True Blue - The EIB in the footsteps of Roman Legionaries

Photo By Lt. Col. John Hall | As the morning sun lights the sky, a paratrooper from the 173rd Airborne Brigade moves to the final event in the Expert Infantryman testing being conducted in Vicenza, Italy.  

VICENZA, ITALY

02.21.2018

Story by Pfc. Josselyn Fuentes and Lt. Col. John Hall

173rd Airborne Brigade

In the land where Roman Legions developed battle skills whose reputation for excellence has survived through the ages, 727 Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and NATO allies seized the opportunity to prove their battlefield agility and expertise through attaining the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB). Over the past four weeks, the 173rd Airborne Brigade conducted the training and testing for the EIB at Caserma Del Din with their European Allies. Those participating in the training were Soldiers from the 2nd Calvary Regiment, 2-1ID, 1-4, and the Croatian, French, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, and Spanish Army.

Before testing, every Soldier had the opportunity to train for two weeks in every Soldier skill. “You challenge yourself mentally, physically; it was a great experience,” said Spc. Holmes from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and recipient of the EIB.

If a Soldier receives a “GO” on every event on the first try, they are considered a “True Blue” candidate. One such recipient was Pfc. Thomas Odowd, who placed much of his success on the exemplary leadership within his company. “I’m true blue,” he said after the final event. “I didn’t get any ‘No-Go’s’ because I paid attention to detail and made sure I went into the tent knowing what I needed to do. My team leader and squad leader checked up on me and made sure I knew 100% what I needed to know before entering the tents.”

Each Soldier is granted the opportunity to re-test after receiving a "No-Go" on up to two events; however, on the third “No-Go,” they have failed. A Soldier who earns the EIB with two “No-Go’s” is considered a “Blade runner.” “I got through 16 lanes in a row ‘blade running’, but with my battle buddies and my team leader I got through it. I finished strong with my company commander,” said Pfc. Stilwell from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and EIB recipient. “‘Blade-running’ or ‘True Blue’, it’s all the same EIB,” he continued.

Candidates receive their EIB Badge when they complete all 33 events of the testing. The EIB events kick off with an Army Physical Fitness Test consisting of three events: the sit-up, push-up, and two mile run. Each Soldier must score 80% or higher on each event in order to advance into the next portion of testing: land navigation. During this event, every Soldier is challenged to find three out of four points on a map during both day and night navigation. From there, each candidate moves on to patrol, weapons, and medical lanes, where Soldiers are expected to expertly execute 10 tasks per lane. These tasks include knowing how to properly employ a hand grenade; clear, disassemble, assemble, and conduct functions checks on their weapon; put their weapon into operation, and camouflage the helmet, kit, weapon and face.

On the final morning of testing, the candidates complete a 12-mile ruck march in three hours or less while in full combat gear and carrying a 35 pound ruck sack and their personal weapon. Upon this accomplishment, they go into the final event, “Objective Bull”. This consists of assessing a casualty, loading the casualty onto a sled, and finally sprinting with the casualty 50 meters to simulate combat rescue. This new event, added only in 2015, shows that even after physically testing themselves, candidates are still prepared to perform these essential life-saving skills.

This year’s recipients of the prestigious award have plenty of advice for upcoming EIB candidates. “Practice – make those skills your life. Just eat, sleep, EIB,” said Spc. Maine from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and EIB recipient. Taking advantage of training week through careful repetitions was also seen as a valuable asset. “It’s definitely worth it the first time,” recommended Odowd. “It really is your EIB.”

• Date Taken: 02.21.2018
• Date Posted: 02.21.2018 11:24
• Story ID: 266649
• Location: VICENZA, IT