Editor’s note: This article ran in the April 15, 1976, issue.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge is “slightly more than half way through,” according to Lt. Col. Robert Carroll, chairman of the EIB Test Committee.
Carroll estimates that the EIB program will test some 1,500 infantrymen before completion April 30.
These 1,500 men are those who survived the preliminary action, some of which began months ago. The EIB program began with company-level PT tests, in which the men had to score at least 380 points, and weapons qualification in which they had to score Sharpshooter or Expert.
In March, battalions embarked on a 12-mile road march which ended with a practical test at a mortar adjustment station. Those who qualified on these, went on to the 19-station “round robin” EIB testing site.
The stations bring together a wide range of skill areas that the infantrymen must be familiar with and able to perform “by the book.”
Basic military skills, such as weapons knowledge, CBR and military courtesy, are covered as well as individual cover and concealment, movement under fire, and others more or less peculiar to infantry. The men are also tested on skills that are “complementary” to the infantry mission: Armored Personnel Carrier maintenance, first aid and military intelligence, to name a few.
As of today, some 900 men from the 10th Cavalry and 10th, 11th and 8th Infantry have completed EIB testing. 23rd Infantry begins next week, followed by make-ups.