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11B

11B is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code for the Infantryman, the primary ground combat force in the United States Army responsible for engaging and defeating enemy forces in direct combat.^[1] Infantrymen operate both mounted and dismounted to close with and destroy the enemy, employing, operating, and maintaining assigned weapons and equipment such as rifles, machine guns, and antitank systems.^[2] They also assist in reconnaissance missions, process prisoners of war and captured documents, and mobilize troops, vehicles, and weaponry to support broader military operations.^[3] Training for 11B Soldiers consists of 22 weeks of One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, which integrates 10 weeks and 3 days of Basic Combat Training with 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training focused on infantry skills through classroom instruction and field exercises.^[3] Qualifications include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, an age range of 17 to 35, a high school diploma or GED, and a minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score of 87 in the Combat category (requirements may vary by component, such as Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard), along with physical fitness, no major law violations, and adherence to tattoo policy.^[1]^[3] Helpful attributes encompass physical and mental toughness, the ability to perform under stress, and strong teamwork skills.^[3] The 11B MOS is available in Active Duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components, where enlistment incentives such as a $10,000 bonus and free college tuition are currently offered by some National Guard units, serving as an entry-level enlisted position that develops versatile skills transferable to civilian careers in security, law enforcement, and logistics.^[1]^[4]^[5] Infantrymen earn up to 10 nationally recognized certifications during service, emphasizing weapons operation, vehicle handling, and combat tactics.^[1] As the foundational element of Army ground forces, 11B Soldiers contribute to national defense by deterring aggression, capturing objectives, and supporting reconnaissance in diverse environments.^[3]

Overview

Description

The 11B Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is the designation for enlisted infantrymen in the U.S. Army, serving as the core ground combat force responsible for closing with and destroying enemy forces through direct fire, maneuver, and shock effect.^[1]^[2] These soldiers operate both mounted and dismounted, engaging threats, conducting reconnaissance, and securing objectives in support of larger unit missions.^[1] The role demands exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to function effectively in team-based operations across diverse terrains and environments, from urban settings to rugged wilderness.^[1]^[6] Pronounced phonetically as "Eleven Bravo," the 11B MOS falls within Career Management Field 11, the Army's infantry branch, which forms the backbone of its land combat capabilities.^[6]^[7] Established as part of the post-World War II overhaul of the Army's personnel classification system, the modern MOS framework evolved from wartime numeric codes to the alphanumeric structure used today, enabling precise assignment of soldiers to specialized roles.^[8] The 11 series specifically denotes infantry specialties, originating from the Army's branch reorganization in the 1940s that formalized infantry as one of its primary combat arms. Following the October 2001 consolidation of infantry MOS codes, 11B became the primary designation for enlisted infantrymen, encompassing roles in light, mechanized, Stryker, and airborne units, with an emphasis on versatility, mobility, and adaptability to various tactics, technologies, and threats.^[9]^[10] This evolution reflects the infantry's enduring emphasis on collective discipline and combat effectiveness across dismounted and mounted operations in high-risk scenarios.^[7] As the Army's primary offensive and defensive ground element, 11B personnel embody the principles of aggressive action and sustained operations.^[6]

Qualifications and Requirements

To qualify as an 11B Infantryman in the U.S. Army, candidates must meet basic enlistment criteria, including being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card, aged 17 to 35 years (with parental consent required for those under 18), and possessing a high school diploma or GED.^[1]^[11] These requirements ensure recruits have the foundational legal status, maturity, and educational background necessary for military service. ASVAB testing is mandatory, with a minimum score of 77 on the Combat (CO) line required specifically for the 11B MOS; the overall Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) minimum is 31 for Army enlistment.^[1]^[12] This composite score, derived from subtests in areas like arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and auto/shop information, assesses aptitude for combat-related tasks.^[13] Physical fitness is evaluated through the Army Fitness Test (AFT), a gender-neutral assessment consisting of five events: a three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-ups, a sprint-drag-carry shuttle, a plank, and a two-mile run.^[14] For close combat military occupational specialties (MOS) like 11B, soldiers must achieve a minimum total score of 350 points, with at least 60 points in each event, to demonstrate readiness for demanding ground operations.^[15] These standards, implemented as the official test of record on June 1, 2025, replaced the prior Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and emphasize functional strength and endurance essential for infantry duties.^[16] Medical qualifications are governed by Army Regulation (AR) 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness, which outlines conditions disqualifying candidates from enlistment or assignment to 11B.^[17] Key exclusions include color vision deficiencies that impair identification of signals, maps, or hazards (requiring normal or near-normal color vision), and a history of asthma beyond age 13 unless fully resolved and waived.^[17]^[18] Other disqualifiers encompass severe orthopedic issues, cardiovascular diseases, or neurological disorders that could limit mobility or resilience in combat environments.^[17] Waivers may be granted for certain conditions on a case-by-case basis following medical evaluation at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Since the 2016 lifting of combat exclusions, 11B standards are fully gender-neutral, allowing women to qualify without separate physical or operational barriers, provided they meet the same AFT and medical criteria as male counterparts.^[19] This policy ensures equitable access to infantry roles while maintaining uniform performance expectations across all genders.^[20] Eligibility for a Secret-level security clearance is also assessed during enlistment, though not strictly required for all 11B positions; background investigations verify suitability for handling sensitive information in operational settings.^[21]^[22]

