The infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. It's equally important in peacetime and in combat. The Infantryman's role is to be ready to defend our country in peacetime and to capture, destroy and repel enemy ground forces during combat.

Out of several million people who live in the United States, there are now less than 49,000 enlisted Infantrymen. An Infantry soldier is special: he must be able to shoot better, perform better under extreme physical duress, and fit into an Infantry squad upon graduation. He must have discipline and high morale and understand the core values that make our Army great and the Infantry the "Queen of Battle." He must have heart and he must not quit. He is not inherently superior, he is not born with these things, he must be taught. The education of a man is more than a piece of paper; we teach lessons in life as well as lessons in combat. We demand that Infantrymen be led to a higher standard. We do not let men join our ranks who are weak or faint of heart.

Some of your duties as a Infantrymen may include:

• Perform as a member of a fire team during drills and live combat
• Perform hand-to-hand combat
• Aid in the mobilization of vehicles, troops and weaponry
• Assist in reconnaissance missions
• Operate two-way radios and signal equipment
• Process prisoners of war and captured documents
• Learn to use, maintain and store various combat weaponry (rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, etc.)

Infantryman 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 Infantryman requires 14 weeks of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which includes Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. The training will take place primarily in the field, with some classroom training. The reality is, though, that infantry training never really stops. Whether taking part in squad maneuvers, target practice or war games, Infantrymen are constantly working to keep their skills sharp and are in a constant state of preparedness.

Helpful attributes include:

• Readiness to accept a challenge and perform well under stress
• Top physical and mental shape
• Ability to work as a team member

Advanced level Infantrymen supervise subordinates in peacetime and combat operations, providing them with tactical and technical guidance.

The job skills you learn as an Infantryman such as teamwork, discipline and leadership will help you with any career you choose.

• Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C)

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