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.
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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)