As the main land combat force of the Army, Infantrymen capture or destroy opposing ground forces, repel enemy attacks and operate weapons and equipment in order to engage and eliminate the enemy. During peacetime, it's the Infantry's job to be ready to jump to the defense of our country. The Indirect Fire Infantryman specifically supervises or is a member of a mortar squad, section or platoon. The Mortar has the longest range and is the most devastating of any weapon system organic to any Infantry unit on the battlefield.

Some of your duties as an Indirect Fire Infantryman may include:

• Set up, Load and Fire any of three types of Mortars: 60mm, 81mm or 120mm
• Employ crew and individual weapons in offensive, defensive and retrograde ground combat
• Perform hand-to-hand combat drills that involve martial-arts tactics
• Employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
• Locate and neutralize mines
• Carry out scout missions to spot enemy troop movements and gun locations
• Operate two-way radios and signal equipment to relay battle orders
• Construct and camouflage mortar firing positions
• Operate, clean and store automatic weapons
• Parachute from troop transport airplanes while carrying weapons and supplies

Infantrymen must perform strenuous physical activities, such as marching while carrying equipment, digging foxholes and climbing over obstacles. Being in top physical condition is a plus. Infantrymen need good hearing and vision.

Job training for an Indirect Fire Infantryman 14 weeks, three days of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which includes Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. You'll keep your Infantry Soldier skills sharp and fresh through frequent squad maneuvers, target practice and war games.

Helpful attributes include:

• Readiness to accept a challenge and face danger
• Interest in various types of ammunition and/or weaponry
• Ability to stay in top physical condition
• Interest in working as a member of a team

Advanced level Indirect Fire Infantrymen provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Indirect Fire Infantryman, you may be involved in:

• Lead and control mortar squads
• Provide tactical and technical guidance to subordinates
• Supervise the construction of mortar positions
• Record operational information on maps
• Receive and implement combat orders
• Direct Soldiers in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations
• Request, observe and adjust indirect supporting fire

The skills you'll learn as an Infantryman, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.

• Infantryman (11B)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.