JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – Army recruits who recently completed basic training at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) now be eligible to earn the Army’s new “Expert Soldier Badge,” known as the ESB, the Army said in a press release today.

“Our recruits face myriad challenges at MEPS—such as the ASVAB, drug test, and the requirement to make some sort of mark or glyph on a contract,” said Col. Mike Frumpton, who heads the Army’s badge proliferation task force. “We feel it’s necessary to reward the 10 percent of recruits who raise the appropriate hand when they swear-in to the Army.”

The badge, cleverly designed by removing the wreath from the Combat Action Badge (CAB), was introduced in early June to ensure current soldiers unable to meet requirements for one of the Army’s other 150 badges felt included. By opening eligibility to recently graduated recruits, the Army hopes to increase recruiting numbers and prepare future soldiers for the other participation awards they wil…

Army to award ‘Expert Soldier Badge’ upon…

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