EXPERT SOLDIER BADGE (ESB) GUIDE

Train hard. Go hard. Get the badge.

Interactive Study Platform for the Expert Soldier Badge (ESB). All 31 tasks across Weapons, Medical, and Patrol lanes with GO/NO-GO criteria, performance measures, training videos, and time standards from TRADOC Pamphlet 672-9.

Start Studying Quick Reference

Tasks

Lanes

PFA Events

Test Days

TESTING LANES

Master every lane. Every task is pass/fail — GO or NO-GO.

PFA

3 EVENTS — GATEWAY

Physical Fitness Assessment. HRP, SDC, and 2MR. Fail any single event and you are immediately eliminated from testing.

View Standards

WEAPONS

10 TASKS (W1-W8, ESB1-ESB2)

Individual and crew-served weapons, grenades, mines, IED reaction, and anti-armor. Clear, load, fire, immediate action — under time.

Study Weapons

MEDICAL

10 TASKS (M1-M10)

Tactical combat casualty care from 9-line MEDEVAC to tourniquets, CPR, chest seals, fractures, and burns. Save lives under fire.

Study Medical

PATROL

10 TASKS (P1-P7, ESB3-ESB5)

Tactical movement, radio ops, GPS, camouflage, CBRN, land navigation, SALUTE reports, and escalation of force.

Study Patrol

FINAL EVENT

1 TASK — NOT RE-TESTABLE

M4/M16 disassembly and functions check performed immediately after the 12-mile foot march. No second chances.

View Task

REFERENCE

ALL 31 TASKS + PFA

Quick reference table with every task code, time standard, and lane. Search, filter, and jump to any task.

Quick Reference

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Elimination Rules

Fail any PFA event = immediate elimination
Final Event is not re-testable
Each task is binary: GO or NO-GO
Critical steps are instant NO-GO if missed

Test Format

Validation occurs over 4 days
Day 1: In-brief only
Source: TRADOC Pamphlet 672-9 (June 2022)
Governed by TRADOC Regulation 672-9

Who Tests for ESB?

All Soldiers and commissioned officers in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve — except CMFs 11, 18, 68 and Infantry, Special Forces, or Medical AOC officers (they test for EIB or EFMB).