Training

Basic Combat Training

Basic Combat Training (BCT) for 11B Infantrymen is the initial 10-week phase of the 22-week One Station Unit Training (OSUT) program conducted at Fort Moore, Georgia, where recruits develop foundational soldier skills applicable to all Army personnel before advancing to infantry-specific instruction.^[23] This training instills discipline, physical fitness, and basic combat proficiencies, transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers capable of operating in team environments.^[24] The program emphasizes the Army Values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP)—through daily instruction and practical application to foster ethical decision-making and unit cohesion.^[24] BCT is structured into three progressive phases: Red, White, and Blue, each building on the previous to enhance physical conditioning, marksmanship, and tactical awareness. The Red Phase (weeks 1-4) focuses on establishing discipline and basic soldiering skills, including initial physical training sessions, drill and ceremony, and an introduction to rifle marksmanship with the M4 carbine.^[25]^[24] Recruits undergo rigorous physical conditioning starting with cardiovascular exercises and progressing to obstacle courses, while learning essential tasks like personal equipment maintenance, team marching formations, and basic land navigation using compass and map.^[24] In the White Phase (weeks 5-6), training intensifies with weapons handling focused on the M4 carbine, including range training and qualification, battle drills such as react-to-contact and ambush response, and first aid fundamentals, including Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) basics like hemorrhage control and casualty evacuation.^[25]^[23] Team-building exercises promote mutual reliance.^[24] The Blue Phase (weeks 7-10) culminates in realistic combat scenarios, incorporating urban operations training in mock villages and live-fire exercises to simulate real-world engagements.^[24] Physical demands escalate with 3-mile ruck marches under load, multi-day field exercises like "The Forge," and integration of chemical defense training, including exposure to the gas chamber for confidence in protective gear.^[25]^[23] Recruits practice squad-level maneuvers, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and communication during night operations and convoy security drills, along with hand grenade training and combatives.^[24] To graduate BCT, recruits must achieve a passing score on the Army Fitness Test (AFT), qualify as Marksman or higher on weapons assessments with the M4 carbine, and demonstrate proficiency in all core soldier tasks, including chemical warfare defense and basic survival skills.^[24] Successful completion qualifies soldiers to proceed to the Advanced Individual Training phase of OSUT for specialized infantry tactics.^[23]

Advanced Individual Training

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the 11B Infantryman is conducted as part of the One Station Unit Training (OSUT) program at the United States Army Infantry School in Fort Moore, Georgia, integrating 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training with 12 weeks of AIT for a total of 22 weeks. This seamless progression ensures recruits transition directly from foundational soldiering skills to infantry-specific proficiencies without relocation, emphasizing combat readiness from the outset.^[26] The AIT curriculum focuses on building combat proficiency through weapons familiarization, squad-level tactics, patrolling techniques, and anti-armor operations. Trainees receive hands-on instruction with crew-served weapons such as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), M240 medium machine gun, M2 .50 caliber machine gun, and the AT4 light anti-tank weapon, alongside anti-armor systems like the Javelin missile. Squad tactics training covers movement formations, fire and maneuver principles, and coordinated assaults, while patrolling modules teach reconnaissance, ambush setups, and security operations in varied terrains to simulate real-world infantry engagements.^[27]^[28]^[29]^[25] Live-fire exercises form a critical component, culminating in events like the Infantry Team Live Fire (ITLF), where trainees execute buddy-team and fire-team assaults under simulated combat conditions. Qualification on crew-served weapons is assessed through precision firing drills, ensuring proficiency in suppressive and direct fire roles. An introduction to digital systems, such as the Nett Warrior situational awareness device, provides initial exposure to mission command tools for dismounted operations, enhancing communication and targeting capabilities.^[30]^[31]^[32] Assessment during AIT emphasizes small-unit leadership and prepares soldiers for advanced certifications, including prerequisites for the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB). Trainees demonstrate leadership by leading patrols and live-fire teams, meeting standards in weapons qualification, land navigation, and tactical decision-making to build foundational expertise for infantry roles.^[33]^[34]

