Advice For joining 11B?

Ryan Welch — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:19:13 -0400

Hello everyone, I’m joining in 11B. I’m just looking for some advice.

Response by Ryan Welch made Aug 30 at 2021 10:28 AM

Ryan Welch — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:28:29 -0400

Preparation mainly. Also, any insight to what it’s like during and after basic would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 30 at 2021 10:44 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:44:37 -0400

Make sure that you are physically fit, can do a lot of running, be able to carry a heavy backpack, listen to the DS's brother Ryan Welch

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Aug 30 at 2021 10:46 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:46:48 -0400

So - your going Infantry, great choice, good promotion rate, and a lot of fun when you are actually training. Basic is basic - they teach how to shoot, move, and communicate. AIT they dive a little bit deeper into the 7-8 ( familairize yourself with this manual - it is your bible). There is a lot of rules that are enforced during both Basic and AIT, but once you get to your unit, things relax and you will have personal freedoms (like tabbaco and alcohol, wearing civies when you are off, and leaving post). Depending upon where and what unit you go to, you might have different experiences. there is ahuge difference between light and mechanized Infantry units, mostly due to maintenance, that can be a real PITA.

My advice to you 1. Physical training - excel at it if you can - it gets you noticed in the right way. 2. Shoot. take the time to learn how to shoot, strive for expert marksman - that and PT gets you noticed in the right way. 3. read FM-7-8 and then learn how your NCO's adapt it to whatever training environments the unit goes through. 4. Do NOT be "That Guy", do not smart mouth your NCO's, stay away from potential pitfalls, if you go out to drink, have a plan to get back safely and legally. Peer pressure is a bitch, learn to say no if you are being pressured into doing something that is questionable, it usually turns out bad.

Earn your Expert Infantry Badge as soon as possible - I cannot tell you how many of my peers got fast tracked if they earned theirs as a PV2 or PFC. Never, ever turn down a school, or added responsibility, schools are rewards, and added responsibility are sounding boards to your CoC to determine your leadership potential.

Congratulations on your choice to become an Infantryman - I never once regretted it, even when shit hit the fan.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 30 at 2021 10:57 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:57:41 -0400

You are joining to be a soldier,Good for you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:01:49 -0400

Volunteer for everything. There's this old saying of don't volunteer for anything in the military, but that's wrong. Volunteer for everything, that's how you learn a lot quickly. It's also how you'll find yourself getting promoted ahead of your peers and getting opportunities they won't.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 11:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:02:53 -0400

The best advice I can give you is learn as much as you can while in basic training. Practice your fundamentals and build self confidence. OSUT lasting 22 weeks vs what it’s was when I joined is a lot better. You can take the time to practice the basics of what takes to be an infantry soldier. Then get to your unit building on that based upon the SOP’s wherever you end up. Stay humble and drive on. Best of luck to you on your military career.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:22:47 -0400

Start running and walking A LOT now. You will be on your feet most of the day in BASIC/OSUT/SOI or whatever its called these days.
Learn to work as a team, even with the people you dont like.
We are a family, treat everyone else this way.
There is a friendly rivalry within the branches (esp with Marines), but the key word here is FRIENDLY!
Dont Drink and Drive.
Focus in the front sight post.
dont cover yourself in clothing that says ARMY INFANTRY as a new boot, its not a good look.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 12:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:27:44 -0400

If your going for the long-haul; once done with basic training; volunteer for all schools Airborne, Air-Assault, Pathfinder, EIB, and Ranger schools. The earlier you get all of these done; the better, promotion will go much quicker. Have fun, built memories, and keep your nose clean. BTW, once you complete all if not most of military school; start working on your degreee at least a Bachelor Degree; that will set you up for career move if you want to continue serving as an officer. All the best!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 12:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:48:38 -0400

Always strive to do better than where you’re at. Take each screw up as a lesson and move on and do better next time. You will have good leaders and bad leaders. Look to your good leaders and build off them and look at the bad ones as an example of who not to be. Volunteer for everything but don’t be a suck up. Be ready to walk/run a lot! If you end up mechanized on brads or strykers it doesn’t make you immune to rucking. Just keep a positive attitude and the army will be what you make of it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 13:35:40 -0400

I am going to respond as the POG I am. Hopefully you find it useful.

When I was a recruiter I had a young guy score almost a perfect score on his ASVAB as a Junior in high school. (Think he missed one question). During a table set up I handed him a bunch of my business cards and told him to go pass one out to everyone single one of his friends. He looked me square in the eyes and said "But I don't have any". He was a quiet, hang out with mom and garden on weekends type of person. Very soft spoken. Rarely took our PT serious but always showed up.

