Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Hewitt | Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division stand tall...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Under the early darkness at Pike Field on Fort Bragg more than 1,000 paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division arrive and begin stretching—not just for the upcoming morning—but for the week of Feb. 1-5.
The bright halogen lights above the field flicker on, symbolizing the kickoff of Expert Infantryman Badge and Excellence in Armor testing.
The two events—one held for infantrymen and the other for cavalry scouts—each require paratroopers to demonstrate perfection in their execution of basic entry-level skills, the foundational skills upon which all other abilities in their combat arms fields are built upon.
Sgt. Maj. Walter Embich, operations sergeant major for 3rd BCT and lead EIB testing planner, said that during the rigorous week ahead, paratroopers would be tested physically and mentally.
“It all starts here and ends here,” said Embich. “This training and testing will allow everyone to get on the same page.”
The first day of EIB testing opened with an Army Physical Fitness Test. Paratroopers were required to score an 80 percent in three events—push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.
“A [physical fitness] test from the ‘get-go’ separates those who can achieve the initial event and make the 80 percent requirement,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Eagle, a Paratrooper assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
The rest of the week brought random temperatures and various elements of weather. From sunny and warm land navigation testing, which required long walks through dense foliage, to performing weapons and patrolling stations in the freezing rain.
Cavalry scouts assigned to 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, began EIA testing tackling the various weapons, radio, medical and radio communications lanes, and took the APFT later in the week.
“EIA is similar to the EIB, but it's a program designed for scouts,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Coronado, first sergeant of Alpha Troop, 5th Sqdrn., 73rd Cav. Regt. “Those who receive [EIA certification] will earn an [additional skill identifier].”
Paratroopers from the brigade’s combat arms occupations were afforded more than 100 hours of training in the weeks leading up to testing.
EIB and EIA testing can bring much more to some than just the right to be called experts—it can bring pride in self, subordinates, and units.
Staff Sgt. Michael Cannelongo, a paratrooper assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, was a grader of many, but a spectator of a select few.
Cannelongo, a platoon sergeant, tracked the progression and success of four subordinates throughout the EIB grading week.
All four of his Paratroopers—a platoon leader, two team leaders, and a private first class—were successful, and he pinned his original EIB badge onto his Soldier’s uniform during the badge presentation ceremony.
“I could not be any prouder of these guys and what they have accomplished,” said Cannelongo. “What I am looking forward to now is that they take this knowledge and pass it on. You can be the smartest guy in the world, but if you don’t tell anybody anything, what’s the point of being smart?”
Training can create bonds between Paratroopers and form a family within the ranks. Additionally, skilled and rigorous accomplishments can bring actual families together too.
“I wasn’t sure how far my son was [going] to get,” said Michael Nilson, a native of Brooklyn, New York. “He called me on day three of testing and said he was moving to day four; I then decided to jump on a plane and come down in hopes to watch him succeed.”
Nilson watched his son, Capt. Michael Nilson Jr., a Paratrooper assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT, finish the forced 12-mile foot march—a culminating event toward the very end of testing—to earn his EIB.
After more than 1,000 paratroopers began the test week, in the end, there were 115 EIB recipients, and five EIA recipients.
Historically, roughly only ten percent of candidates tested go on to earn the EIB. While the majority of Paratroopers tested didn’t earn the badge or their EIA skill identifier, testing increases Paratrooper readiness.
“[This is] a recipe for success,” said Cannelongo. “A lump of coal under pressure turns into a diamond. These guys under pressure will turn into experts. It’s just how much pressure, and how long is it going to take? For some, it’s one and some it’s five. Eventually, they’re going to get it.”
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2016 15:44 |
| Story ID: | 188636 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 499 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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