Calling all infantry: What are/were your favorite assignments while serving as an 11B?

2015-05-19T21:38:11-04:00

I'm submitting the paperwork to go active duty (it actually looks like it will at least make it past battalion so I stand a decent chance) and I was thinking about going 11X (I'm eligible according to the current business rules for prior service). My question is what installations have you enjoyed the most in terms things to do on and off post, the surrounding area, etc. What units would you say were the best you were assigned to in regards to how deployable you were, school opportunities, how squared away things were, and things of that nature. Thank you for the help.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-05-19T21:40:37-04:00

Driving for a 2 star lol...it had alot of perks that I enjoyed. Otherwise being stationed in germany so far was the best experience.

Response by SFC Patrick Kelly made May 19 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-05-19T21:39:50-04:00

101ABN AASLT

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made May 19 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-05-19T21:41:19-04:00

I am currently 11bravo and also submitted my release to go active duty. Go option 40 or 18x

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-05-19T21:47:36-04:00

C. Trp. 1-40 CAV (RS/SA), 4th Airborne IBCT, 25th Infantry Div. At Fort Richardson Alaska.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 19 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-05-19T21:49:12-04:00

How motivated are you? Have you considered 18X?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-05-19T22:22:01-04:00

Avoid Fort Riley at ALL COST. It's Nothing But a Black Hole and Ruins the Motivation to Re-up

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-05-19T23:16:37-04:00

Ft Carson was pretty good. Lots of things to do in Colorado if you like the outdoors. People who were stationed there told me the only place better is Germany.

Response by SSG Adam Wyatt made May 20 at 2015 5:28 AM

2015-05-20T05:28:23-04:00

Depends. There are a lot more promotion opportunities as a Bravo but at some point in time, you will have to know both positions to make a good senior NCO. As for the post, Campbell is always a good post.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:00 AM

2015-05-20T06:00:41-04:00

I will say mine was at Forth Bragg. I was with F co, 51st Infantry. It is a Long Range Surveillance Company. There are only three in the Army. They are pretty hard to get into. But there you can get any school under the sun. They have diver, halo, pathfinder and then some. But you pretty much have among the best to be there. It is an all volunteer unit and if you don't perform they will give you the boot.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 20 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-05-20T07:26:57-04:00

Without a doubt, Panama. It was the greatest.
2/187 INF - 1/508 INF Fort Kobbe 1986-89
USJOTB - D 160 SOAR 1991-95

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-05-20T08:29:28-04:00

Anywhere in the 82nd.
(LOCK IT UP HATERS)

Ample opportunity there. Great place to be developed as a young infantryman. They have an organic PRC, so you WILL go to ranger school. You will go to airborne school. Get that tab, better believe you'll be heading to jumpmaster. Once again, opportunities are endless there if you stay focused and have the right mind.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 20 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-05-20T09:34:32-04:00

B Co 2-187th INF Ft. Campbell, Ky. Was a shitty place but was the best of times.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made May 20 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-05-20T13:04:14-04:00

My favorite duty station as for things to do would have to be Ft Carson, Co. Training wise, I would say Korea but I believe that was mostly due to my CO. Our training was probably the most realistic training we could do without actually being in combat. Just about every FTX lead up to a live fire exercise using grenades and claymores. I think entering/clearing a trench was my favorite except for the low crawling through a rice paddy (they use feces to fertilize them) to set up a claymore preparing for the counter attack. All my buddies were laughing at me when I got back to the trench because I was soaked with shit but I got the last laugh when I detonated the claymore and shit rained down on everyone!

Response by SFC Bhrett Sikkema made May 20 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-05-20T14:26:41-04:00

Two places come to mind. Being a Wolfhound in the 25th in Hawaii was one of my favorite places. Good training and opportunities for schools as well as seeing other countries. Probably one of the few places left were you go to other countries at least once a year for training, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Australia. The other would be Campbell and especially the Rakkasans. Bad rep or good rep no better unit have I ever been in.

