To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Machine guns tend to get your attention, even when they're firing blank rounds.

For several groups in the Fort Drum community, Wednesday was a chance to see some of the training the 10th Mountain Division troops undergo at the post.

The Army brought several busloads of civilians to follow soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team as they attempt to pass testing to be awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge.

About 160 soldiers moved through some 30 test stations where they showed their proficiency in weapons handling, first aid, map reading, communications and other combat related skills.

"The Expert Infantry Badge is a series of common skills that every soldier has to know while serving in the infantry. The top 10 percent will receive their EIB and that is the best soldiers in the United States Army," said 1st Sgt. James Garber.

"If everybody could get a chance to come out here and see this, I think they should. It's a good opportunity," said Larry Ambeau.

The "Day in the Life of a Soldier" observers also got to pitch some unarmed hand grenades at a target in the field, just so they could feel the weight of a grenade and understand the feeling of throwing hefty metal explosives.