Physical requirements, testing standards, and grading criteria for the Expert Infantry Badge.
Candidates must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) on the extended scale, scoring a minimum of 80% in each event. This is a gate event — failure on any single APFT event eliminates the candidate from further testing.
| Event | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups | 80% extended scale | Age- and gender-adjusted, 2-minute event |
| Sit-ups | 80% extended scale | Age- and gender-adjusted, 2-minute event |
| 2-Mile Run | 80% extended scale | Age- and gender-adjusted timed run |
| 12-Mile Ruck | Under 3 hours | 35-lb minimum load, final day gate event |
EIB uses a strict GO/NO-GO grading system for all hands-on warrior tasks. There is zero tolerance for error on most task lanes — a single critical step missed results in a NO-GO. Candidates are typically allowed only one retry across all lanes; a second NO-GO results in elimination.
The written exam requires a passing score, and the APFT demands 80% on the extended scale per event. The 12-mile ruck march is the final gate: candidates must complete it within 3 hours carrying a minimum 35-pound load. The combination of zero-deficiency standards and cumulative pressure is what drives the roughly 20% graduation rate.