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made May 20 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-05-20T15:52:34-04:00

4/10 Infantry mechanize Div. Ft. Clayton, Panama, 1982-83. 1/124 infantry Div. Ft. Clayton, Panama.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made May 20 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-05-20T16:32:00-04:00

The "Rakkasans" that's all that needs to be said.

Response by SPC Daniel Bowen made May 20 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-05-20T18:18:49-04:00

10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. It'll be the best SUCK you'll ever experience. :D

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-05-20T18:53:20-04:00

I only had two 11B assignments: 82d Airborne Division and 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). While I enjoyed my time at the 82d, The Old Guard definitely gets my vote as the best infantry assignment out there!

Response by SSG Chris Garabitos made May 20 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-05-20T21:25:10-04:00

The best unit in the Army is where you came from. With that said, AATW!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-05-22T09:49:41-04:00

GO BIG, or GO Home.

If I could start all over again as a young E-4, and the advice I give my High school students: 75th Ranger, 82nd, and 101st in order of preference.

Here is why: Infantry is all about the Brotherhood. Those are the three loudest groups of brothers.

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made May 23 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-05-23T13:16:21-04:00

I would have to say my time as a Rakkasan in the 101st was the highlight of my career. The men were salty, hungry, and we worked well together. Yes, there were disagreements, but we always worked out our problems. We truly loved each other. I am retired now, and I miss it, every single day. I still wake up early, regardless what day it is. I did two deployments with the 187th Infantry Regiment, and both were history makers. That makes me proud. I think about the fallen brothers every day. This weekend makes it very difficult for me to think about anything happy. They died for our freedom, I served for our freedom. If I was given the opportunity to serve again, I would be an infantryman. There is no other profession I would even think about performing. Best of luck to you. You will probably fall under "Needs of the Army". Make the most of whichever installation you go to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-05-24T00:11:59-04:00

I've had a blast at both my duty stations. The units at times where eh but that happens from time to time. Fort Carson is great for whatever you want to do because the location is awesome. Fort Drum is great from the unit side of things. The location isn't great but it's all about how you make the situation.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 24 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-05-24T11:58:32-04:00

ahhhh ... 11Bravos
My favorite customers!
You go guys!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-05-24T16:38:56-04:00

82 ABN bro only way to go

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-05-25T10:15:52-04:00

For me when I was on Active Duty it was Ft Bragg NC. Fayetteville has a lot to offer in the immediate area plus Myrtle Beach SC is only 2.5 hours away.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 7:39 AM

2015-05-26T07:39:36-04:00

Fort drum was good on deployments especially 1st brigade there are also a lot of outdoorsy shit to do Watertown sucks so you would have to go to saracuse if you wanted more then if you really wanted to go out of the way there is always NYC

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-05-26T13:59:57-04:00

In all honesty, Bragg has been my favorite assignment. I have also been to Carson, and Jackson in my two year tenure in this man's Army. I must say, Bragg has them all beat.
I had reliable leadership, and outstanding resources there. and the comraderie in my unit (I was attached to DHR, IMCOM), and the Reception BN I was sistered to was unmatched. I had LTs, 1SGs, and the Garrison CSM all looking out for me. It was a unique experience and one that I will never forget. But as an active Infantryman, I reccommend the 82nd. As long as you can run, you're good to go. They run more than anyone I have ever heard of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-05-28T08:20:52-04:00

Ft carson

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-05-28T14:36:26-04:00

I know some will see my response and say, "Of course." However, Italy and the 173rd was truly the best assignment I've had to date. It wasn't just the location. I was lucky enough to do my Company Command there with three great First Sergeants. The bond between an Officer and an NCO, when good, is absolutely irreplaceable.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made May 28 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-05-28T14:40:35-04:00

I bounced around a lot.. Ft Lewis now JBLM was good, Korea eh.. Hawaii nice, panama (not open) great, Ft Campbell great, Ft Drum great... But again any assignment is what you make it. I always wanted to go to Alaska and Europe but never got the opportunity so my suggestion, pick some place you may never go as a civilian and check it out.