He came back from OSUT loud & proud. He was a new man and not the boy who had left for training. He told me that he should have taken train up before OSUT (basic and 11B school) more seriously but that he had learned a lot and boy could you tell he was confident. Fast forward to his first duty assignment. I get a message asking for some guidance. His CSM and Battalion Commander want him (he's 11C) to be their cadet to sponsor for west point. And he wasn't sure what to do.

The Army as a whole is what you make of it. SPC Routhier was my crowning achievement as a recruiter. He wasn't in the shape you'd think someone going into OSUT should be in but he came out ready to rock and roll. Training is about commitment to you and never letting your mind give up. It'll always quit before your body if you let it. The harder you grind in training the better you'll be when you get to your first unit (mental preparedness). Take yourself out running. Find a back pack and drop some weight in it and start hiking with it (ask your recruiter for help packing it so you don't screw up your back). Get the body moving in the right direction so the mind is ready when you hit training. Good luck and congratulations on your decision.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Aug 30 at 2021 2:42 PM

SSG Brian L. — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:42:10 -0400

What is it you want to know? First off don't listen to people when they say the Infantry is dumb... I think that's what some MOS's tell themselves at AIT to feel good when they realize that the Infantry is the Army and they are here for a support role. I do appreciate that role but some people love to forget that basic truth...pause for hate mail...As an Infantry Squad Leader you will have to understand the technical and tactical implementation of all your weapon systems, be able to read terrain at a moments notice in the dark, communicate with your teams and higher while being survivable and lethal accomplishing the mission. Andddd all the other Soldiering skills like counseling, caring for your Soldiers and so on. For you just get into the best physical shape that you can. OSUT the real challenge wont be from the training or the Drills it will be a struggle in the bays to get all the other random dudes in your Platoon to forget about the me and focus on the we and become team players. I am not saying that the training wont be challenging because it will but being in peak shape will give you the stamina to push through. There's isn't really that much to it at your level. Just embrace the suck and learn to become part of a team ready to win. For physical goals look at a 14:00 min or less two mile pace, 60 or more pushups, 250lbs x 3 deadlift, maybe 5 pullups... these are just basic numbers so you wont be low level. Those are still pretty mid level numbers but if you can reach these before you leave the rest should be coachable and attainable. Just trust the process even when it doesn't make sense... as a private you'll be given a four digit grid and as you gain rank you will get to six digit and eight digit and so on.. meaning it will make sense as you go along.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 3:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:59:22 -0400

When you get the chance reclass to another MOS where you will gain skills that are useful for employment on the civilian side

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 4:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:00:57 -0400

Beef up your Poaceae beautification skills

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 30 at 2021 4:49 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:49:14 -0400

Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. The art of war is much different than call of duty

Response by CPL David Widding made Aug 30 at 2021 5:49 PM

CPL David Widding — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:49:54 -0400

Get in shape before you get to basic as others have said. Try to go Airborne if you get the chance it opens some doors for units with higher training budgets and more class slots

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 30 at 2021 6:16 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:16:47 -0400

I loved the infantry until injuries made me find another MOS that I could do and still stay in the army. Go airborne, go to the 82nd, then to one of the Ranger battalions as soon as you can. You're young, you can do it. You have to be able to run with the wolves all night and still attack the bison in the morning.

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Aug 30 at 2021 10:22 PM

SPC Robert Hendrickson — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 22:22:06 -0400

hi Future want to be Infantryman .. be physically fit ,, be mentally alert ,, be spiritually cleansed ,, seriously, be overall fit .. do the best you can ,, be in the best shape as possible and look listen learn to be the best ,, watch all sides and underneath ,, overhead in all ,, must be adaptable and think while on the move ,, think with your head, but also with your hands ,, keep them feet prepped always to be ready to go on a second notice ,, not a minute ,, an hour or such ,, but be maneuverable at a second's notice .. do those and you will survive and thrive to be the best and learn from rangers, special forces, delta forces, seabees, if at all possible ,,, best of the best to you SURVIVE and THRIVE .. do great ..

