I was told that you aren't a real infantryman unless you went to basic training at Fort Benning. What are your opinions on this?

2016-02-29T22:14:28-05:00

Response by SSG Brandon Sheldon made Feb 29 at 2016 10:17 PM

2016-02-29T22:17:17-05:00

Being out, as long as you did the training at Benning and did the whole Bayonet March and finish on Honor hill, your good in my book

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:23 PM

2016-02-29T22:23:11-05:00

If the hard asses judge "real infantrymen" on basic training location I.........need I say more

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-02-29T22:25:37-05:00

MOSQ is three weeks, Infantry OSUT at Benning is 14 weeks, take away the 9 week basic part that leaves roughly 5 weeks of AIT. That's why. But for me I grade on a case by case basis while reserving the right to give greif over it at anytime

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Feb 29 at 2016 10:27 PM

2016-02-29T22:27:21-05:00

Infantry is an MOS; but, even though we are all trained with basic infantry tactics, the "real" infantryman is anyone on the ground outside the walls where the enemy waits, queen of battle or not.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 29 at 2016 10:42 PM

2016-02-29T22:42:17-05:00

In the MC there has always been the argument: which boot camp was harder, MCRD San Diego, or MCRD Parris Island. The DIs made each one place particularly onerous whether you could see the real world just outside your grasp at San Diego, or were isolated in the swamps of South Carolina. San Diego is a MC enclave sandwiched between the San Diego International Airport and the old Pacific Highway. PI is on a swampy peninsula a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Hilton Head Island. Every Marine is proud of his boot camp and plenty happy he did not have to attend boot camp at the other one. Horror stories abound about each one. All female Marines attend boot camp at Parris Island, for now.
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Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:43 PM

2016-02-29T22:43:39-05:00

I would be interested to know the type of insecure HERO who it was that told you that. And did you consider the source. Sounds like they are just bustin your chops. Just give it right back. I have 26+ years as an Infantry Fighting Soldier. As an 11Z SGM I can tell you, Welcome to the Infantry! I don't care how you got here but you did.

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Feb 29 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-02-29T22:44:00-05:00

Infantry is an MOS; but, even though we are all trained with basic infantry tactics, the "real" infantryman is anyone on the ground outside the walls where the enemy waits, queen of battle or not.

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Feb 29 at 2016 10:45 PM

2016-02-29T22:45:29-05:00

Infantry is an MOS; but, even though we are all trained with basic infantry tactics, the "real" infantryman is anyone on the ground outside the walls where the enemy waits, queen of battle or not.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Feb 29 at 2016 10:50 PM

2016-02-29T22:50:35-05:00

As long as you've earned it then its yours.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-02-29T22:52:57-05:00

Sounds like someone talking out the side of their neck. I guess the MOSQ course taught by NG CERTIFIED by TRADOC doesn't count then?

SGM Billy Herrington MSG. What do you think? Lol

Response by SSG James Valentine made Feb 29 at 2016 10:57 PM

2016-02-29T22:57:29-05:00

What if I told you that you weren't a real Soldier, of your GT score isn't at least 110, and you have a TS SCI??

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-02-29T23:21:19-05:00

Well I think people are confused on what an Infantryman is. An Infantryman is a soldier who has an indomitable spirit. It isn't the training though that helps him become what he is. It is the drive to be better so others don't have to be. In this he will go further, fight harder and more often than most soldiers.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 12:40 AM

2016-03-01T00:40:52-05:00

If it says 11B or 11C somewhere on your ERB than you are an Infantryman.

On a totally unrelated note, I like my 35N MOS and am proud of it. Cool, right?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Mar 1 at 2016 1:00 AM

2016-03-01T01:00:20-05:00

I did basic and infantry AIT at Ft. Jackson. In the old days (real old days) the sign used to say US Army Training Center, Infantry and there were as I remember it a couple of entire brigades of Infantry AIT as well as the 3rd Army NCO Academy, Drill Sergeant School and leader's school. As for the blue cord in those days we didn't get one when we finished AIT. All of the people with a 11 MOS wore the blue discs after AIT but no cord.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:41 AM

2016-03-01T02:41:42-05:00

... like arguing who's the smartest retard in special ed.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Mar 1 at 2016 6:30 AM

2016-03-01T06:30:17-05:00

I went to Basic Training at Parris Island SC & taught at ITR at Camp Geiger & was TAD to 1st Recon & 1st Anglico Force Troops FMF Atlantic and like to think I was a real Infantryman or as we Marines call it a real Rifleman

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 7:03 AM

2016-03-01T07:03:48-05:00

I went to Benning for basic but I'm 25series. So this basically makes me Infantry right? LoL j/k

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Mar 1 at 2016 7:04 AM

2016-03-01T07:04:34-05:00

Basic Training doesn't give you your MOS, AIT does. A person can re-class into infantry, therefore, they would have gone to Basic somewhere else. And yes, they are real infantrymen.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 1 at 2016 7:18 AM

2016-03-01T07:18:00-05:00

Bro, it doesnt matter, basic is BASIC! 11B OSUT trains a fella to "hit the ground running" and be able to execute Infantry tasks from day 1. If you reclass you learn the same stuff. Dont worry about what people think, just be good at what you do.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 7:53 AM

2016-03-01T07:53:22-05:00

Come on, lets be accurate here. It's a baby blue cord. The real blue is AVIATION BLUE!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-03-01T08:23:52-05:00

Only reason I agree with this is because we took over a NGs unit AO, most were 11B but none were close to knowing any of the basics others take for granted until you need it. They told us most were OTJ trained and some were trained in some guard base.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Mar 1 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-03-01T08:53:06-05:00

What does basic training have to do with the award of the Infantry cord?

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Mar 1 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-03-01T09:21:36-05:00

I have to agree with that! Graduated November 1999! Rock on the Marne!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-03-01T09:34:27-05:00

Basic training is just Basic Training. Your AIT is where you learn specific MOS skills. Several MOS' have OSUT Basic/AIT training which does incorporate both into one.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-03-01T09:35:29-05:00

That's cute. I guess some of us have different expectations.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 1 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-03-01T10:31:55-05:00

Many people will personally define what "real" is based on themselves: Not "real" Infantry if you didn't deploy; not "real" Infantry if you didn't go to Sand Hill; not "real" Infantry if you weren't in 'Nam or storming Omaha Beach or wherever; not "real" Infantry if you didn't kill a man with your bare hands while invoking the spirit of Chuck Norris. Experiences will vary.

It boils down to this: Did the Army successfully train you to become an Infantryman? Does the Army now or did it ever recognize you as an Infantry soldier? If the answer to these 2 questions is Yes, than where you trained or the personal definitions of random dudes doesn't mean a damn thing. It is the Army that makes, and makes use of, the Infantry; therefore it is the Army's definition of what "real" Infantry is that counts.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 1 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-03-01T10:35:39-05:00

I was an Army Infantry soldier and never even went to Army Basic/AIT/OSUT. Try that one on for size. I was a pretty damn good one, too.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Mar 1 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-03-01T10:51:20-05:00

I went through Basic and Infantry AIT at Ft. Dix, NJ in 1966. I dare someone to say I wasn't a "Real Infantryman". Out of our Basic and AIT Units there were not a lot of us alive after 1975. And all of us were sent to Infantry Divisions, into Infantry Slots, into Infantry Fights ..... within about 6 weeks of graduation from AIT.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 1 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-03-01T11:15:15-05:00

So I guess for the last 50 years I've been living a lie 11 bravo 1965 Fort Lewis Washington

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 1 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-03-01T13:14:17-05:00

Thousands and thousands of infantry soldiers went to BCT and infantry AIT at a post other than Fort Benning, SGT Robert Cupp. I started BCT at Fort Jackson (Tank Hill), SC on 11NOV69 and finished infantry AIT(11C) on 20MAR70, also at Fort Jackson. I've been retired a long time, but I'm positive I was a real infantryman! SGT Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Jim Woods

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 1 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-03-01T14:48:36-05:00

Don't know about that, but I could tell the new Soldiers who had gone to Basic at Forts Benning , Sill, or Leonard Wood from those who went to Jackson, and I'll leave it at that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-03-01T14:50:31-05:00

For those of you who never took Infantry training at Ft. Polk, in the 60's, you missed out. We trained in little Vietnam day and night. All of that other qualifying stuff was worked in. I took Infantry training at Ft.Gordon, and jump school at Ft. Benning. My MOS was 11B4P. I'm proud I can say I am an Infantry soldier, with an infranty MOS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-03-01T15:07:24-05:00

I have my blue cord and a green and red cord. Bet none of you young troopers know what that is for.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Mar 1 at 2016 3:39 PM

2016-03-01T15:39:02-05:00

It doesn't matter what people say, no matter where recruits goes for basic training, they all came out a soldier, so even if you got out as infantry but didn't train at fort benning, that doesn't mean you not a real infantry.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Mar 1 at 2016 3:56 PM

2016-03-01T15:56:11-05:00

Whoever said that is full of shit.

I've attended memorial services in Iraq for Benning babies and 2 week reclass guys. They all served the same.

If you're an OSUT graduate and then go onto serve E1-E4 on BDE staff as a driver or RTO, then ETS, you're not shit but a driver or an answering service.

Likewise you have guys that did the two week transition, did all of the 11CMF NCOES, served as a section and squad leader, served two tours in Iraq as an Infantry PSG, graduated BFV master gunner school, and served as a company and BDE master gunner.

Who's "more" infantry?

Serving in a leadership role will define those that truly are infantrymen. Not where you received your training. It's a lifestyle, a way of life, and an attitude. You either have it or you don't. Those that don't usually like to have a dick measuring contest about where they received their blue cord.

End rant

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 4:35 PM

2016-03-01T16:35:21-05:00

Anytime someone tells you "You aren't a real_______ because _______" punch them in the throat. If you went through the same training evolution as they did you are just as good as they are.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 1 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-03-01T16:37:26-05:00

Did you go to Infantry Basic and AIT?

Response by 1SG Carlos E Bonet made Mar 1 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-03-01T17:09:08-05:00

Basic training is the same dont matter where you go. All DS are trained at the same place. And they all well trained on skill level one skill out of the stp 21-1.Now when we talk mos specific...yes you need mos qualified instructors, but that is AIT

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Mar 1 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-03-01T17:17:24-05:00

I took Basic Training at Ft. Ord California then on to Ft. Gordon Ga. for Advance Infantry Training . From there to Ft. Benning for Airborne . There were other Basic Training centers other than Ft. Benning . All through my service years I was 11Bravo . I think going to AIT is what makes anyone of us Infantry .

