To really excel within the ranks of the Army, must I serve in the infantry? Do I need a CIB/EIB, like the Chief and SMA?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:02:47 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 11:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:04:20 -0400

Do a job that you love to do. That's the best way to excel. Only you can determine what success means to you, and your idea of it will likely change over the course of your career.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 27 at 2017 11:27 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:27:14 -0400

Many of us 11B have no CIB. You can make a success of any MOS you desire, but you have to know what you really want. I had two goals: Get a retirement, make SGM. I made both. I could have made CSM, but I didn't want it. What do you want? Then you have to focus to get it. The road is not easy and you will probably have to make many turns in your career - I did. You will not always get to do the things you want to do because there are goals you want much more. NCOERs, ratings, don't want for someone to do them, stay on top of your Chain of Command. Getting assignments, reach out and get them - sometimes they are not the most glamorous, but it is the experience you want. Do your promotion packets. Education will play a major factor. When it comes down to it, it is you who will hold yourself back or you who gets you moving.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made May 27 at 2017 11:45 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:45:34 -0400

Check out GEN Ann Dunwoody (Quartermaster Corps).
She doesn't have a CAB either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_E._Dunwoody

Ann E. Dunwoody - Wikipedia

Ann Elizabeth Dunwoody (born January 14, 1953)[2][3] is a retired general of the United States Army. She was the first woman in U.S. military and uniformed service history to achieve a four-star officer rank, receiving her fourth star on November 14, 2008.[4]

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 11:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:56:48 -0400

No one joins the Army to be a general. You join the Army to serve and lead. If you do it well enough you will promote. As for being infantry. It is a field that produces many General officers. Just as a alibi I am an infantry officer with a CIB and Ranger tab. The reason why you see so many generals that are infantry is because the Army is based around the Infantry. We are the heart of the army and Generals will command large infantry units in combat. In the army all the major divisions in the Army are infantry such as the 82nd and the 101st. If you were to take a job like signal officer there are no divisions are major commands in deployable units. You would have cyber command but you will never see a signal General command maneuver units. The Army is just not set up that way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 12:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 12:21:23 -0400

No, it's just common to see people from the infantry branch in senior positions because there are far more infantrymen in the Army and far more infantry leaders. There's only one armored division commander, only one cavalry division commander, but there are a dozen infantry division commanders, etc.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 1:31 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 13:31:53 -0400

Clearly not... SMA Raymond F. Chandler, SMA Kenneth O. Preston, SMA Jack L. Tilley, and SMA Robert E. Hall, the previous 4 SMAs, were non-infantry Soldiers.

That said, it makes sense you see a lot of leadership with CIB. EIB and/or Tabs because there are more leadership positions for those individuals. Most major and key positions in the Army are Combat/Maneuver commands, because the central role of the Army is Combat/Maneuver.

You can excel in the Army regardless of your role, but just as Rated members (Pilots) are central to the Air Force command structure as the Air Superiority branch, and Surface Warfare officers are central to the Navy as the Sea Power branch, Infantry and other Combat Arms leaders are central to the Army structure as the Ground Warfare dominance branch. It wouldn't make sense for most Navy leaders to be pilots, for most Air Force leaders to come from Security Forces, and it wouldn't make sense for most Army leadership to be drawn from non-maneuver branches.

It's not about fairness, it's about proper preparation for the job.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 1:45 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 13:45:24 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Have you ruled out the other branches? I would go with the MOS that you truly desire. If you listen, observe, and work hard, you will be successful. Good luck.