Duties and Responsibilities

Core Combat Roles

11B Infantrymen execute core combat roles centered on the suppression and destruction of enemy forces through coordinated fire and movement tactics within fire teams or squads. Operating both mounted and dismounted, they close with and engage the enemy using direct fire weapons during offensive and defensive operations to neutralize threats and achieve mission objectives.^[35] This involves leading or participating in dismounted battle drills, such as movement to contact and attacks, to synchronize combat power and defeat adversaries in close-quarters engagements.^[35] These roles form the backbone of ground combat, emphasizing rapid maneuver and suppressive fire to protect advancing elements and exploit enemy weaknesses.^[1] In offensive maneuvers, 11B soldiers participate in assaults, ambushes, and raids to seize or disrupt enemy positions, securing key objectives and holding ground in both conventional and unconventional warfare environments. During assaults, they direct personnel deployment and breach structures to overrun defenses, while ambushes leverage terrain for surprise attacks to inflict maximum casualties on enemy movements.^[35] Raids focus on targeted strikes against high-value assets, coordinating with adjacent units to process prisoners and captured materials post-engagement.^[35] In unconventional settings, these operations adapt to asymmetric threats, maintaining control over terrain to deny enemy sanctuary and support broader stability efforts.^[1] 11B Infantrymen integrate with combined arms operations, calling for supporting artillery via radio to deliver precise fires that complement their direct engagements, while also performing casualty evacuation under fire guided by Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) principles. This coordination involves adjusting indirect fire support from assets like guided multiple-launch rocket systems (GMLRS) to suppress enemy positions during maneuvers, enhancing overall firepower without excessive collateral risk.^[35] Under combat conditions, they apply TCCC protocols—prioritizing massive hemorrhage control and airway management per the MARCH-PAUSE framework—to stabilize and extract wounded personnel from hostile areas, often using armored vehicles for cover.^[36] These actions ensure mission continuity and personnel recovery amid intense fighting.^[36] In modern conflicts, 11B roles have adapted to counter-insurgency in urban environments, as seen in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (2003–2021), where soldiers conducted patrols, assaults, and wall-construction operations to isolate insurgents and protect civilian populations. During the 2008 Battle of Sadr City in Iraq, units like the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment executed daily counter-insurgency patrols and building assaults against Jaish al-Mahdi militias, integrating armored support and precision strikes to secure neighborhoods and dismantle rocket networks.^[37] In Afghanistan's rugged terrains, similar adaptations involved raids and ambushes to disrupt Taliban movements, emphasizing urban clearance tactics that balanced kinetic operations with local engagement to foster stability.^[37] These evolutions highlight the shift toward multifaceted warfare, where direct combat supports broader security objectives.^[1]

