Posted on Nov 26, 2019
Should I go ahead and pursue 11X now, or should I wait until I get more physically fit?
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Looking for brutally honest advice from current and former 11B/C's. I have wanted to be in the infantry since I got into the military in 2013. Got stuck fixing Marine aircraft for 5 years and now I'm in the Army as an 88M driving trucks and sweeping the motor pool. My 368 to go AD got approved and I have a chance to go 11B. My concern is not with the mental aspect of the job, nor is it with my abilities. My concern is that I'm going to MEPS this week and I'm not where I should be physically in my opinion. I'm not overweight or fat or the kind of soldier on profile 24/7, my run game is just not all there. The last thing I want to do is pursue this goal and getting to my unit only to disappoint because of my current run times. I've been busting my ass since my surgery on my legs to get my times down. So do I chase it anyways, or steer clear and try again when I get my times lower?
Posted in these groups: 
11B: Infantryman
11C: Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman)
11B: Infantryman 11C: Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman)
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 18
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I will echo what everyone else has said with one caveat. Go for it!
But.... You said you had surgery on your legs? Infantry is notoriously rough on knees and backs. Will your surgically repaired legs hold up? (Don't need a response, although I am happy to have a discussion. Just giving some food for thought.)
Although I only did my first few years in the Infantry, they were the formative years, and I carried that mindset forward to everything else I did (to include my civilian jobs after retirement). It is definitely a good option, if you are willing to throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. But do NOT go 11X if you are planning to half step ANYTHING.
But.... You said you had surgery on your legs? Infantry is notoriously rough on knees and backs. Will your surgically repaired legs hold up? (Don't need a response, although I am happy to have a discussion. Just giving some food for thought.)
Although I only did my first few years in the Infantry, they were the formative years, and I carried that mindset forward to everything else I did (to include my civilian jobs after retirement). It is definitely a good option, if you are willing to throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. But do NOT go 11X if you are planning to half step ANYTHING.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Thanks for the advice SFC! Yes my legs will hold up. I had been mistaking exertional compartment syndrome with shin splints for years and had the compartments opened up so the muscles could expand properly.
I am no stranger to the fact that trust amongst infantrymen is paramount. I understand the mindset of these guys and I want to be a part of it no matter how mundane the assigned tasks may be. There is a reason for everything right? I think I may just be overthinking the running aspect. That is not to take away from it's importance however.
I am no stranger to the fact that trust amongst infantrymen is paramount. I understand the mindset of these guys and I want to be a part of it no matter how mundane the assigned tasks may be. There is a reason for everything right? I think I may just be overthinking the running aspect. That is not to take away from it's importance however.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SGT(P) (Join to see) Let me tell you a secret. They run, they run fast, and they run a LOT. But not because being fast is important, but because overall physical fitness is important. Running is GREAT for improving cardiovascular fitness and for improving body composition. Hence the focus on running.
If you are an average runner, you will survive, but life may be more difficult than necessary. If you are a good to great runner, life will be easier, but only if you are also good at the job (know and execute your battle drills, know and execute common tasks, wtbd, etc.)
I joined the Army running a 16:50 2-mile. By the end of OSUT I was down to a mid-12. By the time I had 2 years in, I was down to 11:15. If you have the desire and the drive, you CAN get the time down.
If you are an average runner, you will survive, but life may be more difficult than necessary. If you are a good to great runner, life will be easier, but only if you are also good at the job (know and execute your battle drills, know and execute common tasks, wtbd, etc.)
I joined the Army running a 16:50 2-mile. By the end of OSUT I was down to a mid-12. By the time I had 2 years in, I was down to 11:15. If you have the desire and the drive, you CAN get the time down.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Thank you Sir. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with the tone of the comments and advice I've received. I was not expecting this much support in the slightest.
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Not sure what an 11X is. Z I think is a senior NCO. But as I remember the 11F, Infantry Operations and Intell Specialist, is probably the least physically demanding Infantry MOS, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11H are the most physically demanding.
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What do you think hero!!!
If you have to ask! Do you really want to doit?
If you have to ask! Do you really want to doit?
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I just got back from 14 week 11B OSUT. There were a good amount of guys who were out of shape when we started. If you work hard and do what you're supposed to do then you should have no problems. My run time went from a 16:30 to a 13:30 by APFT 5, you'll improve.
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Why? 11B and 19D crippled me. If your legs are already F-ed up. Remember it's the 88M's that toss our dead asses into trucks. Pass the ACFT first at MOS level.
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So are they calling you next week?
If not cut down on the pizza and beer, run exercise and twice a day, hit the weighs during lunch. Do it 6 days a week with Sundays off. On the Sunday take hike carrying a medium load of picnic stuff and power drinks.
The reason basic is 8 week long is the tighten all those civilians. Since you're in the service and should be reasonably fit - bite of powerbar. Your mind that need to be hard too.
If not cut down on the pizza and beer, run exercise and twice a day, hit the weighs during lunch. Do it 6 days a week with Sundays off. On the Sunday take hike carrying a medium load of picnic stuff and power drinks.
The reason basic is 8 week long is the tighten all those civilians. Since you're in the service and should be reasonably fit - bite of powerbar. Your mind that need to be hard too.
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