CAMP CASEY, South Korea -- During the month of May, Infantry Soldiers from across the Korean Peninsula pushed themselves through grueling tests of physical and mental capabilities in an attempt to earn the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge.

Of the 627 Soldiers who made the attempt, only 131 earned their EIB May 26, in a ceremony at the Schoonover Bowl at Camp Casey, South Korea.

Although each candidate had his or her own challenges and obstacles to overcome throughout testing from May 22 to 26, most agree that the coaching and mentorship provided by the cadre was a determining factor in their success.

Staff Sgt. Dustin Vinyard, Company A, 2nd Batallion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was a cadre member and grader during EIB training and testing. Vinyard earned his EIB in 2008 as Infantry squad leader at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

"I didn't initially want to take part in EIB, but Soldiers feed off of their leader's mentality," said Vinyard. "I learned that I wanted it, because I wanted my Soldiers to want it."

During testing in 2008, eight out of ten of Vinyard's Soldiers received their EIBs. It was then that Vinyard realized he wanted to serve as a cadre member, a desire fulfilled when the EIB testing began in Korea and Vinyard was selected to be a cadre member and grader for the M9 semi-automatic pistol lane.

EIB testing abides by a rigorous set of standards for each task, ranging from the operation of weapons systems to patrolling on foot. Many of these tasks are not regularly practiced by the candidates in garrison, so a knowledgeable and experienced cadre is required to ensure that all candidates are familiar with those tasks.

1st Lt. Christopher Warren-Mallen, logistics officer, 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Reg., was more than ready to learn what he could from cadre members like Vinyard.

"I had no experience with some of the weapons systems and medical procedures, so the two-week train-up period with the cadre was one of my only chances to familiarize myself with a lot of that equipment," said Mallen.

Mallen said that the weapons lanes were probably one of the more difficult parts of testing for him.

"The fact that the testing on the weapons systems was timed and that the sequences of the tasks had to be done to the EIB standard was definitely a challenge," said Mallen. "Luckily, the cadre was readily available for questions and advice. Even after we got done for the day and headed back to the barracks, we were still reaching out to the cadre for help."

All candidates are required to get a "go" on each station, with the option to retest within an hour if the graders give them a "no-go." Retesting cannot occur more than two times, with the third "no-go" resulting in the candidate's removal from testing. If a candidate is able to complete each station with a first time "go," they are rewarded with the designation "True Blue."

Spc. Jacob White, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Reg., was one of the 29 candidates to earn the "True Blue" title.

"I think 'true blue' means that the stars really aligned for me and I was able to get everything right on the first try," said White.

But like many candidates, White was not completely familiar with all of the weapons systems and patrolling techniques at the beginning of the train-up period. It was during EIB training from May 9 to May 20 that the cadre were willing to help anyone in earning their EIB.

"If you actually take advantage of the training the cadre can provide, and spend time learning from them, then getting your EIB is just too easy," said White.

Vinyard also recalled spending many hours helping candidates to hone their skills on the M9 semiautomatic pistol. As a former Infantry squad leader and drill sergeant, Vinyard was happy to assist anyone who approached him.

"Per the EIB rulebook, all that's required of cadre is for us to inform the candidates of the standard and time limit in which to achieve that standard, but that's where mentorship can come in," said Vinyard. "I took the time to show them the different tricks and tactics, like how holding the barrel a certain way will allow it to seed quicker and how to take half a second to make sure it's seated properly."

Training, mentoring and coaching is not just for the EIB, but part of everyday life in the Army, said Vinyard.

"That's the point of becoming an NCO; to lead people and to provide them with purpose, motivation, and direction."