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made May 28 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-05-28T17:40:02-04:00

Home of the Infantry...Benning was a great duty station. I had a great time at Hood, Lewis, Riley and in Germany. So many choices to chose from. As you will discover no unit is better than the last one you were in and no duty station is worse than the one you are at.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 10:57 PM

2015-05-28T22:57:50-04:00

I have two favorite assignments: 1-508th PIR in Fort Kobbe, Panama and the 1-501st PIR in Fort Richardson, Alaska. As Panama has been shut down, I definately recommend Alaska. Both assignments were challenging and the camraderie was the best I've experienced!

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jun 28 at 2015 8:57 AM

2015-06-28T08:57:57-04:00

Ft Sherman - Panama

Response by SFC Lee Tompkins made Aug 19 at 2016 10:01 PM

2016-08-19T22:01:38-04:00

I can only talk History as I was in during the 1960's until 1980's. Fort Ord CA was one of the nicest areas I served in. It was a bitch during BCT and Infantry AIT. In 1974 I ended up there as a E-6 and helped get the 7th ID started and then became a DS in BCT. My wife and I loved the area. I still can't believe they closed it ! My favorite unit was my first 2d BN 54th INF (Mech) as a E-3 and on up to E-5. I was a APC driver, auto rifleman,team leader and acting squad leader. I spent 16 months there in Bamberg FRG. There were NCO's that had served in WWII and Korean War. Most had been to Vietnam once or twice and were there some men to look up too. The first CO was a 1st Lt and older guy. He had been a SFC in SF when given a battlefield commission. So many men that I will never forget. There was a short, old E-5 that looked out of place the first day I saw him. Not in my platoon so I asked about him. Oh man, did I hear a lot ! He had fought in all areas during WWII and ended it a 1SG. Got out and came back for Korean War. Ended up a 1SG again then started having a up and down career. Busted and promoted up and down went to Vietnam as a SFC. Had been busted and was now a E-5. The only medal he did not have was the MOH. I saw him get made E-6 on the spot by our Division CO. Shortly I saw him get busted back to E-5. I will never forget the men that made me really decide to stay in the Army. I had been in 18 months when I took a short and re enlisted for six years, this was before they went to the big bonuses so I missed that. Six months later guys got around $10,000 for six years as 11B. I got $1,200 ! There were so many great NCO's to learn and look up too there. Of course there were some sorry ones around also. Our S-2 Master Sgt had been a guard at the Nurenberg trials at the end of WWII.

Response by 1SG Darren James made Jan 13 at 2017 10:13 AM

2017-01-13T10:13:11-05:00

My favorite assignment was III Corps LRS (disbanded) at Fort Hood.

My favorite unit is A CO, 2-9 Infantry (Manchu).

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 12:15 PM

2017-06-22T12:15:58-04:00

Vicenza Italy, with the 173rd Airborne was the best job I ever had with the Infantry, and love the unit and it's members to this day.

Response by SPC Randall Pendley made Jul 5 at 2017 5:54 PM

2017-07-05T17:54:22-04:00

Well I got hurt in jump school t Ft. Benning Ga. Stayed in the hospital for 157 days. After that I was sent to Ft. Riley KS. When I got there they told me to be at formation in the morning. Well I was there. They started Pt. And I just stood there because after 14 broke bones and 4 surgeries. I couldn't do it. So I showed them my profile. No running, jumping,stooping or riding a tactical vehicle. So I was sent to S-1 Nat headquarters. Wher they used me to get someone out of a detail. They would send me and I'd show the profile. So they would send me back to S-1. And they would say well we sent them what they ask. That went on for a little while. Then I was sent to William Ogden for Rec. Services. I was in charge of moon lake. Where you Wasn't allowed to swim. But I rented out boats and made sure everyone had there life jackets on. That was nice till it got cold. Then back to S-1 for the to be used again. I had supposed to have died 4 times at Ft. Benning Martin Army Hospital. The even had my dress greens ready to bury me in. But the supply Sgt. Said he had to take the wings back because I got hurt on my second jump. Well I went p the hospital at Ft. Riley and told them. This wasn't what I signed up for. If you're not going to let me do anything. Why don't you just send me home. And the Medical Board gave me a discharge T.D.R.L. temporary disability discharge. After a year I went to Ft. Bragg and they made it a Permanent Disability Retirement Discharge. But what was so bad was it took me 3 tires to pass the intry exam. To get in the Army. And I had plains to make a career out of it. I didn't try that hard in school and dried out. Because I didn't think it wood matter so much. So when I did get home I went and got my Good enough diploma. Now I have 2 prosthetic hips. There wanting to do both knees. Got sacrita, spinel stenosis and spondylitis. So even if I didn't get to do what I had planned I have sure built my time with chronic pain. But I have owned my own Corp. At 1 time. So that's my Army carrier. Around 18 months total.

