read a quote about a highly decorated officer in WWI. It went something like this, "He only wore one medal but it was a good one."

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 7 at 2016 9:08 AM

2016-04-07T09:08:01-04:00

I don't know about a badge, but a recognized award or certificate, something that can be added to a signature block. something that proves you are an expert at all 20/30 level basic solider tasks. I would like to add to that an MOS based certificate of the same weight that is only attainable after the general solider one is attained.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 9:18 AM

2016-04-07T09:18:14-04:00

...

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 7 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-04-07T12:01:09-04:00

Just get in and do your job the best you can. Be the best leader you can, train your teams, squads, platoon. When they are all up to snuff, then that's badge enough, it was for me anyway.

Response by SFC Jason Brewer made Apr 7 at 2016 6:05 PM

2016-04-07T18:05:07-04:00

I have no reason to look like a boy scout. What I do wear looks just fine on me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-04-07T18:56:49-04:00

Too many badges already. I don't think we need any more.

Response by CW4 Tim Claus made Apr 10 at 2016 8:25 PM

2016-04-10T20:25:28-04:00

Combat arms folks already have too many skill badges. If they get anymore, they will look like medieval knights in chrome plated uniforms.

Response by COL Benny Richardson made Apr 15 at 2016 11:11 AM

2016-04-15T11:11:03-04:00

Successfully completing your training in your MOS signifies you are an expert soldier. No new badge needed. It is easy to forget that not everyone can wear the uniform of an American Soldier, I don't understand why that is not enough to be proud of. If you are measuring your success by how many badges you can clutter on the uniform, you are in the profession for the wrong reason.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Apr 30 at 2016 6:10 PM

2016-04-30T18:10:49-04:00

To much emphasis on a badge. Graduating from your MOS school should be sufficient to demonstrate you are proficient and capable of doing your job. Perhaps a badge should be awarded upon completing basic training and MOS school.

Response by Sgt Lincoln Harris made Apr 30 at 2016 6:19 PM

2016-04-30T18:19:11-04:00

I think you Army guys have a lot of chest candy for doing basically what you are supposed to be doing in the first place. Keep the certs for your SRB and medals and ribbons should be for above and beyond or I was there stuff. Just my 2 cents. SF-

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Apr 30 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-04-30T18:23:10-04:00

Well upon graduating from basic training, a soldier can be awarded this badge. Then after graduating from MOS school soldiers could be awarded a star. This badge will let everyone know you were proficient at basic and mos school. Everyone in the Army should get one.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-04-30T18:33:10-04:00

Wait, so we want to award Soldiers for being proficient in their basic Soldiering skills? Something that every Soldier no matter what MOS/Branch needs to be proficient at?... Yea how about no, there's plenty of schools out there for you chest candy seekers to go to. Stop trying to award a trophy to everyone!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-04-30T18:33:46-04:00

Since when do we're need badges at all?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 6:42 PM

2016-04-30T18:42:39-04:00

Completely not needed. Your evaluations, achievements and other opportunities like samc show just this. i won't elaborate any further

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-04-30T19:03:34-04:00

Your "Expert Soldier" badge is above your left pocket. It says "U.S. Army." It even comes in various levels and you get another badge, in the middle of your chest, to show which level of "Expert Soldier" you have attained. Congratulations. Yes, I am making fun of your idea.

Response by SFC Kevin Smith made Apr 30 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-04-30T19:23:15-04:00

I think it is not needed and it will become cheapened in very short order.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 7:37 PM

2016-04-30T19:37:29-04:00

sounds like a participation trophy for pogs

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-04-30T20:09:10-04:00

Shouldnt you all be expert soldiers? Do you really need another badge that says "look at me!! Im good at what im supposed to be good at!" ?

Response by SPC Marcus DeMatos made Apr 30 at 2016 8:34 PM

2016-04-30T20:34:15-04:00

SSG Marc Aberg I think that you might be on to something. But what you suggest might already be embodied by something called a Drill Sergeant. Think about it... an Expert Soldier would have to max out PT, have to show Expert qual on assigned weapon, get all Go on Common Tasks. Besides you would want them to be otherwise a role model. So short of adding an extra qualifier like the Schutzenschnur you wear, we are basically looking at what is a requirement of a Drill Sergeant, don't you agree?

