Soldiers competing for the Region IV Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge prepare for the upcoming competition at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, Michigan, Sept. 18, 2026. The Soldiers certify on evaluation tasks for the Expert Field Medical Badge as part of their preparation for the E3B competition. Soldiers from across the region compete to earn one of the three badges by demonstrating technical and tactical proficiency. The competition validates individual warfighting skills and strengthens force readiness.
Photo by U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Paige Bodine
LANSING, MI — Approximately 200 Soldiers from more than nine states converged at Fort Custer Training Center (FCTC) Oct. 4-9 for the 2026 Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge (E3B) assessment, bringing together Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG), Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and active-duty Soldiers to demonstrate their proficiency in critical individual warfighting skills.
Collectively known as E3B, the assessment challenges Soldiers to demonstrate the tactical and technical skills required to perform their duties to expert standards. Soldiers competed for the badge aligned with their military occupational specialty: the Expert Infantryman Badge, Expert Soldier Badge or Expert Field Medical Badge.
Hosting E3B at FCTC highlights the Michigan National Guard’s role in providing high-quality training opportunities for Soldiers from across the country. The training center’s diverse facilities and terrain provide an environment where candidates can demonstrate the skills required to operate effectively under challenging conditions.
“Events like E3B provide an opportunity for Soldiers from across the nation to come together, challenge themselves and demonstrate the skills they will need to fight and win in combat,” said Brig. Gen. Ravindra Wagh, assistant adjutant general and commander of the MIARNG. “The Michigan National Guard is proud to host this assessment at Fort Custer and provide the facilities, training environment and support necessary to help these Soldiers meet the expert standards required to earn these badges.”
