1SG Randy Jr. Taylor, U.S. Army (2002-2023)

From the first day of my arrival at a replacement in Fort Benning in 2002, I waited to go over the hill and start my journey through One Station Unit Training. I silently observed my surroundings and the Army posters and informationals. I often observed a rifle against a rectangular background colored in blue etched in wood and was often positioned as the centerpiece on the walls. As I was brought to formation to receive classes, I would observe this rifle mounted on a rectangular background as a badge worn by my Drill Sergeants. In the Soldier Bay, I would observe this rifle badge in the latrines, in the dining facility, and in the Company Training Area.

Towards the end of my basic training, my Drill Sergeant spoke of training, dedication, motivation, and attention to detail as I and the other 59 other basic training candidates listened to him. The “Infantryman’s Badge” is what he called the badge, and he began to enlighten my Platoon on the prestige of earning such a badge. To call someone a true Infantryman is to have attained this badge. As my Drill Sergeant continued on, explaining how this badge is attained through deliberate testing, his eyes opened up with motivation and excitement of his own experience, which led to him earning this badge. I remember the Platoon all looking up at once at the wooden rifle hanging high behind him. A fellow classmate presented the question to him at this pause in reflection. He asked my Drill Sergeant, pointed to the same badge with the wreath around it, and asked why that badge was different. My Drill Sergeant became a bit emotional and began to state that this badge is referred to as the “Combat Infantryman’s Badge” to honor those that have been tried and tested in combat as an Infantryman. He stated that he wished we would not have the opportunity to earn such a badge but warned us to be ready when the time was called to test our mettle in combat. These interactions in basic training had left a lasting impression on me the rest of my career.

A little over a year later I find myself in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 2003 initial invasion and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s badge. I was formally awarded this badge, and so were other members of my Platoon who were present during the enemy engagements. I was later presented with an opportunity to fulfill the expectations set by my Drill Sergeant another seven years later. In 2010, my Battalion hosted the Infantryman’s Badge training and testing program. I participated and earned this badge against 30 tasks: 12-mile forced march, day and night land navigation, physical fitness test, and rifle marksmanship. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding tasks I have undergone in the Army. I find extreme pride in being recognized as an Infantryman who is the recipient of both the Infantryman’s badge and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

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