Response by Sgt Christopher Lowry made Apr 30 at 2016 9:00 PM

2016-04-30T21:00:41-04:00

That's what the uniform is supposed to mean. If you wear the uniform you are expected to be a professional soldier, and an expert in your field. Pride comes from within, not from another bauble on ones chest.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-04-30T22:30:43-04:00

I agree with the statement that there are
Too many badges. Armor has Excellent in Armor and Master Gunner both are very difficult to get. Neither has a badge
I also think all badges should be saved for the dress uniform

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 10:45 PM

2016-04-30T22:45:34-04:00

You get a uniform to wear.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 11:30 PM

2016-04-30T23:30:27-04:00

If you are in the Army for badges and awards then you are in the wrong career field and need to look else where for a source of income. When Soldiers occupy themselves with what award or badge they get for a deployment or training it really takes away from what you have learned or taught your Soldiers. Just saying

Response by SSG Max Geitner made Apr 30 at 2016 11:54 PM

2016-04-30T23:54:24-04:00

You can only wear one badge at a time from cat 1 badges.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 12:00 AM

2016-05-01T00:00:31-04:00

We already have two. Ranger and SF tabs.

Response by CW4 Scott Hyde made May 1 at 2016 12:11 AM

2016-05-01T00:11:09-04:00

No.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made May 1 at 2016 12:23 AM

2016-05-01T00:23:51-04:00

They have one, Its call an honorable discharge.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 3:15 AM

2016-05-01T03:15:02-04:00

I was really hoping that you were kidding, but I believe you might actually be serious.

Response by SFC Andrew Dowell made May 1 at 2016 8:44 AM

2016-05-01T08:44:52-04:00

BADGES? WE DONT NEED NO STINKING BADGES

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made May 1 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-05-01T10:53:18-04:00

No on the badge. There are boards for the experts and outstanding. Soldier of the month\year. The Sgt Morales board and many others. Having soldiers prepare for something like this could be an everybody wins kind of deal. Sorry, but IMO, it's a waste of time and resources.

Response by SPC Louis Self IV made May 1 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-05-01T13:38:36-04:00

Why don't you also put a V device on it too

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 1 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-05-01T13:41:42-04:00

Can't we just let the infantry have its own traditions?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-05-01T16:18:37-04:00

The only thing in this whole thread that keeps coming up is the EIB and EFMB. I have had non-infantry soldiers not only complete but excel in these events. Those 2 badges are the only ones that there is no school for. Everything else you have to get formal training. Air Assault, Path Finder, Airborne ect.... My thought is if you do the requirements then you should be able to wear the badge. I'm not saying however that if you are assigned to an infantry unit and you get shot at that you get to wear a CIB.

Response by SPC David Glines made May 1 at 2016 11:49 PM

2016-05-01T23:49:08-04:00

There is one I believe it's the Army Service Ribbon you get it for successful completion of Basic Combat Training

Response by SPC David Glines made May 2 at 2016 12:00 AM

2016-05-02T00:00:31-04:00

here is some info on the EIB In 1944 Army Chief of Staff, George C. Marshall initiated the development of an Award to honor the U.S. Army Infantryman. The Office of Heraldic Activity of the Quartermaster General began work on designing a badge that would represent the U.S. Infantry’s tough, hard hitting role in combat and symbolize proficiency in the Infantry arts.

Just as the Combat Infantryman Badge was intended to be an award for those U.S. fighting men whose primary mission was to close with and destroy the enemy, both German and Japanese, and later Communist and North Vietnamese; the Expert Infantryman Badge was instituted to build and maintain esprit de corps within U.S. Infantry units. It is more desirable for a Soldier to enter a branch that is cleaner, safer and less physically demanding, or provides more career opportunities after military service. The intent of the EIB was to provide a drawing card for a tough and thankless job on the battlefield. To add prestige to an otherwise undesirable yet necessary task.

The EIB was not intended to detract from the importance of other branches of the Army, other branches of service or the military of our allied countries. The EIB was the symbol of tradition for the U.S. Infantrymen that played a vital role in the defense of our nation past, present, future.

In 1944, 100 NCOs of the 100th Infantry Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina were selected to undergo three days of concentrated testing to determine the Army’s first Expert Infantryman. Testing consisted of:

Qualify with one individual weapon and in transition firing; or
Qualify with one crew served weapon (for men who are authorized to fire same for qualification) and in transition firing.
Complete familiarization firing with one other weapon.
Complete continuous (without falling out) foot marches, with full field equipment of 25 miles in 8 hours and 9 miles in 2 hours.
Complete physical fitness test.
Complete the infiltration, close combat, and combat-in-cities courses.
Qualify in the grenade course.
Military subject test, evaluated by a board of officers.

