Armed Infantry Service Members walking in formation

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Infantry Officers

Service Branches

Work Environment

Because infantry officers must be prepared to lead their troops anywhere in the world that the infantry is needed they work and train in all climates and weather conditions. During training exercises as in real combat situations infantry officers work eat and sleep outdoors and in tents. When not in the field infantry officers perform administrative and management duties in offices.

Military Status

Officer
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$61,524

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

$22,740 - $229,900

Overview

Infantry officers lead attacks, defensive operations, and other tactical missions. They are responsible for the discipline, morale, and welfare of their unit's personnel. To fulfill these responsibilities, they evaluate the operational situation and lead their troops in executing offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for infantry officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities military structure and etiquette traditions and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

Infantry leadership roles
Infantry squad and platoon tactics
Modern offensive and defensive combat techniques

Helpful Attributes

Ability to motivate and lead others
Interest in land battle history and strategy
Willingness to accept a challenge and face danger

Infantry Jobs in the Army | GOARMY

Infantrymen in the Army are critical to our national defense. Hear two Soldiers talk about their experiences as MOS 11X Recruit and what their time in the Army has been like.

Length 3:13 View Transcript

Transcription

My name is Mico Madera, I am an 11B, and as an 11B our mission is to shoot, move, communicate, close with, and destroy the enemy.

My name is Spc. William Godwin, I'm an 11C Mortarman. I work with 120 millimeter mortar systems, 81s, and 60s which is indirect fire infantry.

The difference between the two is 11B is Infantryman. So they do all the grunt work, kicking in doors, shooting at close range targets.

For me, I hang back a little bit. I use the mortar system to provide support by fire. I provide light rounds, so like loom, or I could even go in and help them out depending on mission. Initially I went in as an 11X, which is infantry or it would detach off in to mortars.

I got selected to be a mortar at basic training. What drew me to 11B is the hopes for adventure and just something new, spice up life and that it most definitely did.

It is upheld as the MOS with the most discipline, the most hardworking, and to use the most teamwork in any situation.

Another thing that was pretty great about being a mortar is my teammates. They're some of the best friends I've ever met in pretty much anywhere.

I think the Army has the perfect thing about battle buddies, it's some of the best people you'll meet all around the U.S., and even outside the U.S.

One of the fun events I've had in the U.S. Army was going to NTC, the National Training Center, where we would do operations against a fake enemy, OPFOR.

We'd fight them, we'd go to different towns, we'd move out to different areas and attack the enemy.

And at the end of that, the mortars did a live fire, shot at least 500 rounds of different types of ammunition, and it was just fun to just do our job and hang them rounds.

Friends and family, especially my family, was very proud to hear I was going in the Army active duty and especially proud to hear that I was going 11 series.

I have no doubt in my mind that the Army sets me up for skills to be successful not only in the Army, but also in the civilian world.

Me being in the Army with my job, I've definitely broken out of my bubble a lot more.

I used to be a very quiet kid, now I'm able to take on tasks, be a leader, talk with people without having to be scared or nervous. It's been a life-changing experience based on that.

I wanted to see the world, I wanted to travel with the Army, serve my country a little bit, be a part of something bigger.

I didn't feel like I really fit in back at home. I just wanted to experience the world, experience the Army what they had offered for me, and so far, I think it's fulfilled those opportunities I've been seeking.