Posted on Jan 9, 2020
Advice and thoughts on woman joining Infantry (11B)?
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I still have not chose a job. I’m honestly doing as much research and getting as many perspectives as I can from whoever I can. I like hearing everyone’s experiences and opinions. 11B is not my number one choice, I won’t lie, but it does interest me. It’s intriguing to learn about as a female. What is the training and future enlistment journey like as an 11B? Female or male perspective.
11B: Infantryman
MOS
Advancement
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 32
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The future looks like Hip fractures and a medical separation board if you aren't already pretty stout and in good shape. It looks like poor promotions if you aren't physically fit enough to score well on your PT tests. It looks like animosity from your team if you aren't fast enough to keep up on the runs, or strong enough to carry the heaviest ruck, or machine gun, or the dead weight of the heaviest guy in the platoon.
If you're up for that challenge, you're fit, and your body has a history of handling physical stress well, then the opportunities are great and the promotions are the best in the Army. If you're not already functioning at that level, Basic training won't suddenly make you stronger and you will eventually break yourself
If you're up for that challenge, you're fit, and your body has a history of handling physical stress well, then the opportunities are great and the promotions are the best in the Army. If you're not already functioning at that level, Basic training won't suddenly make you stronger and you will eventually break yourself
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MSG Andrew White
I RETIRED 22 YEARS AGO FROM THE MILITARY AND 10 YEARS AGO FROM THE DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT NARCOTICS SECTION-MY LEGS, KNEES AND HIPS ARE DEFINITELY DAMAGED, YOU CAN LOOK AT MY WEIGHT AND SEE NOTHING IS WRONG WITH MY UPPER BODY AND ARMS, I'M ALWAYS EATING!! LOL
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SSG Paul Headlee
SFC Jason Boyd That is VERY objective and sound advice. Ashley Nicole I've done this job. It is exceptionally competitive. The conditions are harsh. The resentment is real because all the young bucks think they can do it better than you until you DEMONSTRATE to them you are the alpha in every way. If you can do that they will have a sense of respect for you. Anything less and poor results will follow. The woodline thing is real. That's it in a nutshell.
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OK, I"ll give you the same advice that I gave the young lady considering trying to become an Infantry Officer.
Number one, forget about the female side of the APFT. If you can't pass the APFT scoring above 80 percent on the 21 year old male scale, you aren't going to get any respect from any of your squad and platoon mates. That isn't regulations, but it certainly reality. Be ready to live in the field a lot, in conditions were you are cold, or hot, or wet, or a combination of any of those, with little sleep and sometimes little food while carrying 80 lbs of gear for miles. Be aware that everyone gets hurt at sometime during their time as a grunt. I'm lucky, I've pulled ligaments in both ankles and banged up my knees, but nothing more serious than arthritis in the knees as a result.
Be prepared for the fact that Talking Shit is an art form in the Infantry. When your job demands that you put your life on the line, language isn't important, it's simply a test to see how much your buddies can take. Since you don't associate with those assholes in A, C, and D, the people you talk shit to is your squad and platoon mates. You love them, you need them, that's why it's OK to talk about their Mothers. If that bothers you, find a different MOS.
Listen to your NCO's, they will have forgotten more that you will know for a long time in a unit. Understand that you will need to be tactically proficient to gain the respect of a bunch of 19 to 25 year old grunts. Learn your job and be at the top of the game.
The lifestyle of a Grunt is more physically and mentally demanding than most people not on that side of the military can imagine.
Now that I've made it sound horrible, I enlisted Infantry and branched Infantry and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Infantry and Armor is where the Rubber meets the Road in the Army. It is what the Army is all about. Having said that, I will point out that I ended up my service time at an Engineer Officer, which I liked as much as I did the Infantry.
Number one, forget about the female side of the APFT. If you can't pass the APFT scoring above 80 percent on the 21 year old male scale, you aren't going to get any respect from any of your squad and platoon mates. That isn't regulations, but it certainly reality. Be ready to live in the field a lot, in conditions were you are cold, or hot, or wet, or a combination of any of those, with little sleep and sometimes little food while carrying 80 lbs of gear for miles. Be aware that everyone gets hurt at sometime during their time as a grunt. I'm lucky, I've pulled ligaments in both ankles and banged up my knees, but nothing more serious than arthritis in the knees as a result.
Be prepared for the fact that Talking Shit is an art form in the Infantry. When your job demands that you put your life on the line, language isn't important, it's simply a test to see how much your buddies can take. Since you don't associate with those assholes in A, C, and D, the people you talk shit to is your squad and platoon mates. You love them, you need them, that's why it's OK to talk about their Mothers. If that bothers you, find a different MOS.