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 5:28 PM

2016-03-01T17:28:43-05:00

SGT Robert Cupp, Who told you that lie?

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Mar 1 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-03-01T17:42:34-05:00

that's like they called my son Hollywood because he went to MCRD in California but he was still a marine just because you didn't go to sand hill do's not mean you are not a grunt hell I did BCT at Ft Dix then went to Sand hill that is back in 78

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Mar 1 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-03-01T17:46:10-05:00

I was talking to some Marine grunts and they said that they wish the Marines showed the difference between grunts and every other marine and they were NCO's

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 1 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-03-01T18:11:25-05:00

I knew a lot of real infantrymen that went through Fort Polk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 6:12 PM

2016-03-01T18:12:58-05:00

Who would claim to be that that that wasnt

Response by SPC Adriel Martinez made Mar 1 at 2016 6:26 PM

2016-03-01T18:26:40-05:00

As a FisTer I would say you're not a real infantryman until you've passed JFO or FO AIT so you can properly call for fire without help from a 13 Fox- since most bangbangs i met while I was in could barely pass a basic polar call for fire for EIB- if CFF is unnecessary why is there whole MOS for it? Most line FOs are doing 11Bs jobs anyways, and then some - but are they infantrymen? Nope. and most don't want to be-being the black sheep of combat arms is reward enough. And also before the butt hurt starts it's spelled and pronounced "Pogue" not pog and its actually called an Aguillete not a "cord".

Response by SPC Greg Burnett made Mar 1 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-03-01T18:34:13-05:00

Don't the guys that go 18X (straight into the SF pipeline) go to Knox for basic and AIT and end up with an 11 series MOS before jump school and onto assessment? Guessing they qualify as real infantrymen.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 6:46 PM

2016-03-01T18:46:10-05:00

Some people reclass to 11B because they couldn't enlist initially at first as 11B. Some hold numerous MOS's, with 11B being one of them. I'm tired of all this dick swinging in the Army. Everyone is always comparing themselves to others. Who cares??

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 6:48 PM

2016-03-01T18:48:03-05:00

This post just turned RallyPoint into WTF Army Moments...Oyyyyy

Response by SGT Maximiliano Mesa made Mar 1 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-03-01T18:52:26-05:00

Ok so scouts are infantry they are at Benning?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-03-01T18:52:51-05:00

"An Army is a team; lives, sleeps, eats, fights as a team. This individual heroic stuff is a lot of crap" -General George S. Patton, Armor, Commanding

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-03-01T19:08:43-05:00

Sgt Cupp - Over the years many people have received the 11B MOS without going through Ft. Benning. An example of this was in 1972, the 101st Airborne Division was reconstituted at Ft. Campbell, KY after returning from Vietnam. An Infantry and several other MOS training programs were set up at Ft. Campbell. The Infantry School at Ft. Benning established the criteria to train Infantryman and if I remember correctly, actually did the final testing. I was a brand new private and attended this training. It was actually very good training.

At Ft. Campbell, I was assigned to my final unit, platoon and squad and attended the training for 8 weeks (I had already completed Basic) before attending AIT. Everyone from my Platoon Sgt, Squad Leader, Team Leader and the rest of my squad made sure I learned the Infantry MOS. Many times, they went over and above in their efforts to "assist" those of us who were going through the training. The only area we were exempted was Mech. There were no tracks to train on. They made up for it by focusing on Light Infantry Techniques such as patrolling, weapons and living off the land (most of the instructors were experienced SF, LRRP and Rangers, which was helpful later in my career).

Another example was when the Army decided to reclassify many NCO's as Infantry during the draw down as Vietnam was winding down (1972 and 1973 were low points for the Army). One of the NCO's was a Band SSG who just showed up one day to take over a squad. To say he had a hard time, especially with my platoon, is an understatement. Luckily, our Platoon Sgt, was very experienced and after about six months of Super High Intensity Training managed to make him a passable Squad Leader.

Don't get hung up too much on where someone learned the job. If you have learned the Infantry trade, regardless of where and how, and are good at what you do -- that's all that matters. If you are a good infantryman, then you can do just about any job in the military (in the 70's and 80's, Infantryman seemed to be pulled for some really wild assignments, because they were infantry and could adapt and complete the mission). It's all about attitude and a willingness to accomplish the mission, even if it means learning a new skill and stepping up to the plate.

Response by SPC Brad Pratt made Mar 1 at 2016 7:22 PM

2016-03-01T19:22:15-05:00

1989 1st cycle at Sand Hill

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Mar 1 at 2016 7:46 PM

2016-03-01T19:46:41-05:00

Did I miss something about this thread being Army-centric? Cause I know a few Marines...

For those whom might not know, the 0300 series (since you mentioned 11-series) would be the Corps' version. There are many specific MOSs within it. In terms of the basic rifleman, the Army 11-B and the Marine 0311 would be somewhat similar. Yes I said "somewhat similar". Given the USMC infantry people all go through 13 weeks of Boot Camp, 4 weeks of Combat Training, and a 6-8 week MOS School..."somewhat similar" is as close as that's ever going to get.

No disrespect intended, but most 0311s can eat most 11-Bs for breakfast (given similar size). =) There are of course exceptions to everything, so if you're an 11-B, don't get offended...at least not until you first ask yourself Why you didn't go USMC when you may have had that chance.

Even in the Corps I had heard the same comment, but it wasn't about Basic Training/Boot Camp. It was weather or not you went to Jump School, at Fort Benning.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-03-01T20:04:25-05:00

If that's all you have in life to hold on to, to cling to.... To feel superior to other people and fellow Soldiers, you should probably do a little soul searching. By your account, none of the Soldiers who wore blue cords in WW II, who trained at Fort Dix, Fort Polk, and DOZENS of other posts in the United States, and the defeated the Axis Powers, were 'real' Infantry. You should flush out your skull and make some room for enlightenment. Thunder 7 out.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-03-01T20:05:36-05:00

Tell that to an SOI grad and see what happens.

Response by SPC Todd Alexander made Mar 1 at 2016 8:11 PM

2016-03-01T20:11:12-05:00

Harmony church F-4-2 1982. Follow me!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-03-01T20:36:50-05:00

You know what's even harder? Taking the blue cord off. When I reclassed at Gordon, the SGM wouldn't even let me walk across the stage at graduation with my cord. It'll be worth it at retirement when I put on Warrant. But, it still pains me to be in an Airborne Infantry Reg without my cord.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:40 PM

2016-03-01T20:40:46-05:00

D-5-1 Harmony Church, Fort Benning

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-03-01T20:48:22-05:00

What about an Infantry Marine who served in combat and then joins the Army? No, it isn't me, just asking.

Response by MSG Paul DePrimo made Mar 1 at 2016 9:21 PM

2016-03-01T21:21:11-05:00

Wow the last 24 years I thought I was a 19K Tanker, but I guess I wasn't because I transitioned to that MOS from a prior Infantry company! Who knew.....

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 1 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-03-01T21:43:53-05:00

You are an infantry man when you 1)know your skills at your level, 2)self-school on your own time, 3)love what you do, 4) Know you eat lightning, crap thunder, but do not have to prove it to the doubters and the unaware.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-03-01T21:58:13-05:00

The bottom line is this: Until we stop having these virtual penis length contests and start to understand that everybody has a job to do we are about as useful as a chickenwire canoe. I would be willing to bet that I have more time walking wit a rifle company than just about anybody reading this, Get over it people. The infantry isn't some magical, omnipotent group capable of superhuman feats. I am chaptering several 11Bs for APFT and overweight right now. Yes, they have the job to "close with and destroy the enemy", but MOST of the Medal of Honor Recipients from the GWOT WERE NOT INFANTRYMEN. IF you need a MOS code to validate your existence as a human being I feel sorry for you. Do your job, do it well and act like a professional.

Response by PFC Jerry Prell made Mar 1 at 2016 10:02 PM

2016-03-01T22:02:42-05:00

Got one.......

Response by Sgt John Watts made Mar 1 at 2016 10:17 PM

2016-03-01T22:17:19-05:00

hahaha.
Damn I'm glad I'm a Marine.

Response by SFC Jim Hunter made Mar 1 at 2016 10:43 PM

2016-03-01T22:43:39-05:00

Most of my 32 years in the military, I held an infantry MOS. I did not go through Basic at Ft. Benning. I dare anyone to accuse me of not being a real infantryman. I went through basic training at MCRD San Diego. Infantry training at Camp Pendleton, Recon School at Camp Pendleton. A year in Vietnam as a Recon Marine. I then joined the Army and became a Green Beret. Back then the MOS for SF Weapons Sergeants were 11B4S and 11C4S. The only school I attended at Ft. Benning was Jump School. Do I qualify as a "real infantryman?"

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Mar 1 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-03-01T22:44:51-05:00

I was a 38B, I had better toys

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 1 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-03-01T23:26:03-05:00

Can you be an Infantryman... in the modern era (post Vietnam) and have gone to BCT/AIT - OSUT anywhere else other than Benning? Since I entered the Army in 1980, and ALL US Army Infantryman went to Benning...

What am I missing SGT Robert Cupp?

I went to OCS, Airborne, Ranger, IMPOC, Pathfinder, and I am in the Infantry Museum... But, I am not Infantry... nor do/did I want to be. I salute the Infantry and I spent my life supporting maneuver.

I am not following this or SSG Porter, B. comments either. Tell me more.

Response by SGM Larry Apalatea made Mar 1 at 2016 11:57 PM

2016-03-01T23:57:43-05:00

I took my Infantry training in "little Vietnam" or better known as Ft Polk, LA. in the 70's. I could care less where you earned your Infantry Cord welcome to the brotherhood.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 2:50 AM

2016-03-02T02:50:18-05:00

Posts like this are why I don't get on RallyPoint that much any more. Who cares who went to which basic and what your MOS is. All MOS' are important and relevant in today's battle field. Cooks are perimeter guards, NG deploys more often than Active, MP's are kicking in doors, 11B are security elements for route clearance and 88M's are doing their own security because there's not enough 11B's to go around. What the hell ever happened to "One team, one fight!"? We've got higher brass saying it's not ok to wear Combat Patches because it hurts the boots feelings and NCO's are having to take sensitivity training and we're all stuck in SHARP/EO classes no matter what our MOS is. Can we start getting back to the business of NCO's being NCO's and taking responsibility for their actions and not worrying about who's a more hardcore soldier?