Response by MSG Dave Rossman made May 27 at 2017 2:48 PM

MSG Dave Rossman — Sat, 27 May 2017 14:48:01 -0400

No, just do your job, and take pride in a job well done, a combat patch applies to any MOS,,,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 3:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 15:44:00 -0400

The Infantry is the best branch in the Army in my opinion, its definitely the best branch to get promoted in thats for sure. The question is, do you want to be 60+ years old telling your grand kids that you sat behind a desk, or tell them that you close with and destroyed the enemy and got it in. Thats what made me choose Infantry.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 3:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 15:57:24 -0400

It is interesting that you ask this. I just heard from an outgoing lieutenant colonel who was our Deputy Brigade commander and served well and received excellent officer evaluation reports but yet he did not make full bird colonel and he is retiring next month because he is hitting 28 years as an officer. He said he's always stuck to be an armor officer always combat arms and that was his biggest mistake. He said he only knows one combat arms officer who made it to one-star general. He is referring to our former Brigade Commander. He suggested that you diversify into other branches of the army to make yourself more marketable. Our audience in our training command is predominantly made up of senior captains, Majors and Lieutenant colonels. I'm sure many of you will disagree on this opinion of his. He didn't go into civil Affairs or psyops or Branch transfer into Logistics. Maybe this would have helped him go to get to Colonel. The Brigade Commander had some parting words of praise for him saying how the outgoing Deputy Commander was five steps ahead of him and already had taken care of his first five questions about the unit and the Brigade Commander was scratching his head saying he can't believe he did not make O- 6 and he will be missed

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 5:53 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 17:53:38 -0400

Pick combat arms if that is what you want to do. Originally, I went Military Police. I eventually transferred to Armor in the California Army National Guard. I went to the Armor Captain's Career Course. I later went to Civil Affairs in 2006. I have a diversified background. The LTC I just commented about did not diversify except being an OC-T. Nothing wrong with following your dreams. Just My Honest Opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 6:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 18:51:51 -0400

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 27 at 2017 8:41 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sat, 27 May 2017 20:41:20 -0400

I see you have received some excellent advice from people who have excelled in their chosen profession, I'd start off by listening to them,as far as going Infantry and CIBs and such ,be very careful what you wish for.

Response by SFC Ssg Sabin made May 27 at 2017 9:03 PM

SFC Ssg Sabin — Sat, 27 May 2017 21:03:47 -0400

No, you do not. However, they are indicators of where your head is. If you love being a grunt, as I and others have, you will strive for perfection in everything you do, under the worst that conditions and available equipment have to offer. The more difficult the challenge, the better. There's only one way to get the CIB, and it comes with the territory. To get the EIB you have to be tough as you can be, without being tested in actual combat. Both are badges to be proud of.

Others of course are Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Sniper, etc. All require a thirst for a hard to reach prize, not a giveaway. They ask the most of the best. When a reviewer looks at your EER for the purpose of promotion, those awards say something about you and your ability to do the impossible in an impossible situation. Competition is tough and to stand out from the pack, not only do you have to lead out of physical toughness; but mental as well, to be able to overcome hardship, lack of sleep, and men that are demoralized by it. Situations that would cause others to tuck tail and run are what you look for, and what make you the leader. Being able to type error-free at 75 wpm does not make you an Infantry Leader.

If you're in the Infantry, and you do not care to excel in the physicality of the MOS, then you my friend are in the wrong MOS for a carrier slot. I can not speak for the other branches of Combat Arms, Armor and Artillery; but I'm sure they demand the same level of leadership qualification.

Let me give you an example; while stationed in Germany I had the opportunity to run the combat in cities course at Hoenfields, for V Corps. Staff. This is basically an infantry school, but at the time it was considered "Adventure Training" for them. One part of the program required them to enter a two story building from the top floor via a grappling hook and rope. Very few were able to get the hook into the window, and fewer still were able to climb the rope. My cadre did it for fun! Now that's not saying the V Corps staff were slackers or anything like that. It was just not a requirement for the MOS. Big difference!