Listen to your NCO's, they will have forgotten more that you will know for a long time in a unit. Understand that you will need to be tactically proficient to gain the respect of a bunch of 19 to 25 year old grunts. Learn your job and be at the top of the game.
The lifestyle of a Grunt is more physically and mentally demanding than most people not on that side of the military can imagine.
Now that I've made it sound horrible, I enlisted Infantry and branched Infantry and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Infantry and Armor is where the Rubber meets the Road in the Army. It is what the Army is all about. Having said that, I will point out that I ended up my service time at an Engineer Officer, which I liked as much as I did the Infantry.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
I thought I would add a comment that the PC don't talk about, but never the less is real. Men and women are built differently, from bone density, to muscular build and skeletal build. The records show that you will be significantly more likely to sustain a serious injury as opposed to your male peers doing the same tasks. The rate of injury in the Infantry for males is high enough, so you have to decide if the additional risk is worth it.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
To give credit where credit is due, this was a slightly paraphrased comment from one of Ranger Up's Tee Shirt Adds. "Be prepared for the fact that Talking Shit is an art form in the Infantry. When your job demands that you put your life on the line, language isn't important, it's simply a test to see how much your buddies can take. Since you don't associate with those assholes in A, C, and D, the people you talk shit to is your squad and platoon mates. You love them, you need them, that's why it's OK to talk about their Mothers."
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I have never been in any infantry unit or attached to any infantry unit except maybe during a deployment. I,as a female, do not need fell like putting my body through all that extra vigorous, heavy and physical hardship on my body. I get enough of that in the medical field and doing regular Army training. Nor am I a fan of constantly being in the field,doing a lot field training or deploying a lot. If you are a very athletic female, strong and has a big, sturdy body then go for it. You should also be more emotionally, mentally and psychologically stable and not easily "triggered" by teasing and people messing with you because you will be tested more and looked at more as a female.
Why don't you look into Civil affairs? I think they work in small teams a lot and they are always traveling to obscure and diverse places.
Why don't you look into Civil affairs? I think they work in small teams a lot and they are always traveling to obscure and diverse places.
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Ashley Nicole
Civil Affairs is actually an end goal of mine! I don’t qualify for it at the moment. I would have to raise my GT score and (from what I read), be enlisted for a little bit or at least have some experience in my MOS. But 38B was one of the first things that caught my attention.
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SSG Patricia Duggins
What is 38B? Anyway why don't you get into a medical MOS for now? Something you can do also when or if you leave the military. Healthcare specialist, practical nurse etc.. That would also go VERY well with the knowledge you gain as being part of a Civil Affairs unit. It is always good to have medical knowledge/experience when it is just a small team going out to remote places. Your GT score will be raised also. If you get out of the military you can join the Peace Corp or whatever other group does those travels to remote areas IF you still like that aspect of being in Civil Affairs. If you decide to do 20 or more years in the military that medical knowledge will still be good.
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SSG George Holtje
SSG
I have to say a few medics have shown me a great respect for the ‘Docs’. (Doc James in Iraq, Doc Potts in Afghanistan) who carried their personal gear wherever they could find room and their giant aid bag. While we sat in position, the docs walked the patrol base checking feet and assessing pain.
I have to say a few medics have shown me a great respect for the ‘Docs’. (Doc James in Iraq, Doc Potts in Afghanistan) who carried their personal gear wherever they could find room and their giant aid bag. While we sat in position, the docs walked the patrol base checking feet and assessing pain.
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If it's not your number one, don't do it. It will beat the crap out of your body, its very repetitive, but I personally would never go back to being a mechanic. I love the infantry, the pride of the infantry, even though it's forcing me to be medically retired, I wouldn't take it back.
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Ashley Nicole
I agree with you. I’ve realized if it’s not your number one choice don’t sign on it. 100% agree. I’m just looking for personal experience and advice! And yes I’ve heard it’s really hard on the body as well. It sounds like you really did take pride in your choice though which is great. Thank you.
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Everyone has talked about how much the Infantry sucks. They aren't wrong. But th Infantry os also the TIGHTEST knit group out there. If you need help moving... Strike that, you will never need help moving. Your squad will be there without you even asking. Better have beer for them, though. If you had a shit day, your battle buddy has already made plans to take you out for a drink. I started Infantry and then went MI. As an MI Soldier, I served in MI, Cav, and Engineer units. None of them had that closeness. The Cav tried, but it felt like they werr trying. The Infantry just WAS.
