French Army Sgt. Florian Expert Infantry Badge candidate, treats a simulated patient March 30, 2016, during the medical portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Since 1944, there haven’t been many changes to the EIB process, but this course proved different in more ways than one as several French infantrymen also participated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge candidate treats a simulated burn March 30, 2016, during the medical portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Each candidate was tested on a variety of medical issues that could happen in combat, ensuring they’re prepared to care for their fellow Soldiers in need. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge testing cadre times a candidate March 29, 2016, during the weapons portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. All of the events were timed, and as they moved through each day and each test, they received a “go” or “no go” indicating their status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Spc. Jeremy Cicio, Expert Infantry Badge candidate, performs a mortar test March 29, 2016, during the weapons portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The weapons portion involved a variety of systems and required proficient knowledge of preparing each weapon for use, all of which were timed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Spc. Jeremy Cicio, Expert Infantry Badge candidate, performs a mortar test March 29, 2016, during the weapons portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The weapons portion involved a variety of systems and required proficient knowledge of preparing each weapon for use, all of which were timed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alexander Repp, Expert Infantry Badge candidate, practices before approaching the testing tent March 29, 2016, during the weapons portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. As they moved through each day and each test, they received a “go” or “no go” indicating their status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge testing cadres accept a candidate for testing March 29, 2016, during the weapons portion of the EIB course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Authorities from EIB testing headquarters at Fort Benning, Ga., travelled here to make sure the course met the very high standard of every EIB test, and they approved the course, cadre and curriculum for the intense week of evaluations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge candidate reads land navigation documents March 27, 2016, during the night-time land navigation portion of the EIB course at Arta, Djibouti. Candidates had three hours to find three different points in the dark and rocky terrain of Arta using only their red light, map, protractor, and compass. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge candidate reads land navigation documents March 27, 2016, during the nighttime land navigation portion of the EIB course at Arta, Djibouti. Candidates had three hours to find three different points in the dark and rocky terrain of Arta using only their red light, map, protractor, and compass. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Expert Infantry Badge testing cadres discuss nighttime land navigation before testing the candidates March 27, 2016, at Arta, Djibouti. Authorities from EIB testing headquarters at Fort Benning, Ga., travelled here to make sure the course met the very high standard of every EIB test, and they approved the course, cadre and curriculum for the intense week of evaluations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
18 Deployed Soldiers receive a ‘Go’ for Expert Infantry Badge
4/6/2016
After six days of testing, 18 U.S. and French Soldiers emerged victorious from the most recent Expert Infantry Badge process, April 1, 2016, in Djibouti.
French and U.S. Army Soldiers carry a simulated injured victim to safety during a field training exercise March 17, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. This is one of 60 engagements U.S. and French forces have held since September, providing another opportunity to build teamwork amongst the allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A smoke can indicates a simulated improvised explosive device attack March 17, 2016, during a field training exercise in Arta, Djibouti. Several Soldiers were simulated as injured to test the rest of the team’s ability to react under pressure and provide combat lifesaving techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
French and U.S. Army Soldiers respond to a simulated improvised explosive device attack March 17, 2016, during a field training exercise in Arta, Djibouti. The exercise, hosted by the French 5th Marine Regiment, tested and trained the Soldiers on force protection, convoy operations and counter improvised explosive device tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Spc. Austin Graham, 2-124 Seminole Battalion infantry member, signals to his team during a security check March 17, 2016, as part of a field training exercise in Arta, Djibouti. In addition to overcoming the language barrier, the Soldiers faced several challenges during the exercise such as lack of sleep, random ambushes from simulated opposing forces and serving in different positions in each other’s Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
French and U.S. Army Soldiers listen to the plan of action during a field training exercise March 17, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. The bilateral training exercise was one of many engagements U.S. and French forces have held throughout the year that maximizes the benefits of serving at the same location, and enables the allies to learn and experience each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
U.S. Army Spc. Micah Whitten, 2-124 Seminole Battalion infantry member, watches his area of responsibility during a field training exercise March 16, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. The Soldiers received attacks throughout the night from simulated opposing forces, requiring the Soldiers to quickly take action to defend their post. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A French Army Soldier stands watch during a field training exercise March 17, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. On-watch Soldiers rotated several times throughout the night as French and U.S. Soldiers defended their post. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A French Army Soldier explains his plan to U.S. Army Sgt. Dare Crusade, 2-124 Seminole Battalion team leader, during a field training exercise March 16, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. In addition to overcoming the language barrier, the Soldiers faced several challenges during the exercise such as lack of sleep, random ambushes from simulated opposing forces and serving in different positions in each other’s Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
A French Army officer briefs the plan of action prior to a field training exercise March 16, 2016, at Monclair French base, Djibouti. The exercise, hosted by the French 5th Marine Regiment, tested and trained the Soldiers on force protection, convoy operations and counter improvised explosive device tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