Upon completion of testing, 10 NCOs remained. These ten were then interviewed to determine the first Expert Infantryman. On 29 March 1944, Lieutenant General Lesley J. McNair, Commander of Army Ground Forces, presented the first Expert Infantry Badge to Technical Sergeant Walter Bull.

When awarding Sergeant Bull the EIB, Lieutenant General McNair stated, “The Expert Infantry Badge being awarded here today has been set up by the War Department for U.S. Infantrymen who are trained and fit for battle. After the Infantryman has been in battle, the Expert Infantry Badge may be replaced by the Combat Infantry Badge.” He went on to say, “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.”

According to the original EIB/CIB standards, set forth in War Department Circular #269, 27 October 1943, an Infantryman could be awarded the EIB by; “a. Attaining the standards of proficiency established by the War Department, or b. By satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy.” The Combat Infantryman Badge could only be earned by and Infantryman by; “a. Exemplary conduct in action against the enemy, b. By satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy in a major operation as determined and announced by the theater commander. Testing of Soldiers undergoing instruction as schools, replacement centers, training centers, or replacement depots was prohibited.

War Department Circular #408, 17 October 1944, established the criteria for withdrawal of the EIB, “(1) The right to wear the expert Infantryman badge may be withdrawn by any regimental or similar unit commander only if an individual, by his own misconduct, incapacitates himself for the performance of duty or fails to perform satisfactorily in ground combat against the enemy, (2) Having been withdrawn, the right to wear the expert Infantryman badge may be restored only after the individual again established eligibility and re-qualifies therefor.” Additionally, the EIB or CIB was temporarily withdrawn from enlisted Soldiers assigned to the Medical Department or flying-pay status.

War Department Circular #92, 24 March 1945, established the use of a board of officers and NCOs. The EIB board questioned each candidate on a wide range of military subjects. This board was comprised of personnel outside the testing unit and appointed by the Division Commander.

War Department Circular # 146 , 17 May 1945, authorized the awarding of the EIB to Infantrymen in training regiments and battalions of replacement training centers, school training centers, school training detachments and replacement depots.

On 29 October 1946, the standards for the Expert Infantry Badge were set forth in Army Regulation 600-73. In addition to the existing eligibility requirements, this regulation required the Infantryman’s company commander to certify that the Soldier had completed his combat training and had the ability to apply the military lessons learned. The commander was also required to certify that the individual was of excellent character before competing for the award. Army Regulation 600-73, 20 June 1958, increased the requirement for the board officers from one to three per event of the test. Candidates were required to; qualify as sharpshooter with their primary weapon, as first class gunner with a crew served weapon, qualify in field stripping and assembling of his primary individually assigned weapon and on crew served weapon, qualify as expert with a bayonet and qualify as expert Infantryman in test conducted by the board on military subjects.

Army Regulation 600-73, 14 August 1961, stipulated that individuals must possess the following eligibility requirements:

A character rating of excellent.
An officer must be assigned or detailed to the basic branch of Infantry. He must be active duty or assigned to active unit in the reserve components.
A warrant officer must possess an Infantry MOS and his career monitored by the Infantry branch. He must be on active duty or assigned to an active unit in the reserve components.
An enlisted man must have an Infantry primary MOS. he must be on active duty or assigned to an active unit in the reserves.

The following commanders were authorized to administer the Expert Infantryman Badge in accordance with the 1961 regulation.

Infantry division and separate brigade commanders.

Separate Infantry unit commanders or their next higher headquarters.
Commanders of United States Army training centers.
Commandant, United States Army Infantry School.

Additionally, EIB testing was required to be conducted at least once each training year by authorized headquarters.

Army Regulation 672-12, 30 September 1971, allowed Soldiers to be retested on events in which they had received an unsatisfactory rating during primary testing.

In July 1978, Brigadier General David Buckner, Assistant Deputy Commander, Second Infantry Division, requested permission to allow KATUSA personnel be afforded the opportunity to compete for the EIB. Their rationale was that KATUSA personnel were serving in Infantry and mortar crew positions and were fully integrated into our rifle squads and mortar crews. Brigadier General John E. Rogers, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School commented, “This could open the door for granting exceptions for other groups which could lead to a lessening of the meaning of the EIB.” In August 1978, the Commander USAEIGHT, awarded 284 KATUSAs the EIB with the stipulation that they only wear the award while assigned to 2nd Infantry Division.

Effective 1 April 1978, qualification on the current Skills Qualification Test was added as a prerequisite for Expert Infantry Badge.

