CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – As the deployment starts to come to an end for Soldiers of 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, infantryman are gearing up for Expert Infantry Badge testing by conducting internal training on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 5-23.
Headed up by Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd ABCT, the training includes refreshers on land navigation, first aid, weapons and communications, which prepared Soldiers for the rigors of EIB Testing scheduled for the last week of May.
“It basically takes every aspect of being an infantryman and it kind of fire hoses it at you,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Potter, infantryman, Company B. “You have to take every aspect of your job, all at once, and demonstrate you have the knowledge and experience.”
Soldiers conducting the training know it will set them up for success.
“Working with my peers and helping practice for this daily makes it easier,” said Spc. John Ferreira, infantryman, Company B. “We don’t really focus too much on one task. We figure out what we are least experienced in and fix it.”
Becoming and EIB holder shows you are a subject matter expert regarding infantry tactics.
“It demonstrates these guys, at a bare minimum, know how to do the tasks,” said Potter. “They have the attention to detail and discipline to pass a rigorous course, which is a testament to their capabilities.”
And how does it look when you show up to a new unit with the EIB pinned upon your chest?
“If you have your EIB, you have a better chance of getting a leadership position,” said Ferreira. “You are that go to guy for information.”
Even though the EIB testing is an individual accolade, the Soldiers are happy to help each other.
“Training for the EIB pulls us all together because we are all working as a unit,” said Ferreira. “We all have each other’s backs. We help each other improve on every little thing. I am closer now with a few (of the other Soldiers).”
And Potter knows that his Soldiers who pass will have earned it.
“Yeah, I would like to take a little bit of credit for helping them along, but it is more of a testament to their hard work and I would be really proud of them.”
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