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FROM THE FIELD

The Journey to Earn the U.S. Army Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) by 1SG Shamekia
E. McCurty, First Sergeant Alpha Co, 125th Finance Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hi!

Earning the U.S. Army Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) is a significant achievement that highlights a
Soldier's proficiency in essential skills required for combat and military readiness. This badge is
not just a symbol of individual achievement, but a testament to the Army's mission of ensuring all
Soldiers are proficient in fundamental combat skills. Among the recent candidates were Finance's
own, SGT Javhon Sago and PFC Jonathan Hernandez, who exemplified dedication and resilience
throughout this challenging process.

The ESB is awarded to Soldiers who complete a series of demanding tests, a comprehensive
evaluation including 30 warrior and mission-essential tasks, land navigation, and physical fitness
assessments. This rigorous assessment not only measures physical capabilities but also assesses
a Soldier's mental endurance and resilience under pressure. Introduced as part of a shift in the
Army's training tactics, the ESB aims to ensure that all Soldiers, regardless of their assignments,
master fundamental combat skills. This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to pushing units
and individual Soldiers to excel in basic soldiering tasks, even when not serving in front-line
capacities.

The journey to earn the ESB is multifaceted. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in several
key areas. Physical fitness is paramount; the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment (EPFA) serves
as a benchmark for evaluating strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels. Warrior tasks are
another critical component. Soldiers are evaluated on their ability to perform essential tasks crucial
in combat scenarios, including weapon handling, tactical movement, and medical response skills.
Mastery of both day and night land navigation is paramount, requiring candidates to navigate
complex terrains using maps and compasses. Additionally, the ESB challenges candidates to
perform under stress, pushing their mental limits and testing their ability to remain focused and
effective in high-pressure situations.

For SGT Sago and PFC Hernandez, this journey was not just about earning a badge but a testament
to their commitment to excellence and their ability to rise to the occasion. Their achievement
serves as an inspiring reminder that Soldiers from any specialty, including Finance, can excel and
prove their readiness for the demands of military service. Congratulations to SGT Javhon Sago and
PFC Jonathan Hernandez on this remarkable accomplishment!

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