Yes it sucks. All day (almost) e'ryday. But you go through the suck TOGETHER and that forges a bond.
Yes it sucks. All day (almost) e'ryday. But you go through the suck TOGETHER and that forges a bond.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
I have to admit that is what I miss most when I commissioned and joined the Dark Side. the weird relationship where you can be in a fist fight with a squad mate one day, but know he has your back in the bar the next night.
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All combat arms and many other, artillery, tankers, combat engineers while rewarding in scope require the fittest levels to remain competitive, once competitive it takes a tole on your body. So, for those who did so and retired they would likely do it again, those who did so and were not competitive will likely tell you they wish they hadn’t. This is something that has to be your first choice, otherwise it could be your last.
A Sokdier must be physically and mentally fit to be an 11B. Good luck.
A Sokdier must be physically and mentally fit to be an 11B. Good luck.
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As a former 11B I would say use caution (lots and lots of caution) if it isn’t your first choice. Infantry is a calling. It’s already really rough. Even rougher if you don’t WANT to be there, and nowhere else. I absolutely loved it. Infantry WILL exact its toll on your body. If doesn’t creek and pop now (and it isn’t supposed to), it will soon enough. If being cold, wet and smelling like two dead homeless guys tied together in the sun for a couple of weeks makes you ooze hate a discontent, go for it.
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Aside from going to a Ranger Battalion or Special Forces Group; no other occupation will be as brutal on your body as the 11 Series mos.
Now that aside, if the prospect of walking long distances with heavy weight on your back in any and all weather forecasts, spending your days during the work week getting ready to go to the field on Thursday to be gone for two weeks, having your Team Leader constantly in your shit because you can’t seem to do anything right is something interesting to you then look up 198TH Infantry Brigade and watch some videos about the training.
It’s not at all like call of duty which is what a lot of trainees come to OSUT thinking and end up get their souls crushed on pickup day. If you want a job that will be both physically and emotionally challenging to keep you at the peak of your ability, then it’s right for you.
Now that aside, if the prospect of walking long distances with heavy weight on your back in any and all weather forecasts, spending your days during the work week getting ready to go to the field on Thursday to be gone for two weeks, having your Team Leader constantly in your shit because you can’t seem to do anything right is something interesting to you then look up 198TH Infantry Brigade and watch some videos about the training.
It’s not at all like call of duty which is what a lot of trainees come to OSUT thinking and end up get their souls crushed on pickup day. If you want a job that will be both physically and emotionally challenging to keep you at the peak of your ability, then it’s right for you.
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Simple List:
Can you carry 245 lbs of dead weight, and all your combat gear? Roughly making you tip the scale at 400 lbs total, for over 100 yards under fire?? No...FAIL!
Can you do the 18 - 21 MALE APFT consistently? Another words, when not in the field training, be able to do weekly PT testing?? No...FAIL!
Are you mentally prepared to KILL someone?? No...FAIL!
Being a FEMALE, can you keep your legs closed? Not to be mean, but yeah! No...FAIL!
Are you willing to do upwards of 45 days in the field without a shower? No...FAIL!
Can you shoot well? No..FAIL!
Are you able to take every ones shit? No one in Infantry is PC. No...FAIL!
Are you able to go 5 - 7 days with only 1 MRE and a few sips of water? No..FAIL!
Can you pass the Infantry SQT with a 98 or higher? No..FAIL!
Willing to put up with every Tom, Dick, and Harry trying to stick it in you? No...FAIL!
Live for days in the MOST EXTREME weather conditions, all while putting up with the WORST support ever? No..FAIL!
Willing to never get LEAVE/VACATION time? No..FAIL!
Willing to do HARDSHIP Tours? No..FAIL!
Are you mentally prepared to KILL someone?? No...FAIL!
Are you willing to have someones back, even though they are the biggest douchebag/dickhead in the world? No...FAIL!
Are you able to do the job, and deal with the arthritis, messed up back, messed up knee's, busted wrist, fubar fingers, and then get told when you PCS, that you're NOT eff'd up enough for disability, so for the rest of your life you effing hurt all the time with no compensation to help medically?? No..FAIL!
Think you get it. Infantry isn't for the faint hearted. You need to enter with the proper mindset and be willing to be a bigger tool than the next guy. Yes, I said guy, since you're a female thinking of going this route.
FYI, those who got "TABS" were given them. They DID NOT meet the standards. Another failed experiment. You know, that PC crap!