Support and Reconnaissance Tasks

Infantrymen in MOS 11B perform critical support and reconnaissance tasks that enable unit mobility, security, and operational effectiveness without engaging in direct combat. These duties involve gathering intelligence on enemy positions through route reconnaissance, area security patrols, and surveillance operations, adhering to standards outlined in Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-21.8. During route reconnaissance, squads or teams move parallel to designated paths using covered and concealed routes to assess trafficability, identify obstacles, and report potential bypasses, often employing tools like the Javelin Command Launch Unit (CLU) for aided vision or small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for overhead verification of intelligence requirements.^[38] Area security and surveillance further support mission accomplishment by protecting lines of communication and providing early warning of threats. Infantry squads establish observation posts (OPs) to monitor enemy movements, reporting direction, distance, and size via systematic visual or electronic means, while maintaining 360-degree security through wedge or column formations informed by ASCOPE (areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, events) analysis.^[38] These efforts deceive potential adversaries regarding friendly locations and prevent disruption, with patrols operating within communication and fire support ranges to ensure timely reporting.^[38] In addition to reconnaissance, 11B personnel assist in convoy security, checkpoint operations, and force protection to facilitate safe movement and deployment. They serve as advance guards during troop movements, loading and unloading equipment for rapid setup, and man checkpoints as navigational aids or control measures during infiltrations, processing detainees per the "5 and T" method (search, segregate, silence, speed, safeguard, tag).^[38] Force protection measures include risk management to mitigate threats, employing local security patrols, protective obstacles, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defenses to minimize exposure to air or ground attacks.^[38] Maintaining unit readiness is a foundational support task, encompassing ammunition distribution, basic vehicle checks, and overall sustainment. Platoon leaders and sergeants ensure even ammo distribution post-operation, planning for 72-hour supplies via resupply points or aerial delivery, and conducting pre-combat checks (PCCs) and inspections using DA Form 2404 for weapons and DA Form 5988-E for vehicles to confirm serviceability.^[38] These actions, including supervised vehicle maintenance reported to higher echelons, support continuous operations and rapid transitions between tasks.^[35] Participation in stability operations extends these support roles to peace enforcement and civil support, where 11B squads conduct patrols to deter insurgent activity, protect infrastructure, and minimize civilian disruption under restrictive rules of engagement (ROE), such as during cordon and search missions.^[38] Since 2020, Army doctrine updates have evolved these duties in hybrid warfare contexts, incorporating drone overwatch via Class 1 UAS for enhanced surveillance and basic cyber awareness to counter electromagnetic and information threats, as integrated into multi-domain operations frameworks.^[38]^[39]

Equipment and Armament

Individual Weapons

The primary individual weapon for 11B Infantrymen is the M4A1 carbine, a 5.56×45mm NATO lightweight, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle designed for close-quarters combat and versatility in squad operations. It features a 14.5-inch barrel, selective fire capability including fully automatic mode, and a collapsible stock for improved maneuverability, making it the standard issue for riflemen in infantry squads.^[40] However, as of 2025, the U.S. Army is fielding the M7 rifle (6.8mm) as its replacement under the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program to close combat units.^[41] The M4A1 is typically equipped with optics such as the M150 Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG), a 4×32 fixed-power prism sight with dual illumination for enhanced target acquisition in varied lighting conditions.^[42] For added firepower, the M320 Grenade Launcher Module can be attached under the M4A1's rail system, firing 40mm low-velocity grenades for area suppression or anti-personnel effects up to 350 meters.^[43] This modular system replaces earlier M203 launchers and includes flip-up leaf sights for standalone or mounted use, with 11B soldiers qualifying on it through preliminary marksmanship instruction and live-fire exercises emphasizing safe handling and accuracy at ranges from 15 to 150 meters.^[43] At the squad level, the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), a 5.56mm belt-fed light machine gun capable of sustained automatic fire at rates up to 850 rounds per minute to pin down enemy positions, serves as the primary suppressive fire tool.^[44] However, as of 2025, it is being replaced by the M250 automatic rifle (6.8mm) under the NGSW program.^[41] Its quick-change barrel and bipod support enable effective employment from prone or supported positions, providing mobile firepower for infantry fire teams during assaults or defense. For platoon-level support, 11B units employ the M240B medium machine gun, a 7.62×51mm NATO belt-fed weapon delivering reliable, long-range suppressive fire with a cyclic rate of 650-950 rounds per minute and effective range exceeding 1,800 meters.^[45] Crewed by two soldiers, it mounts on tripods or vehicles for sustained operations, emphasizing controlled bursts to conserve ammunition while maximizing impact against personnel or light cover.^[46] Infantrymen also carry the M67 fragmentation grenade as a close-combat anti-personnel tool, a spherical, hand-thrown explosive with a 4-5 second delay fuze and lethal radius of approximately 5 meters, producing casualties through high-velocity fragments up to 15 meters.^[47] Each soldier typically carries two to four, thrown from defensive or offensive positions to disrupt enemy advances in confined spaces. In anti-materiel roles, squads access the M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun, a recoil-operated, belt-fed system firing 12.7×99mm rounds at rates up to 600 per minute, capable of engaging light vehicles, personnel, or low-flying threats at ranges over 2,000 meters.^[48] Vehicle-mounted or tripod-supported, it provides overwatch fire for infantry maneuvers, with its armor-piercing incendiary ammunition enhancing penetration against soft-skinned targets. Maintenance of these weapons follows standardized protocols outlined in Technical Manual (TM) 9-1005-319-10 for the M4A1 series, requiring daily inspections, field stripping for cleaning after firing 200 rounds or at day's end, and lubrication to prevent malfunctions in adverse conditions. Zeroing procedures involve adjusting sights at 25 meters to align point of aim with point of impact for 300-meter battlesight zero, ensuring accuracy during qualification courses where soldiers must engage 40 pop-up targets from multiple positions, hitting at least 23 for basic qualification.^[49] Similar operator-level upkeep applies to the M249, M240B, M320, M67, and M2, focusing on bore inspection, link removal, and function checks to maintain operational readiness.