Response by SFC Bryson Amaral made Mar 2 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-03-02T10:19:31-05:00

Medical reasons DQed me from being in the infantry, but that doesn't diminish my worth as a Soldier, not does it make me fight the enemy any less, hell it makes you fight and train harder. I am a 92G, I enjoy what I do. All of my deployments I've never done my actual mos the most time I spent in the dining facility was eating the food . Without food the Army don't go nowhere.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-03-02T10:30:05-05:00

Basic soldier skills and Infantryman are two different things. Moreover, i would say someone is actively trying to kill that "esprit de corp" (sp) that we once had. Whatever job you signed up to do, have pride in that. If you signed up to be a cook, no, you are not infantry. I myself am not infantry, but hey, if you ain't Cav.......... Lol...

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Mar 2 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-03-02T11:38:27-05:00

If you completed infantry school at Fort Benning and wear a blue cord, you are an infantryman. If you did not, you are not. Where you completed basic is rather irrelevant, even if 99.9% of infantrymen completed basic there.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Mar 2 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-03-02T12:23:58-05:00

Response by SSG John Jensen made Mar 2 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-03-02T17:13:28-05:00

but you need me to put a Big Bird Bandaid on your cut finger and kiss it to make it better
91B2P

Response by SSG John Jensen made Mar 2 at 2016 5:21 PM

2016-03-02T17:21:12-05:00

Basic Combat Training was created after Task Force Smith in Korea, when they had to throw the clerks and the the cooks and the artillerymen into the line and they were slaughtered

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Mar 2 at 2016 11:20 PM

2016-03-02T23:20:58-05:00

well i don't know about that i did my Basic & A.I.T. at Fort Benning my mos was 11B-10 that is Infantryman so i guess i would have to say yes to your question once an Infantryman always an Infantryman until death even after my death I will be an Infantryman my Burial will be in my dress uniform with my Blue Infantry cord and my cross rifles in the blue disk and the U.S. in the blue disk. after Basic & A.I.T. my unit was Co.C 101st Infantry. 26th Infantry. Division.

Response by SGT Andy Mosley made Mar 3 at 2016 4:57 AM

2016-03-03T04:57:27-05:00

You receive the training you need to do the mos you chose to do! I was a 13F and no I don't consider myself an infantryman even though I was always provided mortar support by them and worked closely beside them.Don't figure they go around calling themselves fisters.We are all supposed to be professionals and a part of a team even though we play different roles in the fight and were trained in different places.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 7:53 AM

2016-03-03T07:53:59-05:00

Honestly, I did not know you could go anywhere else for infantry basic/AIT. My guard/enlisted infantry days have long since passed, so maybe things have changed.

Response by Cpl Davis Gray made Mar 3 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-03-03T10:34:26-05:00

How cute, you have an Infantryman MOS. All Marines are Infantrymen first.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Mar 3 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-03-03T20:05:01-05:00

How's this year's crop of Freshmen?

Response by SFC Chris Horton made Mar 4 at 2016 1:31 AM

2016-03-04T01:31:31-05:00

Its simple, you're not. Unless the Army is turning out Infantryman on another base that I'm unaware of. Who knows I am old.

Response by SGT James Adair made Mar 4 at 2016 4:19 AM

2016-03-04T04:19:56-05:00

I went to basic at Ft. Jackson and the infantry AIT at north Fort Lewis. Most of C 2/47 company had been dispersed. We went through AIT and then stayed. All of the leadership roles were already there when we arrived.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Mar 4 at 2016 7:28 AM

2016-03-04T07:28:21-05:00

I'm not infantry. I have served and supported many combat arms units. Learned valuable infantry tactics that most likely kept me alive we I was under fire. I didn't kick in doors and conduct searches. I did return fire a few times and I watched a couple of bad guys drop on the other ends of my iron sights, but I'm not/never considered my infantry. However, make no mistake my little pissed off trooper, WE are no less combat veterans. Thank you for the killer job but get get over yourself. FM Rommel once said: "the battle is decided and fought by the Quartermaster before the first gun is ever fired".

Response by GySgt Carl Munford made Mar 4 at 2016 7:29 AM

2016-03-04T07:29:37-05:00

I can have no opinion, I went to Parris Island SC.

Response by SPC Timothy Repetto made Mar 4 at 2016 8:48 AM

2016-03-04T08:48:30-05:00

It's the "Old way". Fort Benning is home of the Infantry, or atleast it was before it was renamed in 2010 or 2011 to Maneuver Center of Excellence. If your an 11B your an 11B

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-03-04T19:17:02-05:00

Basic training is taught the same to all recruits. Now AIT is where you are taught whatever your MOS is,most if not all 11Bs are taught their job in Ft. Benning. As a Drill Sgt I was in Ft. Jackson and a couple of 11Bs came there for basic but left for AIT to Ft. Benning. So from my experience all 11Bs are taught trained at Ft. Benning.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Mar 5 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-03-05T14:01:08-05:00

For those that earned the blue cord. Great!! For others Great too!!

Response by SPC Timothy Repetto made Mar 18 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-03-18T12:30:05-04:00

In the words of my Late Grandfather LTC J. Repetto.... "There are only two jobs in the military.......Infantry..... and then there's Infantry Support."

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-03-30T07:58:13-04:00

That is just stupid I went to Fort Benning and I am a 25 Bravo which is an information technology specialist I think that all that matters is the training you recieve

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-04-08T14:28:15-04:00

All the posts are confusing me. If your in the Army, Ft Benning is where you would train to be an Infantryman, MOS 11B or 11C. That is the only way to become an Infantryman in the Army. Other branches of military might be different and I can't speak on those matters. But unless you are given a PMOS of 11B, 11C, or 11A, you are not Infantry.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 6:18 AM

2016-04-19T06:18:27-04:00

Well being that Fort Benning, to some people, was called Home of The Infantry I'm not sure of any other place that you could earn your blue cord in today's Army. If you do not own or were never given said cord through military graduation of the 11 Series MOS then yes you are not an Infantrymen..... Not even a little.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Apr 24 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-04-24T14:24:30-04:00

lol, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha....

Response by SPC James Harsh made May 10 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-05-10T10:06:54-04:00

Don't shoot the messenger:

Response by SGT William Howell made May 10 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-05-10T11:59:01-04:00

Funny I heard you couldn't be infantry unless you had been with another dude! Just saying that is what I heard over at the MP barracks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-05-10T12:33:44-04:00

F**k that , it dont matter where you went to basic , i reclassed back it 05 and not at Benning.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jun 19 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-06-19T19:24:05-04:00

It doesn't mean nothing. A blue cord from the "Benning School for Boys", or Bumfuk Egypt, if you are an 11 A, B, or C (might be more), you are infantry. Tell the Benning boys their blue cord is not official until they got the clap on Victory Drive. And yes, I went to Benning.

Response by SPC Timothy Repetto made Aug 15 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-08-15T09:25:17-04:00

This kinda looks like an Infantry question for Infantrymen. So POGs need to mind their lane. So sensitive. And it's this sensitivity that has made our Military into some social experiment. Disgusting.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 11:02 AM

2016-08-15T11:02:08-04:00

I was told you're stirring shit... congrats, looks like you nailed it :)

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 17 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-08-17T16:33:17-04:00

The Army service ribbon will clear this for everyone.
The Infantry Blue is in middle. Everyone supports the Infantry. Although I'm not Infantry anymore, after 9 years of "beating the bush," I had to get an easier job. My hat off to you fellas.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Aug 20 at 2016 8:51 AM

2016-08-20T08:51:59-04:00

SGT Robert Cupp, such a silly statement. I went to Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY and Infantry AIT at Fort Benning. I know soldiers that went to Basic Training and Infantry AIT at Fort Polk. I spent most of my time in service as an Infantryman. Just because I went to Basic at Fort Knox, does not make me a wannabe.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 20 at 2016 9:27 AM

2016-08-20T09:27:25-04:00

BCT is not a place. It's an experience

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-08-20T10:21:27-04:00

I took basic at Ft. Jackson and my Infantry AIT at Ft. Polk in 1980. My training was outstanding! It is the man not the place that makes one an infantryman.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-08-20T12:21:39-04:00

Lmao army problems

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 20 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-08-20T13:06:30-04:00

I have met products of Fort Benning I would not trust with or allow to lead my dog to a water bowl.
I have trained with fought next to Infantrymen who were trained at other then Benning..and I would stack with them again any day called upon.
Its not a location, it's the training, the person, thier character and how it is used.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 9:31 PM

2016-08-20T21:31:35-04:00

So what about the 12B who becomes an 18B, does he earn the right to wear the CIB?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-08-20T21:55:11-04:00

What if I learned how to be an Infantryperson (Marine) at Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune?

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 21 at 2016 12:49 AM

2016-08-21T00:49:54-04:00

This discussion to me is like saying I'm not a competent and great teacher because I didn't go to the right college. I don't see that it matters at which post you did basic training. You all take the same oath to protect and defend the United States of America just as my son has. You all make sacrifices to uphold that oath, some with their very lives. You are all heroes in my eyes regardless of your basic training or MOS. God bless each one of you who have and continue to protect the freedoms I enjoy.

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Aug 22 at 2016 2:48 AM

2016-08-22T02:48:33-04:00

I became Infantry so I could talk shit the rest of my life....

Response by SSG Edward Geer made Aug 25 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-08-25T22:52:02-04:00

In 1975, I took my basic and AIT at Fort Polk, LA, was awarded my Blue Cord and the MOS of 11B right. At that time, Ft. Polk also taught Infantry for their AIT. We trained in the same markup Vietnam Villages used to train soldiers enroute to Vietnam.

When I reported to my first duty station A 1/41 Inf, 2AD; the first thing out of my NCO chain of command was You took AIT at Ft. Polk didn't you? I Said yes and asked how did they know? Their reply was Polk produced better trained, discipline soldiers than Benning.

Personally, WHO CARES were a guy earned the Blue Cord or an 11 series MOS. IF you earned it, you earned it. Anyone who says otherwise is just Jealous.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-08-28T09:26:35-04:00

After being out of the military for 16 years, at the age of 41 I went into the guard and I reclassed from 12B to 11B and it was the proudest moment I had in a long time. So I'm biased, but it doesn't matter in my opinion. If a guy is a shitbag, he is going to be one whether he went to Benning or not. The key is that the standard must be upheld no matter where the training takes place, which seems to be happening less and less these days, given I am twice the age of these youngsters coming into the unit from Benning and they are mostly a bunch of puss cakes. It is embarrassing to see, I expected more.