Response by PFC John Bruton made Aug 30 at 2021 11:12 PM

PFC John Bruton — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:12:16 -0400

I'll echo what some others have said, I recomend keeping your mouth shut and simply following orders in the very beginning once you have a feel for the expectations of the drill srgts you'll know when to volunteer or shut up. For now start working on PT focus on stretching and at least the minimum standard for pushups, sit ups, and 2 mile run if you plan on airborne work up to the 5 mile, and don't forget that its more important to finish with a passing number than trying to set records. I watched guys get hurt trying to max out or set a new unit record, at best they got recycled, some never finished. Start walking every were you can to get your legs and back ready. A couple of weeks out cut the caffiene, stick to water and maybe milk or OJ. Also definitely take advantage of every class offered they will increase your value and will help you make rank once you get to your unit. I loved the infantry while I was in, but all it took was one serious injury and an extended stay at Walter Reed to end my enlisted career much earlier than I had planned. So as one other post said enjoy the challenge and training but before its time to re-up look for something that you enjoy and find another MOS focused on a skill set that has a value in the civilian sector. 11B DD214 translates to uniformed security guard. After all not many civilian jobs look for training or skills like an EIB, 10-20 mile road marches, static line jumps or expert marksman. Don't get me wrong they respect it and understand the character it takes to stick that out and you may get an interview but guys with a background in coms, engineering, avionics, will have headhunters following them around while you try to figure out how to put your skills on a resume while distracted by the pain in your knees because the 600 mg ibuprofen don't seem to work anymore.
Last parts a joke (kinda) as I said I loved my time in the infantry but I wish I new then what I know now. Good luck and Hookah!

Response by PFC John Bruton made Aug 30 at 2021 11:15 PM

PFC John Bruton — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:15:41 -0400

Frickin spell check HOOAH!

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 30 at 2021 11:19 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:19:18 -0400

Keep your attention on the current training. You'll be surprised how much you retain decades later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 3:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 03:38:38 -0400

Personally, I think all new recruits should start out as either an 11,12,or 13, or 19 series just as a few examples. Just my two cents. I started out as a 12B. Then decide if you wanna reclass or stay later on.

Response by SPC Matt Crawford made Aug 31 at 2021 6:47 AM

SPC Matt Crawford — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:47:44 -0400

Get in shape before you go, When you are in, Dont Hang out with the people that party all the Time..LOL might as well start shaving now.

Response by SPC Louis Williams made Aug 31 at 2021 4:59 PM

SPC Louis Williams — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:59:38 -0400

Do a lot of running, miles of it. (with a backpack on even better). Learn land navigation with map and compass.

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Sep 2 at 2021 8:12 AM

SGT Daniel Petitt — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 08:12:45 -0400

Keep your powder dry & your head down

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 10:35 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 22:35:51 -0400

As a trainee going thought it now it’s fun listen to your drills and basic will be easy.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Sep 7 at 2021 7:30 PM

SPC Kenneth Koerperich — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:30:08 -0400

Hmm, lots of good advice...

1) Start running now, get your 2 mi around 12 min & get someone to tell you the "NEW" PT standards and match them
2) Get yourself a backpack, start around 80lbs, walk w/ it 5m, 10m, 20m, 25m+
3) Get your hands on the 11B Training/SQT manual, learn it all by heart, then get a Ranger's Handbook, do the same thing
4) Keep your trap shut
5) Stay away from alcohol/drug users while in...YES, there will be several "WHO" think they can out smart the Unit NCO's
6) Shoot Expert in BRM/ARM @ Basic/AIT
7) If schools come up for VOLUNTEER....do it...
8) Learn from your Command Staff/NCO's....most know their sh*t...
9) Embrace the SUCK
10) Even if you HATE everyone around you, WORK w/ them, you all have to look to each other to SURVIVE in alot of the situations you will be put into
11) Be HARD, but FAIR if you ever get a Leadership Position
12) When arriving to your UNIT, buy a small TV & Game Console. Spend your time in the barracks, NOT running around WASTING $$ like the rest of the peons...Start saving NOW, not LATER...
13) Invest in a set of "INSPECTION" gear...ie. all NEW, NEVER USED....
14) Dress sharp, in & out of Uniform
15) Stay OFF THE F'n GRASS!
16) DO NOT GO BUY A CAR....Use the local transportation or a friend's ride. SAVE YOUR PENNIES....
17) Eat @ the chow hall, you're paying for it, USE IT...
18) Skip the ROMANCE bs....it's all a mind game, and most are only after your $$$ and the Gov hand outs...Not all though....Again, skip it and save your PENNIES...
19) Always be AWARE of what your doing, how your doing it, and TRY to get the best OUTCOME...
20) Last BUT NOT Least, Head Up, Fly Right, and Enjoy your time in, unless you're super rich, you will NEVER be able to do this sh*t again, or gain as many FRIENDS on the outside....

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 7 at 2021 8:37 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:37:13 -0400

Other than the obvious and practical "don't"?