Yes, I'm old school, and I sound like a DICK! I haven't met a women in my entire 50 yrs of life, nor during my 6 years of service that would be able to make it in the Infantry.
Think about support, MP, or something that won't take you to your limits, and then 200% more past it!
1st Manchu, 7th ID(L) "Keep Up the Fire"
Can you carry 245 lbs of dead weight, and all your combat gear? Roughly making you tip the scale at 400 lbs total, for over 100 yards under fire?? No...FAIL!
Can you do the 18 - 21 MALE APFT consistently? Another words, when not in the field training, be able to do weekly PT testing?? No...FAIL!
Are you mentally prepared to KILL someone?? No...FAIL!
Being a FEMALE, can you keep your legs closed? Not to be mean, but yeah! No...FAIL!
Are you willing to do upwards of 45 days in the field without a shower? No...FAIL!
Can you shoot well? No..FAIL!
Are you able to take every ones shit? No one in Infantry is PC. No...FAIL!
Are you able to go 5 - 7 days with only 1 MRE and a few sips of water? No..FAIL!
Can you pass the Infantry SQT with a 98 or higher? No..FAIL!
Willing to put up with every Tom, Dick, and Harry trying to stick it in you? No...FAIL!
Live for days in the MOST EXTREME weather conditions, all while putting up with the WORST support ever? No..FAIL!
Willing to never get LEAVE/VACATION time? No..FAIL!
Willing to do HARDSHIP Tours? No..FAIL!
Are you mentally prepared to KILL someone?? No...FAIL!
Are you willing to have someones back, even though they are the biggest douchebag/dickhead in the world? No...FAIL!
Are you able to do the job, and deal with the arthritis, messed up back, messed up knee's, busted wrist, fubar fingers, and then get told when you PCS, that you're NOT eff'd up enough for disability, so for the rest of your life you effing hurt all the time with no compensation to help medically?? No..FAIL!
Think you get it. Infantry isn't for the faint hearted. You need to enter with the proper mindset and be willing to be a bigger tool than the next guy. Yes, I said guy, since you're a female thinking of going this route.
FYI, those who got "TABS" were given them. They DID NOT meet the standards. Another failed experiment. You know, that PC crap!
Yes, I'm old school, and I sound like a DICK! I haven't met a women in my entire 50 yrs of life, nor during my 6 years of service that would be able to make it in the Infantry.
Think about support, MP, or something that won't take you to your limits, and then 200% more past it!
1st Manchu, 7th ID(L) "Keep Up the Fire"
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SSG Darrell Bullock
Yes he sounds like a a$$ hole but dead on many points.
During my time as 11B I've met some females that could do it, not as many as some would like to think. It's not a 9 to 5 thing. It can be and is days and nights, weeks and months non stop. My first year in the Army after basic training. When assigned to first unit, I had 14 days not in field or deployed in first 9 months. That was the norm. Come back from a deployment 20 or more pounds lighter from not having enough calories and living out of rucksack. My first leave was out on medical evac flight after 6-7 months. My first middle East trip I had M60 23lbs, flac vest 12+lbs, 1000rnds 7.62x51 ammo 55lbs, pistol, then the rest of my gear water, ECT for combat. 5 months no showers, nothing but rucksack for all that I had listed above. Resupply always short on food, "MREs" and water. Not that the military will be like that now. That's what you can expect in infantry. Mech Infantry might sound easier but throw in maintenance on a vehicles too.
During my time as 11B I've met some females that could do it, not as many as some would like to think. It's not a 9 to 5 thing. It can be and is days and nights, weeks and months non stop. My first year in the Army after basic training. When assigned to first unit, I had 14 days not in field or deployed in first 9 months. That was the norm. Come back from a deployment 20 or more pounds lighter from not having enough calories and living out of rucksack. My first leave was out on medical evac flight after 6-7 months. My first middle East trip I had M60 23lbs, flac vest 12+lbs, 1000rnds 7.62x51 ammo 55lbs, pistol, then the rest of my gear water, ECT for combat. 5 months no showers, nothing but rucksack for all that I had listed above. Resupply always short on food, "MREs" and water. Not that the military will be like that now. That's what you can expect in infantry. Mech Infantry might sound easier but throw in maintenance on a vehicles too.
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It has the hardest physical requirements for passing the gender neutral Army Combat Fitness Test.
You will get an idea of your ability to handle the job by taking the Occupational Physical Assement Test (OPAT). Your recruiter should administer this to help guide your potential choices
You will get an idea of your ability to handle the job by taking the Occupational Physical Assement Test (OPAT). Your recruiter should administer this to help guide your potential choices
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