Response by SFC Dennis D Joy made Aug 28 at 2016 8:59 PM

2016-08-28T20:59:17-04:00

Well for those that are uninformed, infantry a it.. was conducted a a multitude of bases in the 60s, 70s and was only at Benning starting in the 80s. So if you follow that line... I AM INFANTRY. I trained at at both Ft Polk and Ft Jackson in 72

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 29 at 2016 12:58 AM

2016-08-29T00:58:00-04:00

I would not agree with the Ft. Benning limitation, the hard work is not Infantry OSUT it is at your Infantry Unit of assignment. Serving and performing in an Infantry unit. Kind of similar to the argument (which I want no part of) that there is a difference between a tabbed RANGER and a RANGER that served in Regiment.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 29 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-08-29T03:33:59-04:00

This is the type of crap is what makes our Army lack esprit de corps! Most of us were lucky to choose our MOS and add or reclass to others. A Soldier is a Soldier. We all get paid for doing a job needed for our force to win. Sometimes I think the Corps has it right. They are Marines first. Lastly, to paraphrase a football coach: There is no I in Army!

Response by SFC Gene Estep made Sep 8 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-09-08T17:17:44-04:00

Still have mine !

Response by SPC James Mitchem made Oct 5 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-10-05T16:10:53-04:00

I am speaking only for myself here as an 11B Vet who doesn't consider himself "real infantry.

Every soldier may need to be "rifleman first" according to what Gen Peter Schoomaker said in 2003. That however doesn't mean they are actually "real infantrymen". real infanrty train regularly in combat tactics in garrison and when in theater they are the ones on the front lines every day humping an 80 to 100 plus pound ruck plus their weapon and their kit.

Just because someone went to basic and trained in basic tactics way back when they first enlisted doesn't mean someone is "real infantry". Frankly even though I was an active duty deployed 11B in 2011 I do not consider myself to have ever been "real infantry". The reason is very simple, I was not in a line platoon when I deployed. I deployed as a member of HQ Platoon of B Co 2/34 in 2011. Despite my MOS being 11B, taking fire from the enemy on multiple missions and receiving a CIB I do not consider myself "real infantry".

The men I consider to be "real infantry" were the guys in Reaper Platoon who were in the suck every day doing dismounted patrols around COP AJK, or my squad leader who did ten years as an 11B. Or the guys in 2nd platoon that came off doing a company level air assault assault and within hours of getting back got spun up on QRF missions. Even the tankers in first platoon were more "real" infantrymen than I ever was.

Again speaking only for myself here but I consider it insult to them for me to call myself "real infantry" when the guys in third were down there at AJK in the suck everyday sleeping with their boots on while when I got done with a mission I got to go back to my air conditioned tent on FOB Azizullah. I didn't go through what they did, not even close.

I try to show a little self respect by not going bar crawling telling all the girls I was an infantryman. I was a glorified POG with 11B on my ERB. End of story. I consider claiming anything more than that an insult to the guys in my company who were in the suck on a daily basis.

Response by SPC Mario Lozano Jr made Dec 24 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-12-24T14:02:49-05:00

Fort Benning. Home of the Infantryman...

Response by SPC Mario Lozano Jr made Dec 24 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-12-24T14:03:06-05:00

Yup....

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Jan 8 at 2017 8:51 PM

2017-01-08T20:51:57-05:00

I went to basic and infantry AIT at fort jackson, combat leaders course at fort benning .... no one can take my infantry creds away. I was a drill sergeant for infantry AIT at fort benning 76 to 78 all our trainees came from other basic training bases....ft benning is were we made them infantrymen. Basic is where you make soldiers since 1978 benning is the only place that makes infantrymen.

Response by SPC Tyrone Talbot made Feb 28 at 2017 12:03 PM

2017-02-28T12:03:38-05:00

I am not an Infantryman but I served at Fort Benning and it is the home of the infantry. Personally I think if you trained at the foremost training facility for the infantry it carries a certain distinction with it. Basic Training at FB is tough with the Georgia sun showing no mercy and maybe this is why some may thing you earn your metal as an infantryman at Benning versus another base.

Response by CPT James Gordon made Mar 3 at 2017 10:49 AM

2017-03-03T10:49:18-05:00

I took ait 11b at FT Polk...Just as hot and nasty there as in Georgia after freezing my ass off at FT Leonard Wood for basic

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 9:22 PM

2017-03-15T21:22:48-04:00

I went to Marine Corps Basic. Nuff said. ;-)

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Apr 16 at 2017 11:26 PM

2017-04-16T23:26:21-04:00

Where one takes Basic is not material. At each post that has Infantry Basic they all follow the same directions. The only difference I Could tell was when during years in which you're budget was higher. In those years you could afford to spend more. Some was just "Luck ofThe Draw" when you would have a group of Drill Sargents who were exceptional good!

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Apr 25 at 2017 3:08 AM

2017-04-25T03:08:35-04:00

I've had several Sons and GrandSons who went through Basic at Benning. They all did well. As a Graduate of The Basic Infantry Officers Course and Airborne andThe Advanced Infantry Officers Course I feel qualified to answer questions concernyFlrt Benning. I began my career there and retired there. I loved Benning. I had the good fortune to be able to pass my Jump Badge and EIB on to a couple on my kin!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made May 4 at 2017 1:41 PM

2017-05-04T13:41:24-04:00

Let me see...... I went through Basic and Infantry AIT at Ft. Dix, New Jersey in 1966 and they were turning out more Infantrymen than Ft. Benning (look it up). I have the CIB, Cord, and all the stuff that comes with it so I don't believe that you have to go to Benning. Back in the day (60's),
Ft's Dix, Ord, Lewis, Polk, and I believe Riley were producing Infantrymen. Benning was mostly OCS, Airborne, Ranger, Infantry Advance Course, a whole bunch of 2 week Vietnam Refresher Courses (I know because I Commanded one of the Infantry Officer Training Companies), and etc. Just Sayin'! Oh Yeah, sorry I'm late on answering this but I've been out of country.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made May 4 at 2017 2:47 PM

2017-05-04T14:47:14-04:00

I'm sure Google will tell us exactly who is egilible to take the EIB test. I f you can take and pas the EIB Test you will wear a badge which is much more difficult to earn than. A CIB! I think most other proud owners of an EIB would agree that you have definitely earned the right to be called an INFANTRYMAN!!!

Response by Cpl Davis Gray made May 11 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-05-11T20:50:36-04:00

I don't have a blue cord, I have an Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

Response by MAJ Judd Clemens made May 12 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-05-12T12:49:41-04:00

I had seven years in the PA NG (enlisted in 1955 when I was 16) three years as a medic and four in the Transportation Corp, enlisted RA in 1962, went to armor AIT at Ft Knox, went to Infantry OCS at Ft Benning in 1965, Special Forces at Fort Bragg in 1967 and a trip to Vietnam w/the SF, Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning in 1969......but I had never been to basic training at Fort Benning (or any other fort). And all of this time, I thought I was a real infantryman. :)

Response by SSG David Fetty made May 31 at 2017 10:53 PM

2017-05-31T22:53:41-04:00

Basic @ Knox in Mar 71, then to Ft Polk, Tigerland, "Little Viet Nam" for 11B. Next stop Benning for 11F Shake & Bake. Like someone said above, at the time Benning was primarily Schools, Policy, tactics and techniques. I worked in Infantry Hall (Bldg 4)for a few months as an instructor and it seemed most of the people on the top floor looked on Polk as the Gold Standard since it was primarily designed as prep for Nam. Gave me a great deal of pride. But since I got my 11B @ Polk, I guess I wasn't qualified as an Infantryman. Does make me wonder tho.... when I took my EIB testing in 72, there were 4 of us from the BN who passed (out of over 120 tested), with one Enlisted who passed, me. I guess I just got lucky...

I've gone thru basic twice due to a long break in service. First at Knox as I said, the 2nd time @ Benning. With very few exceptions, there was very little difference between the two. Everything that happened the first time thru, happened again, and could almost be predicted. Trash can down the center aisle, the destroyed barracks because someone had a faulty display, the cohesion of the platoon as one person was being singled out for discipline and the platoon all started participating in the discipline. That was the point the DS saw it was becoming a team and not trainees. The 2nd time was easier in almost every respect. Maybe because of experience, maybe some other reason, but it wasn't a physical reason, I was 33 at the time.

If I remember correctly, training was consolidated at Benning for monetary reasons, not because there was any particular reason only Benning could produce Infantrymen.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2017 6:40 PM

2017-06-08T18:40:59-04:00

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 8 at 2017 9:00 PM

2017-06-08T21:00:38-04:00

I heard the same crap from scouts when they change us from a year or so after I was already in. Its just morons with complexes trying to make themselves feel better.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Jun 8 at 2017 11:42 PM

2017-06-08T23:42:39-04:00

To The Marine who put Paris Island and was not knowing if he was ever true let me say everyone knows that pairs well and puts out excellent infantryman !!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-06-09T21:41:26-04:00

I myself served in the infantry for 5 years active duty. Two tours in Iraq. I'm now a 42A - Human Resources and I love it. I will agree that for those who went to Fort Benning for basic training did received a harder training physically. Does that make them a better Soldier, not necessary. I had to work with other Soldiers who were support and actually performed the same or better that those who went to Benning. I think it would be unfair to generalize everyone. If you hold the MOS, you own the title.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made Jun 9 at 2017 10:25 PM

2017-06-09T22:25:26-04:00

'"'BULL''''' Fort Polk Louisiana"', the Best in America. # From Soldiers that Trained there.

Response by PFC Howard Bryant Blackshear made Jun 9 at 2017 10:33 PM

2017-06-09T22:33:17-04:00

""'For Polk Louisiana, had less Casualties in Vietnam.# 11 Bravo INFANTRY
The Highest was '' Fort Dix, N.J.(where I did boot and '''AIT'''.

Response by CPL James H. Clarke made Jun 10 at 2017 8:10 AM

2017-06-10T08:10:06-04:00

Unless you have gone through (ALL) the Infantry basic training post and graduated, you have no real opinion. And even then it's a mute point. Stop the crap. Know wonder the Marines talk shit about the Army. Me, I was 11B and went to Ft. Benning. No matter when or where you got your basic training as a Infantryman, you're Infantry, period. Now, I met a female who was a medic and never deployed. She told me that she was basically Infantry because she got a little cross training on Infantry tactics. I chewed her a new asshole. That's what pisses me off.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 2:04 PM

2017-06-10T14:04:07-04:00

If you are required to carry a gun on deployment, your an infantryman, just cause your MOS is shoot move and communicate, doesn't mean other series can't do it.