Protective and Mobility Gear

Infantrymen in the 11B Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) rely on advanced personal protective equipment to mitigate ballistic and fragmentation threats while maintaining operational effectiveness. The Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), the standard body armor system, incorporates Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) plates in the front, back, and side panels to provide protection against small arms fire and improvised explosive device fragments.^[50] The IOTV also integrates with the Deltoid and Axillary Protector System (DAPS) for additional coverage in vulnerable areas. As of 2025, the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) has largely replaced the IOTV, offering scalable protection. Complementing the vest, the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) offers ballistic protection equivalent to the older PASGT helmet but at a reduced weight of approximately 3 pounds, featuring pre-drilled mounts for night-vision devices to enable low-light operations; however, as of 2025, it is being replaced by the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) in many units.^[51] Body armor for 11B soldiers has evolved significantly since the early 2000s to balance protection with mobility. The Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), fielded in 1999, served as the foundational system with soft Kevlar inserts and optional ceramic plates, but its bulk limited agility in prolonged engagements.^[52] This led to the IOTV's introduction in 2007, which improved weight distribution and modularity over the IBA. Fielding of the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) began in 2021, offering a fully loaded weight of about 25 pounds—five pounds lighter than the IOTV—through scalable components that allow soldiers to adjust protection levels based on mission needs, such as adding or removing side plates for reduced encumbrance during dismounted patrols.^[53] As of 2025, the MSV incorporates lighter ESAPI plates, reducing the overall system weight by approximately 3.5 pounds while maintaining protection levels.^[54] Load-bearing equipment enhances the 11B soldier's ability to carry essential supplies without compromising movement. The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, standard since 1997, uses a web of nylon straps and pouches attached to the fighting load carrier or plate carrier, accommodating ammunition magazines, grenades, and the Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) for immediate medical response.^[55] For extended operations, the MOLLE Large Rucksack provides 5,000 cubic inches of storage for 72-hour sustainment items like food, water, and spare batteries, with a capacity to handle loads up to 72 pounds in approach marches, though total combat loads can exceed 100 pounds when including weapons and armor.^[56]^[57] Mobility gear supports the physical demands of infantry maneuvers across varied terrain. Standard-issue combat boots, such as the Army Combat Boot in hot-weather or temperate variants, feature rugged outsoles for traction and drainage to prevent slips and blisters during long foot marches. Knee and elbow pads, integrated into the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pockets or worn externally, provide cushioning against impacts from kneeling, crawling, or falls, reducing injury risk in close-quarters or urban environments. For mounted operations, 11B units integrate with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), a high-mobility platform that transports infantry squads with enhanced payload capacity and off-road capability, allowing rapid deployment while carrying full gear loads.^[58]

