Posted on Sep 20, 2019
SPC Cordel St.amant
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Upon recently going to MEPS to re-enlist back in i was offered my old job and the 11X option. an old supervisor of mine who is still in the Army told me that he does not see me as the type of person to go infantry. i just dont seem like the "hardcore" type to do something of that nature. i do agree with him but i would like something different than what i was (14T). i have obvious concerns about going 11X as i am sure others do and i do have a family as i know others in infantry do. i know that just because i go infantry does not mean i will see combat but of course there is that chance. PT is definitely not my strong point as a side note. should i listen to what my supervisor had said and listen to what my fears are or should i take it? is combat in infantry seen as much now as it used to be?
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MSG Student
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Typically when the little voice whispers at you, you should strongly consider its advise. If you dont enjoy PT or pushing yourself to new extremes then 11 series may not he for you, and that's okay. If you dont like pushing yourself you can still be Infantry, but you will never excel.
There are a metric ton of options that dont involve Infantry. Just because the money is big doesnt mean you should do it. You might get $40,000 to blow on strippers, but if you hate your job is it really worth it?
As for the Infantry in combat question, a conflict can kick off at anytime that will require boots on the ground. Training will always be centered around where we think shit will hit the fan next. I went 13 years without going into a gas chamber, North Korea made that happen again.
Good luck.
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SPC Cordel St.amant
SPC Cordel St.amant
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I do know that what I was told from the guidance counselor at MEPS is, as prior service I will not qualify for the bonus. So fortunately I don’t have that persuading me into it. Also, 11X and 14T(MOSQ) is all that was being offered to me at the time. I appreciate the feedback!
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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So what do you want to do with your life? You need to figure this out first. Your old job, working with Patriot system, looks challenging. I've seen infantry, specifically airborne infantry, from the outside. Mostly the junior enlisted appear to be dedicated and highly motivated to accomplish the mission. They willingly boarded the aircraft in an orderly way and then either jumped out (insane to me, but I was the pilot) or off loaded on the ground in an orderly and safe manner. The physical demands appeared to be high. When dressed for deployment into a hostile area they carried a heavy load of equipment. Good because the Army obviously provided them the stuff they needed to do the mission. Bad because it weighed a lot! Long term, I see potential injury to knees, hips, and back.
Here's my bottom line: look at your options. Pick the one that most closely matches your personal goals in life. Infantry can be a rewarding career. If you're looking for a job that is readily transferable to the civilian world, then avoid Combat Arms. Logistics jobs from Log Planner to Engineer, to truck driver are much more readily transferable to the civilian world. Same for the Signal Corps with communications and IT MOS.
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SFC Ralph E Kelley
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Edited 2 y ago
When I was active my PMOS was 19D (Scout) and I had a SMOS of 11B (Infantryman), both were earned with my boots on the ground and I can tell you - If you aren't ready for either then you need to save everyone the trouble and go back to what you do best.
There will be no pillow talk at that school.

I quote an online comment: "When you visit the local Army recruiter and you KNOW you want to become an Infantryman, you will be given the 11X enlistment option. Unlike other Army career tracks, MOS 11X isn't a military occupational specialty (MOS). The Army does not offer a guaranteed job for any specific infantry MOS; the "X" means that the specific job is not known at the time of enlistment. You must earn a slot to the infantry during your training. Individuals who enlist under the 11X Infantry option attend Infantry OSUT (One Station Unit Training), which combines Army Basic Training and Infantry AIT (Advanced Individual Training), all in one 14-week course. During the training, recruits are allowed to list their specific infantry job preferences, but ultimate assignments are determined by the needs of the Army at the time. This training is held in Fort Benning, Georgia."
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