Response by PO1 Jon Jepsen made Oct 26 at 2021 12:37 AM

PO1 Jon Jepsen — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:37:36 -0400

11B was the biggest mistake of my life. They eat their young. Treat everybody like shit. They don't trust any of their own people. They treat everybody as if they are untrustworthy. They treat everybody as is they are retarded. They treat their people like children. All despite the fact that the people they are treating horribly are in fact there because they want to be there.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Oct 26 at 2021 5:13 PM

1SG Ernest Stull — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:13:06 -0400

Be in good condition physical and mental. The infantry is not for the faint of heart. You have alot of options being a 11b.

Response by SPC Brian Bay made Oct 27 at 2021 2:17 PM

SPC Brian Bay — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:17:51 -0400

Have you already signed a contract?

Response by SFC William Linnell made Oct 27 at 2021 2:49 PM

SFC William Linnell — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:49:08 -0400

Before you get out to basic....start strengthening your core, legs and upper body. Plus, start running NOW. Get your lungs in shape before you hit Benning. And in your down time, study your Soldier's manual. Don't act like a know it all because You don't. Don't tell stories or try to one up another dude's story. And ALWAYS keep your wall locker tight and ALWAYS lock it. Never trust anyone. And have fun. You will look back on it and laugh at yourself.

Response by SSG Earl Corp made Oct 27 at 2021 5:32 PM

SSG Earl Corp — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 17:32:11 -0400

I’m an Eagle Scout and found being Infantry to be a extension of that. You go hiking, camping and can earn merit badges. Seriously, I count my graduation from. Fort Benning to be one of my greatest accomplishments.
If you don’t like to walk I’d recommend going 11M or 11H(if they still have it) truthfully I never re-enlisted out of infantry because I didn’t want to have a “real job” then have to go play soldier. In the Infantry I could expect it and roll with it. I saw someone posted to volunteer for everything, and I agree with that statement. My first unit deployed the day I got there and I was stuck on rear detachment. It seemed like that was the case everywhere I went, but I volunteered to go. I got my EIB that way, attended Amphibious Warfare School in Little Creek VA and made Team Spirit in Korea. Take advantage of any special training or schooling opportunities offered. Don’t fall into negativity with dirtbags. Remember things can always get worse, so just embrace the Suck and drive on troop.

Response by SPC Julio R. made Oct 27 at 2021 6:50 PM

SPC Julio R. — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:50:15 -0400

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR BODY WILL SUFFER IN THE LONG RUN, I SHOULD KNOW. 1OTH MOUNTAIN ALUM AND EIB RECIPIENT. BUT I WOULD TRADE THAT ALL BACK NOT TO BE IN THE PAIN I AM IN. YOU ARE GOING TO HUMP A RUCK ALL THE TIME UNLESS IT'S IN THE NEW ARMY WHERE YOU RIDE EVERYWHERE IN A MRAP OR STRYKER THEN YOU WILL BE JUST FINE. IF YOU DO THEN JUST GO FULL BORE AND JOIN ALL THE SIDE JOBS THEY HAVE FROM AIR ASSAULT TO EIB TO RIP ITS MISSIONS. GOOD LUCK YOUNG MAN DON'T BE A HERO AND DON'T LISTEN TO THE BLUE FALCONS TO INCLUDE NCOS AND OFFICERS.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Oct 27 at 2021 7:33 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 19:33:24 -0400

First OSUT is not the place to be noticed. Keep your head down, mouth shut, and ears open; If you do not understand something ask a DI, not a friend.

Everyone has a come to Jesus moment in OSUT, there is going to be a time when you are going to have to decide to a quit or do I keep going, if you want to be a good soldier you MUST NEVER QUIT, ever. This is the moment you become a soldier.

You should always move with a purpose, being late is a mistake period. "On time" is late, and early is on time. This is a skill that will last your entire life, called time management, learn it as soon as you can.

Find some people you have stuff in common with be it cars, religion, etc; Military life can be lonely if you don't have friends.

NCO's and Officers are not your friends, you have a peer group stay within it.

Remember OSUT is long and hard, but regular everyday military life is much better, it is not easier, but it is better.

I can not emphasize this enough, being in the military is a privilege, you don't want to do anything to take that privilege away. Do not drink if you are not 21, do not be late, go AWOL, etc. And most important, do not think you are underpaid.

As an Infantryman you can end up at just about any post, but let us pick Georgia, Fort Benning, home of the infantry as a good example of how life might be.

