Overview
The Expert Soldier Badge (ESB), is a special skills badge of the United States Army. It is similar in name and appearance to the Combat Action Badge. The ESB is awarded to Soldiers who have completed testing and are not Infantry, Special Forces, or Medical Branch.
Purpose
The ESB demonstrates individual Soldier competencies and abilities to perform Skill level I Warrior Task and brigade commander-selected tasks: Training and testing are expected to be tough, realistic, and mission focused. All who meet the standards will be awarded the Expert Soldier Badge. All Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, and Warrant Officers in will be eligible to compete for the ESB except those in the Infantry, Special Forcesw and medical career management fields (CMFs II, I8 or 68):
History
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Sergeant Major Blog: “The concept of the Expert Action Badge” at Tradoc News
Army Times article: “Inside the Army’s plan for the new Expert Action Badge” at Army Times