Response by SGT John C. made Jun 22 at 2017 6:27 PM

2017-06-22T18:27:19-04:00

To the best of my knowledge the ONLY location for Infantry Basic is Ft Benning GA. Been that way for many years.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Jun 29 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-06-29T20:16:06-04:00

Hmmmmm. My uncle went to Basic at Ft. Jackson and did several tours there, as a D.I. at least once and he was Infantry ( Blue Cord, Blue Disks behind the U.S. and whatever ).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 1:54 AM

2017-07-03T01:54:12-04:00

Poppycock HQ companys are full of non 11b but they all yrain as Infantryman first

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2017 11:02 PM

2017-07-05T23:02:49-04:00

I think there is an Honor with going to Infantry training at FT. Benning home of the Infantry, that being said it has no reflection if you are good infantryman. I did not go to Benning for BCT I went to FT. SILL because I was prior service and in the Reserves so they send us to MOS Q course. I doesn't have any bearing on your skill as an Infantryman and any one who says otherwise is just deluded many infantry man back in WW2 who set the standards for our elite force today did not go Ft. Benning. Now of course you can become a better skilled infantryman by going to airborne School at FT. Benning but going to BCT in Benning doesn't make you necessarily a superior Infantryman.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2017 6:37 PM

2017-07-08T18:37:35-04:00

As someone who deployed with infantryman who both went to Ft. Benning and those who didn't, I will say it matters little what schoolhouse you went to when the bullets start flying. Schoolhouses in many different MOS's convert, change, and move, all the time. If someone is so fixated on where you did your initial training, then they likely have nothing else to base their experiences on. Just my opinion.

Response by SPC Jeremy Gwilliam made Oct 14 at 2017 8:28 AM

2017-10-14T08:28:38-04:00

I went to Ft Benning for Basic and Infantry School combineducation in the 80's it was the only Infantry School I was aware of. I was E71 at Sanders Hill.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2017 3:45 AM

2017-10-15T03:45:13-04:00

My opinion is it's short sided. It should state "you aren't a real Infantryman unless you went through AIT at Ft Benning, Camp Pendleton or Camp Lejeune". Lets not forget our "Naval Infantry" brethren.

Response by SPC Cody Ward made Oct 17 at 2017 7:33 PM

2017-10-17T19:33:53-04:00

110% true

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Nov 20 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-11-20T11:32:29-05:00

Got my Blue Rope in 1954 and passed it on to my son in 1982!!!

Response by SFC James William Bolt [ 40 Yards ] made Nov 20 at 2017 4:15 PM

2017-11-20T16:15:16-05:00

I was taught they were three element in a combat arms unit. They were infantry artillery @ armor units the rest were supports units .Today army may have changed or these three unit still the combat arm of the army. sign 40 yards

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 20 at 2017 5:27 PM

2017-11-20T17:27:06-05:00

Parris Island

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Nov 20 at 2017 5:46 PM

2017-11-20T17:46:53-05:00

Gee I went through basic at Ft Dix and then 11C AIT in Benning in 1978, I think I was an Infantryman back then!!

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 20 at 2017 7:29 PM

2017-11-20T19:29:54-05:00

Agreed, I went to Fort Jackson for induction then Ft Benning for basic and AIT

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 28 at 2017 3:38 PM

2017-11-28T15:38:27-05:00

Short and sweet. If on your ERB your PMOS is listed as 11B/C/M/whatever you're a "real" infantryman. It doesn't make you a good soldier, a stud, or a badass. It simply means you belong to the infantry.

Response by SFC Domingo M. made Dec 15 at 2017 1:26 AM

2017-12-15T01:26:45-05:00

I attended AIT at Ft Ord California, Basic at Ft Bliss Texas, and Jump School at Ft Benning Ga. Returned to Ft Benning Ga. for ANOC, did three tours on the DMZ in Korea and suffered through three years of field training exercises in Germany in the dead of winter. It takes a lot to be an infantryman and don't let anyone tell you any different. I was also one of few to collect proficiency in my company for knowledge as well as practical application of that knowledge. I was and will forever be an Infantryman...Follow Me!

Response by CPT Lorenzo Lama made Jan 2 at 2018 11:53 PM

2018-01-02T23:53:25-05:00

Actually if you didn't do your BCT/AIT at Harmony Church, you ain't real Infantry.

Response by SSG Alvin Amezquita made Jan 31 at 2018 8:20 AM

2018-01-31T08:20:27-05:00

Everyone gets basic. But when u complete Advance Infantry Training as it was known in my days. And then get that Beautiful Blue Cord then ur an infantryman. But if u get the honor to do OSUT like I did man it’s a great feeling cause u train where some legends were started and are honored.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 6:06 AM

2018-02-14T06:06:22-05:00

That's accurate statement

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Feb 23 at 2018 2:15 PM

2018-02-23T14:15:27-05:00

Actually the title should be "If you didn't do BCT at Harmony Church, you're not Infantry!"

Response by SPC Heath Fleenor made Mar 24 at 2018 7:52 PM

2018-03-24T19:52:18-04:00

Totally agree...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 11:51 PM

2018-03-24T23:51:58-04:00

Because that is the only place the Army trains Infantry? But, I only did the last six weeks of basic at Benning cause I was prior service. Not sure if that makes me a real infantryman. But what do I know...

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 10 at 2018 10:22 PM

2018-04-10T22:22:42-04:00

Since when has any other Post run 11B OSUT? I know that early 70"s it was still being done at Ft. Polk ( at least in 73-74)

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 8 at 2018 3:23 PM

2018-08-08T15:23:48-04:00

After reading this I dug out my Blue Cord. It's beyond dirty, just from dust, but definitely not ready for a class A uniform. Has anyone ever washed theirs, or should I trust a dry cleaners?

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 8 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-08-08T17:08:06-04:00

Received this over 50 years ago.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Aug 13 at 2018 7:17 PM

2018-08-13T19:17:18-04:00

Hhhhmmmm, people often argue the place ,people, difference in training, even the difference in the standard of training , why their are Infantryman and then their are Infantryman , Infantryman trained to standard can go face to face with the enemy , on the other hand the other Infantryman train to do the impossible are they the same ? Even within the Infantry there exists a subset much like the Airborne Infantry of the 82nd trash talking the Air Assault Infantry of the 101st by calling anyone not chairborne a leg ,lol i recall REFORGER where element's of the 82nd jumped into Germany found themselves instant wargame POW's by virtue of being surrounded by the famous can do Regiment of the 15th Inf. Now down to one battalion and enjoying there stay in FT. Benning, or the 101st being over run by Ft. Stewart's mech Infantry regiment, Ego's are a necessary part of an Infantryman's will to fight . In a game where losing is not an option and winning means fighting against all odds by being ready to do the impossible . The American Infantryman since his beginning is famous for doing the impossible and the unimaginable....... If you earned the right to be an American Infantryman by virtue of earning your Blue cord or you have your orders declaring you as an American Infantryman ,then it doesn't matter if you graduated from the ant farm in Benning (joke) or got your Infantry religion at the Church , earned your mosquito fighting badge in the Tigerland . Cause in the end you have earned the right to be volunteered to go to the Valley of the Shadow of Death and own it........

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 9:36 PM

2018-10-03T21:36:54-04:00

I took BCT at Fort Ord Ca., Jump school at Fort Benning, then AIT at Fort Bragg, assigned to the 2nd 508 Inf 1972, assigned to the 2nd Inf DMZ Korea 1972/1973, and then back to Fort Bragg with the 505th Inf 1974/75.
Somewhere I must have been Real Infantry, "FOR REALS". Lol

Response by SGT James Grabow made Oct 9 at 2018 6:26 PM

2018-10-09T18:26:18-04:00

I was a 67Y AH-1 Mechanic in the Cav... we had 19D that would never call themselves 11B but all had mad respect for those that were. 11B is the backbone of the Army... Ft Benning is a great place, born there but to say that is the only Infantry training post is BS...

Response by PV2 Jeffrey Harmon made Feb 19 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-02-19T10:11:08-05:00

Well if that's the case!!! Then I guess I am a real Infantryman!!!!

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Sep 16 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-09-16T21:37:27-04:00

Well I did basic and infantry ait
And ft Jackson in 1970. Then I was a drill sgt at benning in 1976...training infantrymen. So there is that.

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Oct 21 at 2019 10:19 PM

2019-10-21T22:19:41-04:00

Basic at Benning...sure, be Infantry, just don't be a leg

Response by SSG Mark Tsunokai made Oct 21 at 2019 10:27 PM

2019-10-21T22:27:19-04:00

Maybe. Went to Benning in 1985, at Sand Hill, came back in 1991 for Jump School. Retired after receiving my 20 year letter. Looking back, including doing three deployments to the Middle East. Benning was the hardest place for me.

Response by SGT George Stephens made Oct 22 at 2019 2:03 PM

2019-10-22T14:03:13-04:00

I fully agree that unless you went through Fort Benning on Sand Hill and made it through the Stairway to Heaven walk then you're not a true infantryman. This being said, it's also important to remember the infantryman's creed as it will mean that you strive to truly be the best on the battlefield.

Response by CPL Shayne Sanchez made Oct 23 at 2019 6:29 PM

2019-10-23T18:29:13-04:00

All I gotta say is that some BT's are held in higher regard than others. Why I do not know because I only experienced one......
Ft Lost In The Woods Misery.
It definitely lived up to its Moniker

Response by SPC Alexander Ortiz made Oct 25 at 2019 1:36 PM

2019-10-25T13:36:30-04:00

Ft. Benning, G.A. Home of the Infantry, when I graduated B.T. we got our Infantry blue braided cord and the blue background for our emblems..If you are a graduated true ,11-Bravo, Infantry Soldier you get these only if you graduate 11-Bang Bang, and every true graduated Infantrymen earned the honor of wearing and representing his 11-Bravo status by wearing these and being distinguished from all other M.O.S.' s...So in short to answer ur question ,this is true,,Only Infantrymen get the blue braided cord and the blue backgrounds for emblems,,,. Infantry is the "Queen of Battle"""Follow me I'am the Infantry",,,,is our motto and our battle cry....Hooah..
Peace to all, and thanks for your service to all now serving, and all who have served... God'
Speed....Hooah...