Response by SPC John Parmenter made Jul 5 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-07-05T20:48:29-04:00

110 miles behind the Iron Curtain in West Berlin. There were a lot of spit & polish parades -- to show the flag in the middle of communist East Germany, but duty there was really interesting & unusual. Our vehicles & equipment were in top shape & "alerts" were outstanding experiences as we raced down cobblestone streets, with a police escort, to establish a defense perimeter at Tempelhof U.S. AFB. Service in West Berlin was an opportunity to be exposed to foreign troops (British, French, Soviet, East German) & participate in Honor Guard & similar activities including guarding Nazi war criminals at Spandau Prison in the British Sector.

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Jul 26 at 2017 1:43 AM

2017-07-26T01:43:45-04:00

Fort Sherman , Jotc great training , learned how swim better thanks to a lcm

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Jul 31 at 2017 12:37 AM

2017-07-31T00:37:36-04:00

The Best assignments I had 11B were with the Air Cav in Vietnam and 2nd Infantry Division when the Imugan was playing grab ass with us!

Response by SSG Shawn Ireland made Aug 4 at 2017 11:04 AM

2017-08-04T11:04:01-04:00

Ft. Lewis, Washington. Now called Lewis Mc Cord Joint Military Base. Rains a lot, but it's beautiful if you are a outdoors type person. Ft. Benning is another! Overseas, Germany is awesome. Did two tours myself. However both have been closed due to cutbacks and our moving more east ward. Go on the web, each post has a page and will give you plenty of information.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Aug 14 at 2017 3:42 AM

2017-08-14T03:42:57-04:00

Berlin Germany was an awesum place to be stationed!
In a way I am glad its no longer an active duty station and in a way I am sad because younger generations will not have the experience of serving there.
The Berliners new how to party like they were surrounded by a wall and a chance for things to go very wrong.

Response by SGT Tio Remus made Sep 5 at 2017 1:39 AM

2017-09-05T01:39:54-04:00

1/503 Airborne, 173d Abn Bde. Okinawa and Vietnam 1963-65

Response by SPC Christopher Jackson made Oct 15 at 2017 3:41 AM

2017-10-15T03:41:41-04:00

I served 2 enlistments, 1st enlistment 101st (1BN 502nd INF) and then 8th ID (Mech). then second enlistment 1st AD. I'd say 8th ID was the best assignment. we could grow our hair longer then some stateside units and then there was the culture of Germany, the food, beer uh... ladies LOL gotta love the Frauleins. and with the Cold War ( my time 1987 - 1991) the Dept of Defense was spending money still big time until the wall came down in OCT 1989. then Desert Storm happened, bases and units deactivated like mad 1989-1992'ish. but Jan 1989-Jul 1991 was the greatest time of my life.

Response by SSG Mark Bundy made Oct 24 at 2017 11:23 PM

2017-10-24T23:23:59-04:00

Stay away from Ft Riley.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Mar 6 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-03-06T20:02:16-05:00

I would have to say Hawaii..lots of travel around the Pacific Rim, to include Australia for kangaroo 95. However, I didn't realize how many miles of walking one could do on a 90 square mile island..to light to fight to heavy to move..