Fort Benning is in Columbus, Georgia. Median income in Columbus Georgia is 41k, this is per household, which has two earners, the median individual income, for a male, is 30k annually, or 15 dollars an hour. Median rent is 793 dollars a month in Georgia, and median home price is 170k, on a 30 year fixed mortgage with 2.75% loan you would pay 694 dollars a month in mortgage plus PMI and Property taxes, as a civilian, as a veteran no PMI if you use the VA loan.

700 dollars s about 25% of ones income at 30k a year.

A buck private coming out of Infantry OSUT in the Army should make 1,785.00 a month, or 21.5k a year (with no mortgage or rent as you will live int he barracks). You will also not pay utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash. It is also possible to get promoted to E-2 while in OSUT, so that is 2k a month base pay, and if you do the work now, you can go in as an E-3 which is 2100.00 a month.

You will also not have to pay for food, and if granted the ability to mess separately you will be paid an additional 300 dollars a month; If authorized to rent out in town you will be given another 1200 a month give or take for rent.

The military is not now, nor have they ever been, underpaid and all the guys who talk shit about getting off active duty and making "real money" do not understand money and how it actually works.

Finally, learn your three general orders now:

1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.
2. I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.
3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.

And the Infantryman's creed.

I am the Infantry.
I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace.
I am the heart of the fight... wherever, whenever.
I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies.
I am the Queen of Battle.
I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier
in the world.
In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous,
armed with a fierce will to win.
Never will I fail my country’s trust.
Always I fight on...through the foe, to the objective, to triumph
overall.
If necessary, I will fight to my death.
By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of
freedom.
I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to
superior odds,
For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight.
I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred
duty.
I am relentless.
I am always there, now and forever.
I AM THE INFANTRY!
FOLLOW ME!

Response by SGT Donald Clark made Oct 28 at 2021 11:13 AM

SGT Donald Clark — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:13:56 -0400

Remember one important thing that I was not told when I signed up, I was 11X through Basic. Which generally means needs of the army. So you may not be 11B, you could be 11M, 11C, or if they still have it 11MC2. I was set to be 11B but my GT score sent me down the 11C path. I really enjoy my career as a Mortar Maggot. So just be prepared.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 28 at 2021 1:16 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:16:19 -0400

Learn to catch a cat-nap whenever you can. I continue doing so many years later!
Conserve your energy while fully participating to the best of your ability.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 1:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:47:13 -0400

Change your MOS

Response by SSG Thomas Mathei made Oct 28 at 2021 6:05 PM

SSG Thomas Mathei — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:05:53 -0400

Go airborne!! All the big rank guys have wings, some with the star. Beside the fact that it's a rank enhancement, it's an absolute pisser!!

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made Oct 28 at 2021 7:35 PM

CPT Kurk Harris — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 19:35:10 -0400

First, accept responsibility if you were anyway involved. Don’t blame others for your failures. Most Important Attribute: Physical Fitness is key in the infantry.
Most important actions: be where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there, wearing what you are supposed to wear.
Most important words: Yes, Sergeant.. moving.
Most important attitude: I will never quit, ever.
Finally, volunteer for everything. Eventually your NCOs will pick you for choice duties and give shit duties to slackers.

Response by SSG James Knopp made Oct 29 at 2021 1:23 AM

SSG James Knopp — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 01:23:47 -0400

If you don’t like to get down and dirty then you should look at other career MOS. While I was in an Infantry unit we spent weeks in the cold, wet, sweaty, bug infested AOs. Also, if you can’t “suck it up” and drive on, 11B isn’t your cup of tea.
I spent the last decade of my career in an aviation unit and things there are like night and day. Aviation units strive to be as clean as possible due the the many moving components. Not saying we didn’t do our fair share of hunkering down in the field. Let’s just say aviation is the hub most other most other specialties depend for many types of support. Including hauling us grunts around.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2021 12:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 00:33:22 -0500

I got out in '99, what has changed since then. Last I checked everyone had a 11B designaton.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2021 4:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 04:14:42 -0500

Get airborne school in your contract. It’s a lot easier to get in your contract than it is to get it once you’re in. Life in the infantry is pretty heavily dependent on what unit you are in.

Response by SSgt David Izquierdo made Nov 21 at 2021 9:17 PM

SSgt David Izquierdo — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 21:17:59 -0500

Ruck, Ruck and Ruck, forget the DIs screaming, in training, they are loud and a distraction. Mud, rain and the cold are a great friends. Hydrate and foot powder (Take care of your feet), and get wet naps! Scouts and Rangers can come later, get your EIB, and become a mentor. Become an expert in your fieldcraft and teach others.