Response by SPC Alexander Ortiz made Oct 25 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-10-25T13:41:38-04:00

11-Bravo,, Ft Benning G.A. A-4-2 Harmony church... Hump, hump, hump, those were the days...

Response by SPC Alexander Ortiz made Oct 25 at 2019 2:27 PM

2019-10-25T14:27:57-04:00

This blue braided shoulder cord distinguishes, 11-B from all the rest, and only those graduated 11-Bang Bang, wear them, only right,..Yes I have mine..Hooah, Ft.Benning G.A. Graduate Harmony Church, A-4-2.. 1986...Hump, hump,
hump all night long..

Response by SPC Alexander Ortiz made Oct 25 at 2019 2:31 PM

2019-10-25T14:31:23-04:00

Hooah, Earned my infantry cord ,1986... "Follow me I'am the Infantry"...Hooah..

Response by SFC Taylor Stowell made Nov 11 at 2019 9:27 AM

2019-11-11T09:27:19-05:00

Bullshit!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 22 at 2021 10:15 AM

2021-04-22T10:15:03-04:00

Oh jeez. If you really want a blue cord that badly, just head down to the nearest homeless shelter. The lost and found bin is full of them.

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Jan 4 at 2023 6:11 PM

2023-01-04T18:11:18-05:00

Really are you that insecure about being real infantry or not, I took basic at Fort Knox in the same barracks that they film most of the movie "Stripes" I even graduated on the same field, that they were graduating on, then I took my AIT at Harmony Church. Does that mean that if you didn't do your AIT at Harmony, you're not real infantry. No infantry is in your heart and soul, I have been retired from the infantry for over forty years I miss doing all of the great things i have done and wish to do more however my mind is willing, but my body says no. Your infantry so quit your whining, move out and lay down suppressive fire.

Response by SP5 Lynn Circle made Jan 5 at 2023 11:36 AM

2023-01-05T11:36:26-05:00

I was not an infantryman. In my opinion, only those who successfully complete the advanced infantryman training course are infantrymen, regardless of where they went through basic. My advanced training and specialization was different, and at Ft. Devens, MA.

Response by MAJ Jay Jackson made Jan 5 at 2023 6:11 PM

2023-01-05T18:11:01-05:00

I must not have been an infantryman because I did my basic training and AIT at Fort Polk

Response by Sgt Stu Kopelman made Jan 6 at 2023 2:44 PM

2023-01-06T14:44:36-05:00

Worrying about what you are referred to as should be the least of anyone's worries. Jesus was called a devil; that didn't make him one. No one in the Service should be doing anything for himself, but for the good of the team. You are all part of one body, and no part of it is any less significant or important than another. Each soldier has his role to play from the least to the greatest. Whether cook or engineer, do your job with pride. When you seek employment after completing your tour, the boss will ask not how well you started, but how well you finished.

Response by SSgt Scotty Marks made Jan 6 at 2023 9:15 PM

2023-01-06T21:15:32-05:00

Everyone knows you're not a real infantryman unless you went to the School Of Infantry at SOI West (San Onofre), or SOI East (Geiger), or their predecessor schools, ITS and ITR. The only REAL Infantry is MARINE Infantry!

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Jan 7 at 2023 4:21 AM

2023-01-07T04:21:50-05:00

I knew a lot of infantrymen with CIBs with stars that only saw Benning for ANCOC. Benning today has been modernized so the training there is exceptional. But, give it a few years before claiming that.

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made Jan 7 at 2023 9:00 AM

2023-01-07T09:00:58-05:00

I was a squid, so not army material, but we called all infantrymen grunts. It didn't matter where you went to training, or if you were in the Army or the Marines

Response by James Rush made Jan 7 at 2023 10:29 AM

2023-01-07T10:29:25-05:00

Ft Dix NJ is the one

Response by SSgt John DelaVina made Jan 8 at 2023 8:15 PM

2023-01-08T20:15:44-05:00

That’s stupidity at its best It’s like saying you’re not an infantryman unless you joined the Marine Corps If you’re an 03 or 11B it’s still infantry…that’s your MOS and that’s what you were trained for

Response by SGT William Comeau made Jan 24 at 2023 8:25 AM

2023-01-24T08:25:40-05:00

The trainers of the schools, whether infantry or any other, all go to the same training schools to become instructors. The Army (or any service) has standards that need to be achieved before you can graduate from that training. So it does not matter where you were taught as they all teach the same standards. The rest is up to you. You can be a crappy infantryman (or insert your MOS here) or you can be a good one, choice is yours and what you put into it. Most every soldier thinks his school was the best because they are not going to say another school is, it is a pride thing, nothing more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2023 12:36 AM

2023-02-21T00:36:28-05:00

When my NG went from FA to Infantry, the majority of us were sent to the Arkansas NG Infantry training course in Little Rock. Their instructors were career infantry and were certified to teach the course by Ft. Benning. My 1059 was also recognized by the regular army. So to agree with another poster, doesn’t matter how you got here, just that you did.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Mar 10 at 2023 6:18 AM

2023-03-10T06:18:13-05:00

Humor.

Response by PFC Edgar Mosier made Mar 10 at 2023 12:09 PM

2023-03-10T12:09:13-05:00

Infantry? I thought that ALL soldiers were "Infantry, First - Specialist, Secondarily!". Seems I was given the BASICs to become "all I could be".
As a 52C10, I was on the Rear Area Protection Squad. I figure I was a "retreating infantryman"...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b07887ZzKiw

Starship Troopers (1994) - Recruitment Officer

Front line infantry made me the man I am today!For more pop culture, iconic and cult movie themed tees, visit:http://www.dexshirts.comFollow us for more rela...

Response by LTC John Mohor made Mar 10 at 2023 7:31 PM

2023-03-10T19:31:17-05:00

Plenty of WWII Era Infantry Soldiers and before never set foot on Fort Benning. When the Army says your Infantry than you are! Enough said

Response by CW2 Victor Munoz made Mar 10 at 2023 10:28 PM

2023-03-10T22:28:55-05:00

That is not what I been told. Many of the Infantry Soldiers holding most of the medals were trained at Fort Polk and that is what the records show.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Mar 10 at 2023 11:36 PM

2023-03-10T23:36:28-05:00

You’re asking this of Marine Infantrymen
ROFLMAO

Response by CSM Jaime Corrales made Mar 11 at 2023 1:25 PM

2023-03-11T13:25:40-05:00

Basic Training is Basic Training. Everyone completes that and it doesn't matter what installation does it. I'm not certain if you're specifically speaking about completing the AIT portion for Infantry at a different location than Fort Benning (?). While FT Benning is synonymous with "Infantry training" I can tell you it really doesn't matter where you conduct the training. It's all Program of Instruction (POI), which means it's the same "training requirements" throughout. Only difference is the ambiance of beautiful Sand Hill on Fort Benning. Follow Me!

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Mar 11 at 2023 10:54 PM

2023-03-11T22:54:41-05:00

I am not sure but I went to basic at Fort Lewis, Washington, Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Training at all these different post gave me training in different terrain so I gained a lot of good knowledge. Training continues as you go to your permanent unit and other specialized military training. I worn the blue rope on my right shoulder and was proud to an American Infantryman.

Response by SFC Floyd Ancheta made Mar 12 at 2023 6:33 PM

2023-03-12T18:33:41-04:00

Doesn't really matter as long you got your Blue Cord.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Mar 13 at 2023 9:05 AM

2023-03-13T09:05:41-04:00

And by that logic you are not infantry unless you are a 0311, the rest are just land defender. <sarcastic>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2023 11:22 AM

2023-03-14T11:22:36-04:00

Well, that blue cord sure doesn't help you if you don't have wings to got with it!

Response by AN Clyde Morron made Mar 14 at 2023 2:07 PM

2023-03-14T14:07:21-04:00

This is NOT an opinion - it's a PROVEN FACT. I was put in charge of 40 men - SCREW Fort Benning ... I, with full Senior Chief Petty Officer privileges and secret clearance, or the NCO I reported DIRECTLY to, a Senior Chief Petty Officer, Navy SEAL, no taller than 5ft 5in tall, with NO weaponry, can (and HAVE) singlehandedly, simultaneously TAKE OUT as many as 5 men, each 6ft tall or taller, in as little as ~20 SECONDS.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Mar 15 at 2023 12:51 AM

2023-03-15T00:51:04-04:00

Really? This question is asked? And a Sgt asked the question. The answer is you're an infantryman if you made it. Training at one location is the same as another.

Response by SPC David C. made Mar 15 at 2023 10:35 PM

2023-03-15T22:35:24-04:00

You want an infantry answer to an infantry question...Why the fuck are you letting someone get into your head about what you are or aren't? If someone is making you question if you are a "real" grunt then sweetheart, you aren't. A "real grunt" never asks himself "Am I a real grunt". You fucking KNOW you are. You ate, slept, shit, bled, laughed, and raged in the rain/ mud/ humidity/ heat/ sand/ what ever and where ever. You cleaned your weapons for hours just to have some shit bird armorer tell you the barrel has dirt in it and turn you away. You steal everything from supply that isn't nailed down. You'd happily kill every swinging dick asshole in your S1 shop. Everyone in your platoon makes fun of you if you don't shoot expert at the range or get a 1st class on your PFT. Those same bastards in your platoon that make fun of you for not accomplishing those things will gladly beat the shit out of anyone else who talks trash to you that isn't in your platoon. YOU make the grass grow! Anything else and you can consider yourself a POG. Except doc. Doc is ALWAYS a grunt even if you do call him doc. Any questions?

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Mar 16 at 2023 8:05 AM

2023-03-16T08:05:31-04:00

Now that’s funny. Did they teach you your craft and did you earn the Blue cord? Enough said.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Mar 16 at 2023 7:37 PM

2023-03-16T19:37:44-04:00

Category 4 recruiting leads to this

Response by SN Jon Griffin made Mar 16 at 2023 9:53 PM

2023-03-16T21:53:04-04:00

GuessI'm not infantry. I went to TRACEN Alameda :)

Response by MSG Edward Camp made Mar 17 at 2023 3:05 PM

2023-03-17T15:05:14-04:00

What about 0311? Marines don't go to Ft. Benning. You need to check yourself.

