The criteria for award of the ESB is that a soldier must perform in 30 Warrior Tasks (Skill Level 1) and battle drills, and five unit–level mission essential tasks, chosen by a commander, in addition to completion of a 12-mile foot march, a land navigation test and the Army Combat Fitness Test. Testing is conducted at the brigade-level, with units being given a week to set up the test course, a few days of training, and then a few days of testing.