Sure you could probably find a spot in some I.D. that you could skate along without the above, but if you're 11B and you don't want those badges of recognition then choose another MOS that you can be your best at.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 9:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 21:06:47 -0400

As stated above, diversity in assignments is the key. I was an OC/T for over 10 years and saw many Officers make full bird and early promote to Major and LTC.
My 2 cents, my career started as an 11B. While it is great for leadership experience (officers benefit earlier and more), it is hard on the body and difficult to remain in for an entire career (injuries,etc). I would not recommend it if you plan on a civilian career (there are few civilian jobs that 11B prepare you for). If you want a CAB which is the equivalent of an EIB, you can receive that while holding an in demand tech MOS (plus you have to be in a combat zone and meet all the requirements of bring shot at and returning fire). The upside though is the Army has vehicles and aircraft to take you places.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 27 at 2017 9:28 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 27 May 2017 21:28:09 -0400

To succeed what you could do is to break your butt doing your best, quietly do much more than is asked of you. Take it easy, do not always be the first to respond, save your strengths for when a problem arises! Maintain a superb appearance and conditioning; when a problem arises that you can solve/conquer- go DO IT! Keep your mouth closed - unless you are absolutely correct. Do not presume to advise those appointed over you! Save their ass from the fire if need be, and shaddup!

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made May 28 at 2017 1:11 AM

SGT Bryan O'Reilly — Sun, 28 May 2017 01:11:00 -0400

I think your enthusiasm is outstanding! And if a fast track is your only goal I'm sure there are formulae one can follow. I hope that it's more than that. If so, my advice is to find what you do best and then be the best at that job. that you can be. Infantry is vital and promotion swift but it's also very challenging and you need to mesh with that team.I was artillery but wound up doing checkpoints and liaising with British forces in Dortmund doing security. I really enjoyed it and if you are dedicated and you are capable of excellence you will succeed.
Goods luck, Miguel!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2017 8:26 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 May 2017 08:26:14 -0400

Eating your EIB shows your team and others within your unit that you have mastered the skill level 1 tasks. To earn your EIB in any MOS other than 11b, is a huge accomplishment. Its a lot of studying and training. Its totally worth it for your career. Its even more beneficial for yourself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2017 9:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 May 2017 09:46:29 -0400

For starters, if you're going to be infantry, you should earn your Ranger Tab. Second, our current SMA is the first infantry SMA we've had in years.
Infantry is the most challenging and fastest promoting MOS you can choose in the Army. If you go that route and you want to excel, you should look at Airborne, Ranger, and EIB. However, you could choose another MOS and still be a very successful Senior leader.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made May 28 at 2017 1:04 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sun, 28 May 2017 13:04:15 -0400

If you really want to get to a senior leadership position as an officer or NCO, you need to be combat arms (Infantry, Armor, Artillery).

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 29 at 2017 12:30 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 29 May 2017 00:30:55 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member It depends on your definition of succeed and excel... The Army is run by Infantry and Armor Officers for the most part.... But, you can excel in any of our 18 basic branches.... It depends on your goals. You can only get an EIB and CIB if your are Infantry or Special Forces... That is only several of over 150 job specialties....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 3:29 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 03:29:53 -0400

No, but it definitely helps. There's a reason the majority of our senior leaders are combat arms. Tabs, badges, etc. also provide a certain level of credibility. I wouldn't get too hung up on them however. It's already becoming increasingly rare to have a CIB below the E6 level. EIBs are more common, but it still ultimately depends on the unit. You would be surprised how many active duty Soldiers in mech units don't have EIBs.

With that said, even if you're Infantry you may never get the opportunity to earn either one. In 11 years in the ARNG I've never had the opportunity to participate in an EIB event. At this point my Battalion doesn't even have enough qualified graders to conduct one. The same goes for a CIB. I've deployed twice as a combat arms Soldier. Even leading troops "outside the wire" in Iraq I never experienced anything that would qualify me for a CAB or CIB. A lot of it's simply the luck of the draw.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 30 at 2017 11:34 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:34:30 -0400

No, you do not need to be Infantry BUT we are the Army and being Infantry does place in situations that allow you to excel more often than some other MOSs.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 30 at 2017 11:56 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:56:24 -0400