Response by SPC Mike Barcus made Mar 17 at 2023 3:34 PM

2023-03-17T15:34:36-04:00

While I am very proud of my Son for completing both OSUT and Sniper School at Fort Benning, I have nothing but respect for 11B. I don't give a damn where you got your training! What matters most of all is that you had the balls to join the Army in the first place and you graduated from OSUT. You walked the walk, you deserve to talk the talk. God Bless. "I am the Infantry! Follow me"

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Mar 17 at 2023 6:01 PM

2023-03-17T18:01:30-04:00

As an artillery gunner, I say you are infantry as soon as you passed eight weeks of Basic Training. We had a tank mechanic in my platoon at Fort Sill who went to Knox for AIT while the rest of us remained on post either at the Commo school or to various FA classes. I am sure he would disagree that he is not Armor because he had his BT at Sill.

Response by SGT Michael Riser made Mar 18 at 2023 6:35 PM

2023-03-18T18:35:00-04:00

That's a load of crap. I went to boot at Ft. Knox and I am a REAL Infantryman. Got the blue cord to prove it. LOL

Response by John Hamlin made Mar 19 at 2023 8:15 AM

2023-03-19T08:15:22-04:00

I went to fort knox and I don't agree

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2023 6:59 PM

2023-03-19T18:59:56-04:00

I wenst to basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, AIT at Ft McClellan, OCS at Ft Banning, OJT with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, RVN. Training more than fine for me and my men!

Response by SPC Aaron Lister made Mar 20 at 2023 10:58 AM

2023-03-20T10:58:08-04:00

All I can say is Alpha 10 2 Ft Benning was a trip

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2023 11:32 PM

2023-03-20T23:32:39-04:00

What does it really matter to be an Infantry person? We all face the same thing when in a battle, all that matters is you and your battle buddies make it out and come back home.

Response by 1stSgt John Harrison made Mar 21 at 2023 3:55 PM

2023-03-21T15:55:46-04:00

Whom needs a blue cord to be infantry, something shoot at your ass you WILL become infantry in a heartbeat.

Response by SSG Harold Parks III made Mar 21 at 2023 5:56 PM

2023-03-21T17:56:28-04:00

See SGT Tracy’s remarks. He dead on!!

Response by CPL Dennis Clark made Mar 24 at 2023 11:24 PM

2023-03-24T23:24:49-04:00

If they were correct then the MOS of another post would not be 11B. That's just a cocky son of a bitch thinking that they are better than all the rest. More than one post covers that MOS for training and guess what... It's all the same. The only difference is that Benning has Airborne School, which is not part of infantry training.

Response by SFC Robert Falco made Apr 15 at 2023 6:58 AM

2023-04-15T06:58:34-04:00

What ???... For my whole 20+ years I wondered why my cord seemed just a little bit "not as blue" as all those Harmony Church alumnist... now I know. LOL

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2023 9:24 PM

2023-04-18T21:24:32-04:00

Where else are the 11B's trained? Always heard not true infantry unless you had the EIB.

Response by SPC Mitch Saret made Apr 20 at 2023 12:34 AM

2023-04-20T00:34:17-04:00

I am guessing this gara-trooper doesn't know that individual units used to have their own training schools.

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Apr 26 at 2023 4:29 PM

2023-04-26T16:29:50-04:00

Such a childish remark of where you went to basic training . And the word basic is the beginning or your training into the miltary be it Army or any other service . Learning the basic of military is the beginning of your career then on to AIT , jump school , Ranger , and last Special Forces if that is your goal . As a career military person I wanted it all and loved the military . To each his own but one has to want to excel at what ever you do be it a cook truck driver or someone behind a desk just do the best of your ability .

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made May 11 at 2023 9:48 AM

2023-05-11T09:48:41-04:00

If we go this route then we can say your not a real (fill in the blank) unless you go to (fill in the bank) for any MOS. This is a never ending type of statement

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Jun 8 at 2023 12:21 AM

2023-06-08T00:21:15-04:00

I find it sad how this platform is becoming more like Next Door or Face book..... what a shame ..... here is one post and I am going down the line with the comments.... let me know where I am going wrong.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2023 4:11 PM

2023-06-09T16:11:39-04:00

Then my father must not be a "real" infantryman since he went to basic at Ft Polk LA then to Vietnam....

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Jun 11 at 2023 10:11 AM

2023-06-11T10:11:24-04:00

The CIB is the height of Infantry achievement.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2023 11:23 AM

2023-06-11T11:23:47-04:00

Well that’s interesting. I when to basic training twice. Once at Fort Benning, now Moore. I can definitely say that Fort Benning was a lot easier than Fort Lenard Wood.

Response by CPL Tom Walker made Jun 11 at 2023 7:09 PM

2023-06-11T19:09:12-04:00

Funny - I heard the same thing about Ft Polk. My view? All infantrymen are real infantrymen.

Response by SGT Randy Bordner made Jun 11 at 2023 7:12 PM

2023-06-11T19:12:20-04:00

During Vietnam there were at least 3 infantry schools, maybe 4. Fort Benning, Polk, Ord and I believe Ft. Lewis. I took my infantry AIT at Ft. Ord. There could even be more that I am not aware of. We were all infantry; made no difference what base you took AIT at..... we all bled red in combat.

Response by PO3 Herbert Mannery made Jun 11 at 2023 10:36 PM

2023-06-11T22:36:56-04:00

NO I'M NOT GOD BLESS

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jun 11 at 2023 11:10 PM

2023-06-11T23:10:17-04:00

11C a classier grunt.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Jun 12 at 2023 8:43 AM

2023-06-12T08:43:54-04:00

Whoever said that, "You are not a real infantryman unless you went to basic at Ft. Benning" is full of shit. Many real infantrymen who actually served in combat were trained at other forts. It sounds like the idiot who said this might be a "Chairborn Ranger" who held the 11 Brovo MOS but never actually saw combat. His opinion is pure bullshit.

Response by SGT Bill Braniff made Jun 13 at 2023 5:37 PM

2023-06-13T17:37:13-04:00

If that’s the only place they took their training then of course it’s the best to them only.
My training was in 1966 at Ft Dix NJ and I’ll tell you it wasn’t a cakewalk. Our DI was a black E7 WWII Veteran who was taken prisoner and we all know how the Nazis looked on blacks, Jews and Poles.
Our training was as rough as any Marine got back then. It was Vietnam and most woukd end up there.

Response by SFC Frederick Dalton made Jun 15 at 2023 1:36 PM

2023-06-15T13:36:16-04:00

CSM Tim Guden would love to talk to whoever said that. I’m pretty sure he’s 100% Infantry, even if he went to Fort Jackson for basic and started out as Signal. How do I know this? SPC Guden and I were roommates ‘89-‘90. He reclassed to 11B because “signal was boring”.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2023 7:30 PM

2023-06-15T19:30:48-04:00

Insecure people always try to make themselves out to be better than you. Fuck em.

Response by SPC Shawn Marvin made Jun 23 at 2023 2:14 PM

2023-06-23T14:14:23-04:00

Ft. Benning truly IS the place where men are forged and drop outs cop out. 2/58, sand hill. "House of Pain". Class of 07/2000

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jun 23 at 2023 3:06 PM

2023-06-23T15:06:46-04:00

I’m old enough to remember TigerLand !!

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jun 23 at 2023 3:14 PM

2023-06-23T15:14:43-04:00

We went through TigerLand then Nam …if you made thru TigerLand u were considered a killing machine …especially hand to hand ….

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jun 23 at 2023 3:27 PM

2023-06-23T15:27:52-04:00

I was 11Bravo 4 years …everything else is REMF !!!!

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jun 23 at 2023 3:43 PM

2023-06-23T15:43:25-04:00

Back in the day you were either Airborne /11Bravo or REMFs ….what about now ???

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made Jun 23 at 2023 3:43 PM

2023-06-23T15:43:46-04:00

And wtf is a CW4 ????

Response by MSG Bob S made Jul 3 at 2023 5:08 PM

2023-07-03T17:08:27-04:00

I heard the same shit because I earned my an air Assault wings from the course at the 7th ID at Ft. Ord, CA n 1992 after I got stationed at the 101st

Response by LTC John Wilson made Jul 27 at 2023 7:25 AM

2023-07-27T07:25:49-04:00

If the U.S. Army determines that you've met the qualifications for an 11-Seires Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in accordance with Army Policy and Regulation, then WHERE you met the requirements to don the blue cord matters not.

That said, the Military at large has a lot of informal "requirements' to test the validity of your "right" to claim the title. For example, a Ranger tab by itself to those from the 75th Regiment served in the 75th Regiment. Being a graduate of Jump School may not make you a "paratrooper" in the eyes of those in an Airborne unit unless you've made 6 or more jumps. Used to be that Marines didn't consider you a REAL marine unless you went through Basic at Parris Island.

Me, personally, I wouldn't consider you worthy of wearing Tanker Boots unless you qualified at Fort Knox. But that's just me...

If you've been awarded an 11-series MOS, then be the best possible infantryman you can be and don't worry about where you qualified.

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made Aug 5 at 2023 11:41 PM

2023-08-05T23:41:46-04:00

Oh BS. You are not a real infantryman unless you have a CIB, everything else is just a training exercise

Response by SGT Timothy Posemato made Aug 27 at 2023 3:59 AM

2023-08-27T03:59:08-04:00

What's your MOS? That's all it takes to tell if you're real infantry. I went to Cholla HS in Tucson, AZ. If you didn't graduate from there you really graduated.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Aug 27 at 2023 7:34 AM

2023-08-27T07:34:41-04:00

Basic training at Ft. Benning, then AIT at Ft. Polk, was the normal when I went in in 1969. I think the only other basic training was in Fort Jackson and Ft. Polk. If you got AIT at Ft. Polk, you knew where your next duty station was going to be.

Response by SPC Kent Laughlin made Sep 30 at 2023 5:05 PM

2023-09-30T17:05:24-04:00

well darn it all I was thinking that the place to have been from as a grunt was Ft Polk as in Louisiana ...

Response by SPC Max Waller made Oct 1 at 2023 9:42 PM

2023-10-01T21:42:17-04:00

Fort Ord, California - most people are unaware that Fort Ord, California use to train infantrymen like Fort Benning, Georgia now known as Fort Moore, Georgia renamed after Lieutenant General Hal Gregory Moore Jr. i was cycle company 44-84 known as Echo co "OutLaws" 7th Bn/1st Infantry Training Brigade via Fort Moore on Friday, 9 November 1984 - 4th squad of 1st platoon "Warriors"

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Oct 4 at 2023 4:21 AM

2023-10-04T04:21:14-04:00

My opinion is, if you need to have somebody else reinforce whether or not you are a real infantryman, then you aren't.
Why on God's green earth do you give a rats ass about what somebody else is thinking? If you are an infantryman and it is in your records that you are, then you are.

