NY Army National Guard Sgt. Joseph Ryan, a Ronkonkoma resident, awarded prestigious Expert Infantryman Badge
Fort Drum, New York (05/25/2021) — New York Army National Guard Sgt. Joseph Ryan, a Ronkonkoma resident, has been awarded the prestigious Expert Infantryman Badge following a week of intensive testing at Fort Drum in Jefferson County.
Ryan serves as an assistant squad leader in the Scout Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment.
The Expert Infantryman Badge, or EIB for short, 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 EIB is a silver and enamel badge with the image of a 1795 Springfield musket on it.
Ryan was awarded the badge on May 21, following a week of testing which began on May 17.
Ryan enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2017. His assignments have included fire team leader, and administrative non-commissioned officer.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training from Alfred University and is a graduate of the Army Ranger School, Airborne School. Basic Leader Course, Air Assault School, and Small Arms Weapons Expert training.
Ryan won the Best Warrior Competition for the state of New York and the northeast in 2019.
His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.
He is engaged to Olivia Warren of Owego.
Media Attachments
U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Ryan,a Ronkonkoma resident and infantryman assigned to the New York National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, conducts a 12-mile foot march as part of the 10th Mountain Division Expert Infantryman Badge assessment at Fort Drum, N.Y., May 21, 2021. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Warren W. Wright Jr., New York National Guard)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Two Airman assigned to NY Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing brave cold during Minnesota training course
- Clifton Park Airman is named New York Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year
- NY Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moves 1,086 passengers and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctica during 2025-26 mission season
- NY National Guard's "Fighting 69th" Infantry leads New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the 175th Time
- NY Air Guard Senior Master Sgt. John McGhee, a Bay Shore resident, wins New York Air Guard statewide honor
- NY Air National Guard Col. Andrew J. Wineberger, a Southold resident, Retires from 106th Rescue Wing After 39 Years of Service
- Officer assigned to Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division dies of undetermined causes in a non-combat incident while serving in Kuwait
- NY National Guard announces the death of Major Sorffly Davius of non-combat causes while serving in Kuwait
- NY Army Guard officer Sean Flynn, a Delmar resident, plays key role in NATO Joint Force Command headquarters
- New York State Military Museum director retires after 22 years of service