My brief (6 years) experience with the Army shows the Combat Arms soldiers do better over a 20-year career. This is an entirely subjective observation based no my time as an Army Civilian. The Combat Service and Combat Service Support soldiers often do well within their MOS groups, but don't make it to the most senior leadership positions in the Army. Transportation is an example of this. The most senior Transportation Officer is normally a Maj Gen. Gen Dunwoody is and exception as SSG Robert Webster noted. It's important to know that Gen Dunwoody made the jump from Transportation to Logistics to advance her career beyond Commanding SDDC as a 2-star to Commanding AMC.

Combat Arms Soldiers and their equivalents in the other Services tend to be the Chiefs of Staff and serve in positions of similar leadership responsibility and rank.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 30 at 2017 12:06 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 30 May 2017 12:06:25 -0400

I think of one the last few SMA was Field Artillery and he wasn't was wearing much above or below the ribbon rack, you tell me, So, I don't think the CIB/EIB has anything to do it. This is new ARMY if you know what I mean.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 5:09 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 17:09:04 -0400

No, but needs to have combat experience. Doesn't need to be a Ranger or infrantry either. Their are other mos out there.

Response by 1SG Ronald Rieck made May 30 at 2017 6:18 PM

1SG Ronald Rieck — Tue, 30 May 2017 18:18:22 -0400

Apparently you don't need Drill Sergeant time anymore to be SMA. First one I've ever seen...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 3:09 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 03:09:02 -0400

There are more opportunities in the maneuver fields like infantry and armor but that doesn't mean you can't be successful in other fields. It takes all kinds to run an Army. Just give 100% to what you do, always exceed the standards, be pro-active and you will succeed.

Response by SGT Curtis Alexander made Jun 10 at 2017 12:05 AM

SGT Curtis Alexander — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 00:05:05 -0400

We join to serve our country. Remember your soldiers and the mission... I will in a heart beat give everything back to get my soldiers back that I seen go down in combat. Badges, Ribbons and Medals are just that...

Response by SFC Mark Biggs made Jun 30 at 2017 12:37 PM

SFC Mark Biggs — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:37:00 -0400

Promotions above E-4 are usually faster for Infantry soldiers. The reason is that Infantry has more Sergeants, so more Specialists get promoted. In order to excell, you need to be the soldier who stands above your peers in everything - best uniform, best marksmanship, best PT score, etc. If you are going to be the best, be Infantry, earn your EIB, go Airborne Ranger, go SF. Make it difficult to promote the other guy, because you are THE most outstanding soldier in your unit.

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

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 23:11:36 -0400

Most of the SGM and Battalion Commanders at FT SILL did not have CIB or EIB on them and the Battalion Commanders are LT COL. It just depends on how you do your job outside civilian education PT and marksmanship score and behavior. I mean there are avenues in where you can earn a CIB or EIB by joining the Ranger Regiment but you don't need that to make rank really.

Response by SGT Tony Long made Jul 17 at 2017 11:30 PM

SGT Tony Long — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:30:35 -0400

It's all attitude. When I was in 1981 - 1986, and all the other men got off duty they would usually go out drinking, etc. I would stay on base in my barracks and study my military manuals. Attn. to details young man. Always do what will make you a better soldier.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 18 at 2017 12:01 AM

SGT Eric Knutson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 00:01:36 -0400

You are looking to go into JAG Corps, which is a pretty important job, if you are enlisting for that, you can usually ask for special schools like Airborne, Air Assault on your first enlistment which will give you a few extra points when promotion time comes around. A typical bit of advice I give to kids here in town that are looking to sign up is to consider first enlistment go combat arms so that you get a real sense of those on the ground. When you are up for reenlistment then pick your JAG (or whatever your interest is) this way (keeping in mind what the overall mission of the Army is) you will always have in the back of your mind what the true purpose of the Army really is, and you can do your job better for the over all mission and unit, gives you a better sense of what is really needed.
Just a thought to consider

