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
10:33 AM4/6/2016
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)
French and U.S. Army Soldiers attend a brief prior to a field training exercise March 16, 2016, at Monclair French base, 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)
French and U.S. Army Soldiers bed down during a field training exercise March 16, 2016, in Arta, Djibouti. Soldiers got as much sleep as they could between attacks from simulated opposing forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)
From the left U.S. Marine Corps Cpls. Caitlyn Coscarelli, Sean Decker and Joseph Lewis, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, get last minute studying in before the start of the final course test March 9, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course was held over a two-week period and included members from the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caitlyn Coscarelli, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course student, practices sword drills while watching her fellow students March 1, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The course was held over a two-week period, and members of the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps attended. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook)
From the left, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin Burke, and U.S. Army Spcs. Kimberly Williams and Jasmine Wright, Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course students, plot grid points during the land navigation portion of Camp Lemonnier's Joint Corporal’s Leadership Development Course at Arta, Djibouti, March 3, 2016. During the evaluation Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines had to find eight different points and navigate to those points in a timed event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook)
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Erich Gaskell, U.S. Embassy to Djibouti Marine security guard element detachment commander, congratulates the graduates of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's Joint Corporals Leadership Development Course during a ceremony held at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 11, 2016. Fifteen Army Soldiers, nine Navy Sailors, one Airman and nine Marines complete the two-week leadership course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook)