NY Army National Guard Lt. Phillip Mullen, a Staten Island resident, earns Expert Infantryman Badge

Fort Drum, NY (05/25/2021) — New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Phillip Mullen, a Staten Island resident, has been awarded the prestigious Expert Infantryman Badge following a week of intensive testing at Fort Drum in Jefferson County.

Mullen serves executive officer for the Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment.

The Expert Infantry Badge is awarded to infantry Soldiers who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in physical, mental and marksmanship skills an infantryman must possess.

In order to qualify for the badge Soldiers must complete a timed day and night land navigation course, they must get a pass on from 30 to 35 individual infantry skills involving first aid, communications, map reading, night vision devices, weapons proficiency, calling for artillery fire, tactical movement, and chemical warfare.

They are required to score expert on their assigned weapon, in most cases the M-4 carbine, and complete a 12 mile march, carrying an M-4 and a 70 pounds load in no more than three hours.

The Expert Infantry Badge is a silver and enamel badge with the image of a 1795 Springfield musket on it.

Mullen was awarded the badge on May 21, following a week of testing which began on May 17.

Mullen was commissioned in the New York Army National Guard in 2017 and completed Basic Officer Leader Course in 2018.

He has also served as Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader for D Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry.

Mullen holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from St. John's University in Queens. His military education includes the Survival Resistance Evasion and Escape Level C Course, the Pathfinder Course, and the Unit Movement Officer Course.

His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Pathfinder Badge.

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