Infantryman
Close with and destroy enemy forces with fire and maneuver.
Job Overview
The Infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army.
Infantrymen operate weapons and equipment to engage and destroy enemy ground forces. They conduct dismounted and mounted patrols, assault objectives, defend positions, and clear structures.
History & Deep Dive
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Daily Responsibilities
- Conduct tactical patrols
- Operate rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers
- Perform reconnaissance
- Practice combat drills
- Maintain weapons and gear
- Physical training
Training Pipeline
- 1Basic Combat Training (BCT)Fort Moore, GA · 10 weeks
- 2Infantry AIT / One Station Unit TrainingFort Moore, GA · 14 weeks combined OSUT
Official Qualification Requirements
SECRET
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Not required. GoArmy.com states you must "be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card" to enlist, so green card holders qualify for this job (also 10 U.S.C. 504). Source: goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements. Citizens of the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau) may also enlist under 10 U.S.C. 504. Verified August 2026 against the official branch site, 10 U.S.C. 504, and AR 601-210 (20 March 2026).
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Career Progression
Team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major.
Assignments & Special Schools
- Fort Moore, GA
- Fort Campbell, KY
- Fort Liberty, NC
- Fort Drum, NY
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Deployment: High probability of overseas deployments.
Bonuses & Special Pay
Bonus availability changes frequently — confirm current amounts with a recruiter.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Field-heavy schedule with frequent training rotations at Combat Training Centers. Family life works best with strong support and predictable garrison months between exercises and deployments.
Physical Fitness
Aim for 500+ on ACFT with a strong 2-mile run and heavy deadlift.
- 5–8 mile ruck marches weekly
- Heavy compound lifts
- Sprint intervals
- Grip strength & carries
Advantages
- Strong camaraderie
- Clear leadership pipeline
- GI Bill and VA benefits
- Elite training opportunities
Disadvantages
- Extended time in the field and away from family
- High physical wear on knees, back, and joints
- Combat deployment risk
- Limited direct civilian job translation compared to technical MOS
Who Should Choose This MOS?
People who want a physically demanding leadership role, thrive outdoors, and want to be the ground combat force of the Army.