Response by LTC Harrell Clendenin made Sep 18 at 2017 7:05 PM

LTC Harrell Clendenin — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:05:18 -0400

It helps.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Mar 17 at 2018 10:14 AM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 10:14:39 -0400

No just do your job set a good example of your ability. Show the Leaders that you have the integrity professional ability to stand tall and get the job done. It seems sometimes that other rule but not true. Just be you and it will be fine. I have been there Hooah

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 5:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 17:35:48 -0400

In 1973 on the DMZ Korea, there was a foot doctor, who was a Captain, but he didn't really do anything for the men, just stay behind his desk, probably just signing paper work.
Lucky there were two E-6's that were Vietnam medics that took care of all, I mean all the medical needs of battalion, saved lives too.
When asked, "Why a foot doctor and on the DMZ, and not down south at a hospital?"
His reply, "I volunteered, You can get promoted faster in a hostile fire zone."
I hope his reply can shed light on your question, he like everyone else on the DMZ got hostile fire pay, but his was more.
I never cared about that Captain during my time on the DMZ, but surely cared for those two E-6's.
And more power to him for getting promoted to Major for just being there, when the men suffered and some died, not having a qualified trauma doctor on location.
The Medevac takes 20 minutes to get to the DMZ, by then a young man lost his life after being shot, and still to this date, "I blame that Captain for only being there just to get promoted." Salute, Sir!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 11:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 23:36:55 -0400

Every Soldier should think that their job is the most important job in the Army, but be humble enough to realize that it is just a small piece of the pie. If you don't think that your job is the most important, then you will not give it your all. Plain and simple.

I've had to counsel several Soldiers and recommend that they find a new job that they would Excel at. One got out, the other two excellent at their new jobs. It's all about perspective.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 9:11 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:11:18 -0400

No. There are so many jobs in the Army you don’t have to be Infantry to be successful. Just pick a job and work to be the best at it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 19 at 2018 11:53 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:53:41 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member I don't want to be a Dream killer, but your odds are like 2-4% In becoming a general officer from Colonel. The Army tends to agree. DA PAM 600-3 will tell you that reaching Lieutenant Colonel is considered a successful career. Further, Colonels are considered senior leaders in the Army.

Combat Arms Officers in particular rise to serve as general officers, I think it really boils down to Brigade as a Colonel and Division Level command as a two star. there are not really as many Brigade and equivalent commands Other branches produce general officers but they don't have near the number of functional billets. Example, "The" Judge Advocate General, the senior lawyer in the Army is a 2 star. That's it, top end. I believe the senior Chaplain is a two star. The most senior Army logistician is a four star and Commands Army Materiel Command. On the joint side the J4 is a three star, that happens to be an Army Logistician. The G4 of the Army is a Two star. There are a handful of commands at the GO level in logistics, but not nearly as many division commands and equivalents. Three star logisticians are even rarer.

The other school of thought is that the combat arms officers understand more about warfighting. The counter argument to that is at the operational and strategic level, logistics and planning are more important than the tactical level and resourcing warfighters ismof increased importance.

As far as schools and badges, you should have the training and experience for the positions you are in. There is no magic formula. Generally combat arms officers should go to Ranger school. To go there you generally need to be Airborne qualified. As an infantryman, the EIB is coveted and sought after. For a logistician, it is rare to see a ranger logistics guy, but they are out there. Served with several. Generally, but not always, success in the 101st leads through Air Assault School. Combat badges are subject to luck (lucky you lived to tell the tale), timing (there was a fight to show up at) and circumstance. A CIB or CAB may make you think twice before committing your folks in harms way or recommending to the President we go to war.

Do your job, do it well. Take care of your people. That is all that is important. The awards, badges, etc are what they are.

Response by LTC Jeff McElrath made May 25 at 2018 1:23 PM

LTC Jeff McElrath — Fri, 25 May 2018 13:23:22 -0400

You will make rank faster than other MOS's.