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Oct 12 at 2023 1:52 PM

2023-10-12T13:52:45-04:00

We are all infantry , no matter what MOS , when it comes down to it , your a rifleman when it's
your time to party , who give a F where you took basic at other than a moron ......

Response by SPC Joni Perkins made Dec 17 at 2023 3:47 PM

2023-12-17T15:47:26-05:00

11C/B inf.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Dec 25 at 2023 9:56 AM

2023-12-25T09:56:32-05:00

During my time in the Army, 1963-66, everyone had a secondary MOS, 11B. I did my basic at Fort Leonard Wood, known to all as “little Korea”. My primary MOS was 951 B. Clerks and cooks during the Battle of the Bulge became riflemen. I don’t pretend to know or understand today’s Army.

Response by LCDR Jerry Maurer made Jan 8 at 2024 11:14 AM

2024-01-08T11:14:38-05:00

Fort Polk Infantry trained here. It was the most painful and growing experience of my young life. I was proud, and relieved, to graduate and wear the blue cord. I'm thinking I'm a real infantryman.

Response by 1stSgt Ronald Sheps made Jan 8 at 2024 9:54 PM

2024-01-08T21:54:59-05:00

Such unabashed troll bait. And obviously so many have taken it. Assuming for a second it was even worth discussing, it's like arguing over whether support stationed in Vietnam were really there as soldiers. Someone is feeling very insecure.

Response by SP6 Steve Bucher made Jan 9 at 2024 4:33 PM

2024-01-09T16:33:29-05:00

Got my Blue Cord in 1979 Ft Benning

Response by PFC Hector Aquino made Jan 10 at 2024 10:25 AM

2024-01-10T10:25:47-05:00

Everyone here saying that the slaughter house the meat grinder is not home off the infantry is a pog everyone here is hateful they never went to the house of pain...and yes I are a pog if u didn't do to sand hill...let me guess u guys are new army lol

Response by PFC Hector Aquino made Jan 10 at 2024 10:29 AM

2024-01-10T10:29:06-05:00

Everyone here that never got pog blood or blood rifles u are fake or If u didn't do the last 300 yards let me guess u guys want a pat for doing something easy somewhere else

Response by PFC Hector Aquino made Jan 10 at 2024 10:30 AM

2024-01-10T10:30:13-05:00

Let me guess guys everyone here went to relaxing Jackson lol

Response by PFC Hector Aquino made Jan 10 at 2024 10:32 AM

2024-01-10T10:32:30-05:00

Same thing for marines lol everyone saying I'm a marine is a pog I never got a answer from recon marines saying they were marines they were recon sorry everyone still a pog

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 10 at 2024 10:33 AM

2024-01-10T10:33:41-05:00

I flew over it a few times :-))

Response by SGT Robert Urbaniak made Jan 10 at 2024 3:36 PM

2024-01-10T15:36:43-05:00

It did not matter where you had basic training, as I went top Ft Dix.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 10 at 2024 10:36 PM

2024-01-10T22:36:42-05:00

Turn around, then punch them in the throat.

Response by PFC Michael Acree made Jan 11 at 2024 12:40 AM

2024-01-11T00:40:48-05:00

As far as I know and I served from 91-95 3rd US INF The Old Guard 11C At that time the only 11 series infantry training from then and last I heard has only ever been done at Fort Benning now the name has changed (I only found out few weeks ago) but Benning for many years maybe even ever was only Infantry school. I can forgive a person for not keeping up with more recent Army history after transitioning to civilian life. Not so much for not knowing previous history of the bases you served at. You should have known what Ft. Benning was. There are too many wanna be heroes out there. So getting questioned about your service shouldn't bother you. As they say " suck it up and drive on" of course unless you want to pull your red card ok but for the drill Sergeant

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2024 9:08 AM

2024-01-11T09:08:57-05:00

I went to basic at Ft Benning, E-4-1, summer 81, and I nor any of my company were 11B. Some were asked to stay and switch because the cadre liked what the saw in them. They’d be Drill Corporals for the first 7 weeks then take 11B AIT with them.

They had to design a 7 week course specifically for us. I feel privileged and honored to have gone to Harmony Church.

We were told (idk how true it is) that a new general at Jackson sector train his own company of infantry but he was still required to sent a company to Benning.

After 7 weeks, they called us the best damn clerks and jerks in the army.

Response by SFC Alan Marshall made Jan 11 at 2024 1:03 PM

2024-01-11T13:03:47-05:00

I took my Basic at Ft.Ord, from there I went to Benning for Jump School. We completed our 5th jump, were pinned, then loaded on buses for a trip to Ft. Campbell. We got our unit assignmnet as we unloaded the bus. When the hulking SFC( still remember his name...Soyak) got to 140 he bellowed "you are B Company 1/503rd...move out!", then started counting over again. We took AIT with our assigned unit. They were rebuilding the 3rd Bde of the 101st using the remains of The Herd which had just rotated back from Vietnam. We were an airborne Bde in an air mobile Div. So yes, I used to jump with the 101st Abn Div.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Jan 11 at 2024 9:47 PM

2024-01-11T21:47:11-05:00

I trained at Ft Benning in 1969. While was tough I heard horror stories from from guys who went through Ft Polk.
So I disagree with the thought that only soldiers are the ones that went through Ft Benning.

Response by SFC Edward Bell made Jan 12 at 2024 12:08 PM

2024-01-12T12:08:09-05:00

That’s bull….

Response by SP6 Richard Kellar made Jan 12 at 2024 12:59 PM

2024-01-12T12:59:44-05:00

Yeah, your right. Only you are a real infantryman that never pissed his pants like those who also didnt in a fire fight. Not one of those other non infantryman trained at Benning pissed their pants either and in fact had no artillery or air support when SHTF. They were alone with their personal rifle. Yep, everyone else is beneath you hot stuff.

Response by SFC James Cortez made Jan 12 at 2024 2:10 PM

2024-01-12T14:10:00-05:00

You're not a real infantryman if you don't serve with honor, integrity, loyalty, and devotion. Everything else is an opinion.

Response by SGT John Baker made Jan 12 at 2024 7:41 PM

2024-01-12T19:41:39-05:00

I went through jump school at Ft. Campbell in 1960 then they switched it over to Ft. Benning. We in the 101st toyed with that concept ( you're not a real paratrooper if you went to Ft. Benning's jump school.) As the little runts from Ft. Benning joined our unit, we learned different, they surprised all of us, they actually were real paratroopers.

Response by MAJ Stephan Hill made Jan 12 at 2024 10:24 PM

2024-01-12T22:24:48-05:00

In my day, Vietnam was devouring enough Infantrymen that multiple schools were needed, and IOBC classes were full. Can’t speak to today.

Response by MSG Steve Collier made Jan 13 at 2024 1:39 PM

2024-01-13T13:39:10-05:00

Well, there are many MARINES who would argue that point, successfully.

Response by SFC Phillip Webb made Jan 13 at 2024 4:40 PM

2024-01-13T16:40:05-05:00

I think Basic Training at Ft. Polk when it was called Little Vietnam qualifies, of course I wasn't a regular grunt anyhow

Response by SGT Dennis Kray made Jan 14 at 2024 10:56 AM

2024-01-14T10:56:44-05:00

that is nuts

Response by HN Chris R. made Jan 14 at 2024 2:03 PM

2024-01-14T14:03:21-05:00

Basic Training Facility pride and nothing more. Take it with a grain of salt and move on.

Response by SPC Woody Bullard made Jan 14 at 2024 3:00 PM

2024-01-14T15:00:11-05:00

This is interesting to me as I went through basic combat training at Harmony Church D-8-2 (*WETSU BULLDOGS*) at Fort Benning graduating before Christmas in 1968. I enlisted RA for three years active duty in '68 for the MOS 95Bravo. The SFC recruiter told me I would need one or two extra years than a two year US draftee would serve if I wanted a chance at the 95B MOS. I'm not sure if that was true or not the recruiter may have put one over on me that day. The army actually came through after BCT and sent me to Brems Barracks at Fort Gordon, Georgia for Military Police AIT.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Jan 14 at 2024 7:32 PM

2024-01-14T19:32:45-05:00

Yeah, sure!, just like A-wholes, who use the term POG, for anyone who doesn't have that infantry patch.

Response by Sgt E Mark Pogue made Jan 14 at 2024 8:21 PM

2024-01-14T20:21:34-05:00

It’s the old United States Marine Corps argument within the Army… Parris Island vrs San Diego ….. They both make Marines… doesn’t really matter..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2024 9:33 PM

2024-01-14T21:33:02-05:00

Ft Polk...1969-70

Response by SSG John "Jack" Moore made Jan 24 at 2024 5:35 PM

2024-01-24T17:35:43-05:00

That's so much horse...had basic at Ft Lewis and AIT at Ft. Polk and they were both rough and tumble infantry training. BUT there is no better training than OJT. First Eagle Flight in country we hit a hot LZ; now that will pucker your butt.

Response by SGT Russell Colburn made Jan 24 at 2024 6:44 PM

2024-01-24T18:44:36-05:00

That's some funny stuff. Ft. Benning might be the "Home of The Infantry." But that don't mean you have to train there to be "real". When I joined most trained elsewhere. Benning was just one Post. Myself, Basic at Ft. Ord and Advanced Infantry Training at Ft Polk. Anyone wants to tell me I ain't real can kiss my ass. Now the Army might be small enough they can do all training at one Post. But those of us that trained at Polk, Leonard Wood, Lewis, Knox, where ever are as Infantry as anyone.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2024 9:07 AM

2024-01-25T09:07:37-05:00

-I entered the service in 1973. Infantry wasn't part of basic training. It was part of AIT (advanced individual training)
-the training is the same, no matter where you get it. Ft Polk was a popular infantry training center at the time.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Feb 21 at 2024 7:15 PM

2024-02-21T19:15:09-05:00

Graduates of "Tiger Land", the U.S. Army Training Center - Infantry, at Fort Polk, LA, in the '60s and '70s, might be willing to share "a difference of opinion" with that supposition!

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Feb 21 at 2024 7:21 PM

2024-02-21T19:21:46-05:00

Graduates of the U.S. Army Training Center - Infantry, at "Tiger Land" in Fort Polk, LA, might take exception to that supposition!

Response by SPC Robert Mooneyham made Feb 29 at 2024 9:11 PM

2024-02-29T21:11:12-05:00

Fort Polk TIGER LAND was a baby stroll vs actual combat