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Soldiers compete for Expert Infantry Badge

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HINESVILLE, GA (WTOC) -

A celebration at Fort Stewart awarded a select number of the 3rd ID as experts in their field.

More than 700 soldiers tried to achieve the honor but only 112 actually made it. The rigorous five day competition tests physical strength, endurance and combat firing accuracy. Friends and family were on hand to join in the celebration.

"It's an Expert Infantryman Badge. It means that I am an expert at my job. That is why it means a lot to me," said Spc. Jimmy Lopez.

"I think it just shows our soldiers. All the officers in my company made it through EIB, which is fairly rare. So, I think it just shows that we lead from the front and we are ready to go out and train when they are," said Cpt. Daniel Evans.

Eight of the winners received perfect scores earning them the title of True Blue. This is the first time the EIB Competition has been held at Fort Stewart in more than two years.

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