Response by PVT Kevin Low made Mar 9 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-03-09T11:40:44-05:00

I'll tell you what sucked, Ft.Riley, KS

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Aug 2 at 2018 6:20 AM

2018-08-02T06:20:41-04:00

Schofield Barracks..where else can you do PT at 0630 and be surfing by 0900. Oh and the view was always easy on the eyes..

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Sep 16 at 2018 4:51 PM

2018-09-16T16:51:58-04:00

LoL , don't be second best always be first .As in 101st .... Hater's gonna hate

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Sep 16 at 2018 5:00 PM

2018-09-16T17:00:51-04:00

Big posts like Ft. Bragg and Ft. Campbell have plenty of things to do on post and off ,like rec areas .But like everything it depends on you and the standards you set for yourself on duty and off . All duty assignments have a positive and negative only you can make the best of it...

Response by SGT Costel Baciu made May 23 at 2019 11:13 AM

2019-05-23T11:13:24-04:00

Baumholder, Germany, even though 'The Rock' sucks donkey dung... If you're not training, or deployed, and on some time off, take advantage of what the country(and surrounding countries), providing you stay within your assigned radius(but you can always get a fireteam ready, and get a mileage pass for countries further away), have to offer. There is/are lots of history, traditions, culture, etc, to be tapped into! Don't waste your time, in the barracks, playing videogames! Go out and explore, providing you stay out of trouble!

Response by SFC Daniel Jarvis made Sep 2 at 2019 5:55 PM

2019-09-02T17:55:04-04:00

Schoefield Bks Hawaii

Response by PFC David H Smith Jr made Nov 20 at 2019 10:16 PM

2019-11-20T22:16:10-05:00

I was an M2 Bradley gunner

Response by SSG George Holtje made Jan 10 at 2020 12:05 PM

2020-01-10T12:05:46-05:00

I have to divide it down. Mech vs Light, Geography vs Unit, Field vs Garrison

My favorite Mech unit was Vilseck/Graf in Germany. The only Germany assignment where Gunnery wasn’t a month involving railhead and temp barracks.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 5:57 PM

2020-02-10T17:57:49-05:00

I'm with chief on that one

Response by SGT Jensen Shirley made Feb 27 at 2020 8:31 PM

2020-02-27T20:31:41-05:00

Been to long to remember. I was 11B during early 1973

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Feb 27 at 2020 9:52 PM

2020-02-27T21:52:11-05:00

Ft. Lewis, WA! Best kept secret!

Response by SPC John Tacetta made Aug 11 at 2020 5:13 PM

2020-08-11T17:13:17-04:00

I held 3 posts:
Anti armor A, 1/4 Inf, 3rd ID Aschaffenburg, Germany,
Duty Driver HHC 3rd Bde, 3rd ID Aschaffenburg, Germany &
Grenadier B 2/503 101st Abn Fort Campbell, KY.

The 101st was the best. The esprit de' corps was high, the leadership was great (the only time I ever felt comfortable calling the 1SG "Top"), they had after hours messes that served the best fried chicken, you flew about constantly and you had access to numerous schools. The 101st also deploys around the world for training in arctic, desert and jungle environments so you get to see a bit of the world. Almost made me want to stay in. I've seen several similar opinions posted on this site.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2020 11:28 AM

2020-08-12T11:28:58-04:00

Fort Lewis is great if you like the outdoors

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 23 at 2021 3:43 PM

2021-08-23T15:43:18-04:00

My best assignment was in Viet nam. My primary and secondary mos was infantry In 1969 we all had the draft hanging over our heads, so I volunteered for the draft to get it over with. In Viet Nam We were all equals.Blacks and whites,Officers, NCO's andenlisted men. There were bad times, of cource, but I never experinced comaradity like that before or since. I was an 18 year old kid and it was exciting. After Nam I went to Fort Hood and the stateside Army really sucked I did my 2 years and got the hell out I'm still proud to wear the CIB on a hat and I respect the infantry more than any MOS. I also have a lot of respect for the marines who had the same job