Response by SFC Ssg Sabin made Jun 4 at 2018 10:24 PM

SFC Ssg Sabin — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 22:24:06 -0400

Look at it this way. Everybody, and everything is there to serve and support the grunt!

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Jun 4 at 2018 10:33 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 22:33:05 -0400

Yes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 10:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:36:13 -0400

The Infantry is the quintessential branch in the military; all activities; operations and ultimately all focus rests on the Sildiers and Leaders of the Queen of Battle. You have an exponentially higher potential tonwxcel if you rise through the ranks of the Infantry; though many other routes are good to think about-andany others do very well in other Branches; it is and will always be the Infantry that the Army revolves around...follow me!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 31 at 2018 5:24 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 17:24:21 -0400

Maybe to reach the very top, but actually there are Generals and CSM of every MOS.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2019 2:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 02:36:39 -0500

I have known 10 SGM/CSMs in my career. Not one of them was 11B. I admit that part of that is due to the structure of the Reserves, but it does show that any determined leader can excel with a strong drive. Many SGMs have had broadening assignments. I suggest you look at Drill Sergeant, Recruiter and TRADOC while balancing your leadership time in line units.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 23 at 2019 9:57 AM

SPC Mike Lake — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 09:57:16 -0500

U need jump wings bro you don't want to be a dirty nasty Leg.....lol

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Mar 26 at 2019 6:42 AM

LTC Lewis Cox — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 06:42:48 -0400

You don’t absolutely need them, BUT, THEY SURE HELP❤️‼️‼️❤️

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 26 at 2019 11:28 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:28:31 -0400

My short observation of the Army (6 years as a DAC) shows that most General Officers have some combat arms experience. Most had the CIB or CAB and many had jump wings or air assault. Also, they had unit leadership in most every rank and experience on Service and Joint Service staffs. Even on the logistics side where I worked, most of the CGs had combat arms experience. The future may hold greater status for non-traditional combat organizations, such as cyber warfare. Same was generally true for CSMs, although we had at least one who didn't have a CIB or CAB.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Jun 6 at 2019 11:07 AM

1SG Ernest Stull — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 11:07:49 -0400

I served in the Infantry for twenty three years and all officers have a duel MOS and for most of them it is Infantry due to my understanding, I served with General Milly when we were in the 10th Mountain together and he is a hell of a soldier. We deployed to Somalia in 93 and he was an excellent leader in my book.

Response by SGT John C. made Nov 1 at 2019 7:38 PM

SGT John C. — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 19:38:11 -0400

to answer your question simply...No. It is YOU the soldier who will make or break your career and nobody else. I knew a lot of senior NCO's with no Combat Badges and they all were successful in their chosen military career. You are the ultimate arbiter of how far you can/will go. Good luck to you

Response by SSG Leo Curtis made Nov 4 at 2019 12:59 PM

SSG Leo Curtis — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 12:59:27 -0500

It depends on what your definition of Excel is if you want to general of the army it would not hurt if you are looking to be a base commander just be all you can be.

Response by MAJ Bruce I. made Nov 23 at 2019 7:05 PM

MAJ Bruce I. — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 19:05:16 -0500

Yes, it is important. Ranger and Airborne Schools too.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Apr 25 at 2021 1:44 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:44:19 -0400

I ass only a sp. 4 combat infantryman in Viet nam. I did my 2 years and got out (drafted). and to me the CIB is a badge of honor. It proves that the soldier was actually in combat not a REMF. I don't care if the soldier is a private or a general I respect anyone who has earned the CIB. I do think it matters for gaining rank.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Jun 14 at 2021 12:56 AM

COL Jeff Williams — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:56:38 -0400

As I am sure many on this thread can attest to, if you spend most of your time focusing on getting promoted or moving swiftly through the ranks, chances are you will not. Also when you do that, people notice. Focus on your Soldiers and your mission and everything else will fall in place