Army Regulation 627-12, 1 April 1983, states that candidates must be active members of the U.S. Army, USAR, or ARNG.

Department of the Army Circular 350-85-3, 15 July 1985, removed the authority to test Soldiers attending schools and training centers.

In August 1986, the Third Infantry Division proposed awarding the EIB to German Soldiers. The Infantry school staffed this proposal to the field. Responses indicated that overseas units were in favor, CONUS units were opposed. Commander, FORSCOM, commented, “We tightly control the award within our own Army, strictly limiting the number of MOS eligible for the award. It would be inconsistent with this policy to permit foreign military to be eligible.” Awards Branch, MILPERCEN, strongly opposed stating, “allowing eligibility to other than U.S. Infantry would start a policy of reciprocity with allied Soldiers.” Brigadier General Barry McCaffery, Assistant Commandant of U.S. Army Infantry School, commented, “The award must remain with the U.S. Infantryman. The Award of the EIB and its wartime counterpart, the CIB, unlike specialty badges, has always been restrictive.

Department of the Army Circular 350-87-XX, 1 August 1987, removed the Skill Qualification Test as a prerequisite for the EIB.

In 1987, the Second Infantry Division again requested permission to test and award KATUSA Soldiers for the EIB. Major General Edwin Burba, Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School, replied, “Your request to award the EIB to KATUSA Soldiers in the 2ID puts us in a delicate situation. In the past several years we have turned down personnel from Special Forces, USAF Ground Security Units, Marines, Foreign partnership units, Combat Engineers and forward observers assigned to and living with U.S. Units. We have also turned down El Salvadoran Cadets, Ranger Qualified West Point Cadets, ROTC Cadets in Cadet Troop Leader Training with Infantry Units, and Foreign Infantry Students and Liaison Officers assigned to Fort Benning.” General Burba went on to say, that an exception for allied Soldiers “will bring an emotional response from many Senior Commanders whose requests for exceptions have already been turned down and establish a precedent that will compromise us with the flood of other exceptions that are sure to follow.”

In June 1988, the Third Armored Division followed the spirit of the EIB eligibility requirements. German Infantrymen who successfully completed EIB testing were awarded a 3d Armored Division Certificate of Achievement.

The current United States Army Infantry School Pamphlet 350-6, 4 January 2016, has been revised to create a standardized EIB test. The new test consists of 37 Individual Tasks which include APFT, Day and Night Land Navigation, 30 Individual Testing Stations, 12-Mile Forced March and Objective Bull Tasks.

Response by SPC David Glines made May 2 at 2016 12:04 AM

2016-05-02T00:04:12-04:00

also the EIB isn't giving for being a good Solider 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. as you can see its for MASTERING all critical tasks

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 2 at 2016 7:01 PM

2016-05-02T19:01:47-04:00

There is IMHO too much junk on the Army Uniform, lets not clutter it up more.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 3 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-05-03T23:45:42-04:00

NOOOOOOO!!!! No more badges please... if you need an expert badge, become a medic or an infantryman.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-05-08T21:43:49-04:00

http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/eib/history.html
It seems the EIB and EFMB have rich history and when reading about them they sound of Noble worth. I understand other MOS's want their own badge or distinguished symbol. But I'd hate to be a private 20 years from now and earn such badge and it say something along the lines, " In 2016 it was then noticed not every MOS has a badge so they made one for all soldiers to have along with their US Army combat patches"....

The United States Army | Fort Benning | Home

In 1944 Army Chief of Staff, George C. Marshall initiated the development of an Award to honor the U.S. Army Infantryman. The Office of Heraldic Activity of the Quartermaster General began work on designing a badge that would represent the U.S. Infantry’s tough, hard hitting role in combat and symbolize proficiency in the Infantry arts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-05-20T14:38:30-04:00

Expert Soldier/Field badge equals what would be the Army's version of participation trophy so everyone's a winner. You mention proficiency and expertise. Moving up in rank with or ahead of peers demonstrates this. Given additional responsibility or being assigned a position greater than the current grade shows this. There are other ways without needing a piece of metal or sewn on cloth to show this. If you need a badge to "show" this, maybe from badge envy or something than go out and earn a badge that isn't MOS specific - air assault, airborne, pathfinder, DS, recruiter, career counselor, etc.

