CAMP FUJI, Japan -- More than 150 soldiers with units across U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) and U.S. Army Pacific traversed on foot from one point to another, day, night, and through the rain, fog, with just their knowledge, map, combat gear, and compass during the land navigation portion of the USARJ Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) training week April 14-15.

The two-week ESB training and testing identifies soldiers who possess the mastery of skills integral to ensuring combat readiness, including weapons proficiency, land navigation, patrolling and medical comprehension. Stay tuned as only those who meet the standards by demonstrating combat readiness and proficiency skills will be awarded the coveted ESB next week.

Accomplishing an Army mission is a collective task, but challenges like the ESB and physical fitness tests are all about individual skills. The U.S. Army has a responsibility to maintain soldier readiness and develop highly trained, disciplined and fit teams with skills and equipment to meet our mission and operational requirements to defend both America and Japan; and required for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Accomplishing an Army mission is a collective task, but challenges like the ESB and physical fitness tests are all about individual skills.