Career Path

Enlistment and Advancement

Individuals seeking to enlist as an 11B Infantryman typically begin the process by contacting a local Army recruiter, who guides them through eligibility assessments including the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, physical examinations, and background checks.^[1] Upon meeting requirements such as a minimum ASVAB combat operations score of 77 and being between 17 and 34 years old, recruits can secure an option 11B contract that guarantees assignment to the Infantryman MOS after completing initial training.^[1] This contract ensures direct entry into the infantry field without branching to other roles, provided all qualifications are maintained.^[1] New enlistees enter service at the rank of Private (E-1), the entry-level enlisted grade, with a base monthly pay of $2,319.00 as of the 2025 pay scale for those with over four months of service; pay is $2,144.10 for the initial four months.^[59] This compensation forms the foundation of an infantryman's earnings, supplemented by allowances for housing, food, and other essentials depending on duty location and family status.^[60] Advancement from E-1 follows a structured timeline emphasizing time in service (TIS) and time in grade (TIG), alongside performance evaluations. Promotion to Private Second Class (E-2) occurs automatically after six months of service, while elevation to Private First Class (E-3) requires at least 12 months TIS and is merit-based on demonstrated reliability and unit needs.^[61] To reach Specialist (E-4), soldiers need 24 months TIS, successful weapons qualification, and completion of relevant leadership or technical schools, typically achieved within two to three years for high performers.^[61] The non-commissioned officer (NCO) track begins at E-5 Sergeant, requiring completion of the Basic Leader Course (BLC)—the modern equivalent of the former Warrior Leader Course—to develop small-unit leadership skills, along with 36 months TIS and recommendation by command.^[62] Progression to Staff Sergeant (E-6) involves the Advanced Leader Course (ALC) and approximately 72 months TIS, focusing on platoon-level responsibilities. Senior enlisted advancement to Sergeant First Class (E-7) demands the Senior Leader Course (SLC), 8 to 10 years of service, and board selection, positioning 11B NCOs for roles in training, operations planning, and mentoring junior infantry.^[61] Reenlistment offers key incentives for 11B soldiers, particularly during periods of high demand for infantry expertise, including Selective Retention Bonuses (SRB), with amounts varying by fiscal year, tier, and eligibility, for contracts of three or more years, paid in installments.^[63] In FY25, the Army exceeded retention goals, resulting in adjustments to bonus programs and fewer SRB opportunities for some MOS including infantry.^[64] Additional motivators include opportunities to add skill identifiers such as airborne qualification, which enhance career versatility and eligibility for specialized assignments without changing MOS.^[63] These programs aim to retain experienced infantrymen by aligning service commitments with professional growth and financial rewards.^[65] Infantrymen in the 11B MOS can pursue reclassification to related infantry roles within the branch to specialize in specific operational needs. One common pathway is reclassification to 11C, Indirect Fire Infantryman, which focuses on mortar operations and fire support coordination, building directly on the foundational combat skills of 11B soldiers. Another option is advancement to 11Z, Infantry Senior Sergeant, a leadership position that involves supervising infantry units and mentoring junior soldiers, typically after gaining experience in direct combat roles. Soldiers can also acquire additional skill identifiers (ASIs) to enhance their capabilities without changing MOS. These include Airborne qualification, which certifies proficiency in parachute operations; the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), earned through rigorous testing of infantry tactics and skills; Air Assault qualification for helicopter-based mobility; and Ranger qualification obtained via the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which prepares soldiers for elite light infantry missions in the 75th Ranger Regiment. A significant career progression for experienced 11B soldiers is the pathway to the Special Forces (18 series), often after 2–3 years of service, involving selection through the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) process to become Green Berets specializing in unconventional warfare. This transition leverages the core combat foundation of 11B duties, such as small-unit tactics and marksmanship, to support advanced roles in foreign internal defense and direct action. Upon separation from service, 11B experience translates to various civilian opportunities, including private security contracting, where tactical expertise is sought for high-risk environments; law enforcement positions, valued for combat-honed decision-making under stress; and tactical training roles in corporate or governmental programs. Additionally, since 2020, 11B veterans have been increasingly involved in PTSD awareness and support initiatives, drawing on their frontline experiences to contribute to veteran mental health advocacy and training.