Response by MAJ Ralph Barnes made Aug 17 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-08-17T10:26:43-04:00

I am a former Marine and retired Soldier. Marines wear very few proficiency badges on their uniforms. The Army has many. Before I got commissioned through OCS, I wore a driver's badge. Driving is not a base Army proficiency, but marksmanship is. Soldiers are experts in their field but I don't think we need another badge to prove it. It would just be more stuff the Soldier has to buy and maintain.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Sep 14 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-09-14T18:19:53-04:00

This one's not gonna fly, because it's not necessary. The restrictions on wearing the EIB and EFMB are as stupid as saying you can't wear marksmanship badges unless you're currently assigned and carrying the weapon for which it was awarded.

Response by SSG Ray Murphy made Sep 14 at 2017 6:22 PM

2017-09-14T18:22:27-04:00

If you want what the Infantry has, you should have gone Infantry. Please stop trying to take away what the Infantry has earned over the past couple of centuries.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 7:04 PM

2017-09-14T19:04:18-04:00

The greatest thing I ever heard

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Sep 14 at 2017 7:28 PM

2017-09-14T19:28:19-04:00

Yeah....

Response by MSgt George Cater made Mar 12 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-03-12T17:09:32-04:00

Again, here’s a basic concept for you, if you are holding a pay grade above E-1, presumably you display appropriate proficiency at being a soldier. If not, it is a leadership and training problem or challenge/ responsibility for the chain of command, not to be solved by another badge. It seems the three most gaudy uniforms are worn by former Soviet Marshals, NOKO Generals and almost anyone in the US Army.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-03-12T18:25:07-04:00

I think your rank would show your proficiency in your field of work, and yes, I know that some are not, but some how they hold the rank.
There was a squad leader E-6 in the jungles of Panama, that always got us lost, didn't know the campus well, scared of eating the food that the jungle provided, scared of the jungle bugs and creatures. The SF nicked named him "Sweetheart", but by the end of the day, he was still the squad leader.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 12 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-03-12T20:16:07-04:00

Might be difficult determining what the test criteria would be with all the specialities the Army has today.

Agree with those that say we have enough badges.

Response by SSG Joey Waller made Nov 29 at 2018 6:30 AM

2018-11-29T06:30:01-05:00

Sounds to me that some REMF decided he/she wanted a participation badge not knowing that you must pass Basic Training and are already awarded a participation badge in the form of “US Army” right there above the left breast pocket!! Wear it proudly as we all have achieved these basic skills!! I might add, I had a Squad Leader when I was a young buck E2 that was Voluntold he must do the EIB course because his CIB wasn’t enough. After the testing I had learned of the Dog and Pony show for the EIB and that he was a Double No Go at the same station with the same Grader, I was disgusted. Here’s what I learned after I had earned my EIB and I truly wished I had never earned it I might add. Year after year, it was a huge build up for it, when I talked to my fellow EIB Graders, I learned how some felt that no matter what, they were going to be responsible for a “NO GO AT THIS STATION” remark, it was extremely disheartening to see soldiers go through a station and were told they were a no go for a made up failure!! That’s all this badge will be, doesn’t really mean anything except you were well liked or lucky enough to have the guy that wasn’t going to fail you because he can, like I was my first outing, lucky. After I earned my CIB I understood my old Squad Leaders frustration, the CIB meant more to me, as it did him, then the EIB. Because I feel I honestly did something for it. But why this badge? Especially with the Wreath? Isn’t that what the patch I wore on my right shoulder is for? So many things about this is wrong. I’d like to give a shout out to the SAPPERS that went through their version of the EIB and hide the SAPPER scroll under their top left pocket flap because it wasn’t authorized, y’all earned it and couldn’t wear it either, glad that changed. Well I’m off my soap box.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 2:07 PM

2019-07-06T14:07:43-04:00

Its an excellent idea. It’s decades overdue. It will improve both esprit de corps and professionalism. It’s no more a participation trophy than the EIB and EFMB. If a non medic and non infantry soldier displays the commitment and energy necessary to successfully complete the tasks the army selects to qualify for this badge why shouldn’t that soldier get visible recognition?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-07-06T15:46:59-04:00

Great call it ended up happening!

Response by SSG Earl Corp made Feb 8 at 2020 1:20 AM

2020-02-08T01:20:49-05:00

Here’s an idea: re-enlist infantry and go earn an EIB. Or if you’re feeling extra hardcore go medic and earn an EFMB. These badges aren’t handed out for participation they are earned by soldiers who live the life every day and are the best of the best in their fields.

Response by SPC John Decker made Mar 12 at 2020 4:45 PM

2020-03-12T16:45:54-04:00

The uniform and the rank displayed on it are that badge.