Sky Soldiers Demonstrate Expertise, Earn Expert Infantry and Expert Soldier Badges
CHIÈVRES, belgium - Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade recently distinguished themselves by earning the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) and Expert Soldier Badge (ESB), signifying a high level of professional skill and combat readiness.The achievement underscores the unit’s commitment to maintaining a force prepared to respond rapidly to contingencies across multiple geographic commands.
The badges, awarded to those demonstrating exceptional proficiency in infantry and soldiering tasks, represent a notable milestone for the Sky Soldiers and contribute directly to the U.S. Army’s ability to project power and maintain readiness in Europe, Africa, and Central Command areas of obligation.Earning either badge requires rigorous testing encompassing physical fitness, weapons proficiency, land navigation, and tactical skills.
“Overcoming these struggles has allowed me to become a more confident leader,” said Sanchez, a participant in the evaluation. “I can bring these skills to my unit to share the knowledge and become a more productive team,be the Soldiers the Army wants us to be,and win our nation’s battles.”
those who successfully completed the demanding course of fire and evaluations now belong to an elite group within the Army, recognized for their technical expertise and dedication to maintaining a high state of readiness.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade serves as the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, poised to deploy quickly and execute a full spectrum of military operations. The brigade’s area of operation spans the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command.
Supporting this capability, U.S.Army Southern European Task Force (SETAF-AF) focuses on preparing forces, responding to crises, fostering strategic competition, and strengthening partnerships to advance the objectives of both U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
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