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TCCC-CLS (TCCC Combat Lifesaver – Tier 2) is a 40-hour course for non-medical military personnel deploying in support of combat operations. TCCC-CMC (TCCC ...TCCC Combat Lifesaver · TCCC Combat Medic-Corpsman
[31]
[PDF] TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE - qUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) has saved hundreds of lives during our nation's conflicts in Iraq and. Afghanistan. Nearly 90% of combat fatalities ...
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The 2008 Battle of Sadr City: Reimagining Urban Combat - RAND
Jan 15, 2014 · U.S. forces evolved a concept of operations for controlling an urban insurgency. The concept of operation involved isolating an area of ...Missing: infantry | Show results with:infantry
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[PDF] infantry rifle platoon and squad - Central Army Registry
Jan 11, 2024
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Applying Patrolling Principles to Large-Scale Combat Operations at ...
Feb 10, 2025 · In both the Infantry Platoon & Squad and the Tank Platoon publication, all echelons of leaders are suitable to conduct reconnaissance, if they ...
[35]
M4 Carbine American 5.56mm Assault Rifle
Aug 7, 2024 · The M4 is a 5.56×45mm NATO, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine. It has a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel and a telescoping stock.
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M150 ACOG - Military.com
The M150 is an Advanced Combat Optical Gun sight (ACOG) designed for the US military's M4 and M16 weapon system.<|separator|>
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M320/M320A1 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) - PEO Soldier
The M320 will replace all M203 series grenade launchers mounted on the M16/M4 series of rifles and carbines. The M320 can be mounted on the M16 series of rifles ...
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M249 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) - PEO Soldier
Fills the automatic rifle role in infantry squads and provides light machine gun capabilities in combat service and combat service support units. Description:
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M240B/L/H 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun - PEO Soldier - Army.mil
Provides significant, reliable and lethal medium support fire for aviation and ground units such as Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery and Combat Engineers.Missing: 11B | Show results with:11B
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M240B | Military.com
The M240B is a belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated, fully automatic machine gun that fires from the open bolt position.Missing: 11B | Show results with:11B
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PM CCS - Organizations - PdD Combat Armaments and Protection ...
The M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade is used to supplement small arms fire against enemies in close combat. The grenade produces casualties by a high velocity ...
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M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun | Military.com
M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun ; Services: USN, US Army, USMC, USAF ; Weight: 84 lbs ; Length: 65 in ; Barrel length: 45 in ; Caliber: .50 BMG.
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TC 3-20.40 - Army Pubs
No information is available for this page. · Learn why
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Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) - Military.com
Compatible with E-SAPI (Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert) and ESBI Side-SAPI plates, the IOTV III also offers more protective coverage under the arms and ...
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"This Vest May Save Your Life!": U.S. Army Body Armor from World ...
The Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), introduced in June 1999, solidified this transition. With improved Kevlar inserts in an Outer Tactical Vest (OTV), the wearer ...
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U.S. Army to re-purpose legacy body armor into Modular Scalable ...
Mar 17, 2019 · Fully configured, the MSV weighs approximately 25-pounds, which is five pounds lighter than the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV). In ...
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PM SSV - Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE)
The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system consists of two rucksacks and five mission specialized sets.
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Modular Backpack Panel to allow Soldiers to carry heavy, unwieldy ...
Sep 26, 2012 · The Modular Backpack Panel, or MBP, transforms the MOLLE Medium, intended to carry up to 60 pounds of essential gear for 72 hours, into an even more versatile ...Missing: 100 | Show results with:100
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[PDF] FM 21-18 Foot Marches
Jun 1, 1990 · A limit of 72 pounds for a soldier load should be enforced. (2) Normally, the soldier's large rucksack is not part of the approach march load.
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Joint Program Office Joint Light Tactical Vehicles - PEO CS&CSS
Sep 12, 2025 · JPO JLTV programs include Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Trailer, High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Family of Vehicles (e.g. ...
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2025 Basic Pay: Enlisted - Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Must have 4 months of active duty or more. 5. Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $2,144.10.Officers · A little about pay deductions · Wounded Warrior Pay SupportMissing: Private | Show results with:Private
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Money & Pay Charts - US Army
Based on 2025 Army pay tables. *Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.
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Army Ranks: A Complete Guide to Enlisted and Officer Ranks
Aug 1, 2025 · Enlisted soldiers typically move through early ranks on a set timeline. Private (E-1) is promoted to private (E-2) after six months, then to ...
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Leadership Training | U.S. Army
BLC is an intensive course and the first of leadership training where Soldiers learn the fundamental skills needed to lead small teams. Requirement: Be a ...
[55]
Selective Retention Bonus Program - HRC
Sep 9, 2025 · The Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) Program is a monetary incentive offered to qualified Soldiers / Members who reenlist in the Regular Army for continued duty.
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Retention Bonuses - ArmyReenlistment
The Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) program is a retention incentive paid to Soldiers in selected MOSs who reenlist for a minimum of 3 years.
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New York Army National Guard Facebook Post on 11B Enlistment
Official post from November 24, 2025, highlighting $10,000 enlistment bonus and use of Post-9/11 GI Bill for college tuition and fees for 11B Infantrymen in the New York National Guard.
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Army National Guard Bonuses
Official page detailing enlistment bonuses available in the Army National Guard, including amounts up to $10,000 for certain contracts and MOS, varying by state and unit.
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Requirements to join the U.S. military
Official U.S. government page detailing age limits for military enlistment, stating Army age range as 17-35.

11B