Why do other branches claim to be just like the Infantry?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 23:36:58 -0500

I can't help to hear most other branches (MOSs) claim to be just like the Infantry. I had the worst experience of this when dealing with MPs. Many receive combat training and feel like they are pretty much infantry and go about claiming they are pretty much the same.

I have a serious issue with this for many reasons. I am Infantry but I am not taking anything away from other soldiers. But it seems like they want to be something else than what they are. So they claim they do their job and can do infantry also. I would often ask them the Principles of Patroling or how to set up a Platoon Patrol Base just wait for the blank stares. I might as well be speaking Greek. Those are infantry tasks. What they learned were soldiers skills and common tasks, not infantry training. I can set up a radio but that does not make me Signal. I still need that Signal soldier. Defending yourself or your base is not primarily an infantry task.

Now along with other branches of the military we each have our role. I, as an infantry officer, need MPs to process detainees and Quartermasters to supply me with gear. I am not the Army. I am the Infantry. Together we are the Army and not an Army of one. Just so in case if anyone is wondering all of these pictures are US Army Infantry and are 11Bs. They show the diversity of the Infantry and their capabilities.

What are your experience with this in your MOS, just not infantry? Are you pretty much infantry?

(Now for some humor. Two officers were talking about their branch training. One was an Infantry officer and the other was an Armor officer. The Armor officer was telling the Infantry officer about his Infantry phase of his training and how he could do his job. Without missing a beat the Infantry officer says to the Armor officer "We also have an Armor phase in our training. We call it the Weekend."

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Nov 23 at 2013 4:47 AM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 04:47:59 -0500

I have to agree that it is offensive to hear other Soldiers, outside of the Infantry, claim that they are "pretty-much Infantry". Granted, any Soldier can point and shoot a rifle or walk on patrol, but Infantry is a skill set that takes those skills to a higher level of professionalism. Not only do we take these basic skills, but we expand upon them and learn the tactics and techniques needed to counter the scenarios that the enemy might employ. Infantry is not just walking around, looking for the enemy, in hopes of getting a chance to shoot at them. Infantry does need other MOS's to help complete the mission, but the other MOS's also need the Infantry for the same reason. I think that the "pretty-much" argument has a lot to do with the perception that Infantry gets more of the hero spotlight. Grunts are where the rubber meets the road. We have, traditionally, been given the hardest and most grueling tasks, which are that way because they require being done without the aid of tracks, choppers, wheels or the big guns. Infantry provides a method of engaging the enemy that requires a bit of finesse that other specialties can't provide. Just because you passed rifle marksmanship and qualify yearly, or walk on patrol when deployed or in training, it doesn't make you "pretty-much Infantry". That would be close to the same as saying that because you were shot in the foot, you were "pretty-much dead". You either are or you aren't. <br>Of course there are those of us that can say the we WERE... I still hold the MOS, but the job I'm in now is not, nor never will be "pretty-much" Infantry.<br>Sir, don't let it get to you. Other folks have to have heroes and what better way to hero-worship than to say that they are "pretty-much" like their heroes.<br>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 2:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:12:28 -0500

Battle, you clearly don't understand the reality of things.<br>Prior to branching Infantry as a LT I was an Intelligence NCO.<br><br>Look, MI is totally the same thing as Infantry.<br>Intelligence starts with an I, so does Infantry.<br>MI carry M4's just like the Infantry.<br>MI wear ACU's, just like the Infantry...<br><br>The more I think about it, as an MI analyst, I was practically a Ranger.<br><br>*The above is absolute sarcasm and should in no way be taken seriously.*<br>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 2:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:20:23 -0500

I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Ive been CBRN all my 15 years. Maybe its different. But, considering that. The frequent joke--o your NBC ---nobody cares, lol. Or consistently being utilized elsewhere in training rooms, supply rooms, orderly rooms, we were often taught other MOSs. Yes, everyone has their job, and that is without a doubt your specialty, as I have my own. But often times, many are thrown to various assignments, that they do learn other skill sets. As a DS, Skill level one, Enter and Clear a Room. So because I am Chemical did that mean I couldn't teach it?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 23 at 2013 2:32 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:32:22 -0500

Oh boy, you're opening a can of worms here.  

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 2:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:57:35 -0500

One of the most significant differences between a leader in combat arms (Fister) and support (Signal) is task mastery.  When I was a 13F I could accomplish any task I expected of a subordinate as well as they if not better.  I could fire an AT-4, employ a claymore, conduct a sector sketch, construct a fire support execution matrix, conduct a SEAD fire mission, rapel and the list goes on.  As a Signal officer I could never hope to accomplish the tasks I expect of my Soldiers; configure a router, design a SharePoint site, deconflict the electromagnetic spectrum, load crypto into myriad number of COMSEC devices, manage the COMSEC account,  and the list goes on.  Some of these tasks can take years to truly master.  The rub is this, I will be evaluated by maneuver commanders who do not appreciate this dynamic as they were able to gain at least proficiency in the majority of tasks they were required to supervise.  One does not expect the hospital administrator to come down perform specialized surgery and this is the challenge of managing a support branch that is ever expanding.   By the way our goal is for everyone to be an engaged and proficient communicator.  

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 7:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:53:54 -0500

Yeah and who said only women like drama?  That is not a critique of women either.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 10:45 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:45:45 -0500

Sir, I am not infantry but we are trained that if need be no matter our job we should be able to do infantry tasks. I agree being able to common task doesn't make you infantry.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 1:22 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 01:22:11 -0500

Fact: No other branch is more ethnocentric than the IN branch.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 8:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 08:54:53 -0500

2LT Rosa, You are correct, Those are soldier skills and common tasks. When we choose our MOS we go to MOS schools to learn our jobs. Now when a person says he or she is infantry, i ask them really? what is your MOS? If it is not an infantry MOS, i tell nope your not Infantry, sorry try again. Now i will say we do cross train in some skills from other MOS's, however until a person goes to that MOS school, they are not and will not be Infantry.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 10:26 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 10:26:12 -0500

As a MP, I can't stand hearing it. Good post sir.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 2:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 14:43:18 -0500

Sir, you have a valid point that rolls across the entire military of WHO'S better. Coming from civilian law enforcement to the Military Police Corp, I was hit with a huge shocker; Everyone hates MP's. Later on in my career did I find out why and with a very good SQD LRD's explanation was it set right. Bottom line, MP's are 11B's with a Badge and a sidearm 24/7. The bottom line, we all fight the battle together and we need each other to succeed. My SQD LDR, shattered his knee during a night jump and had to re-class. I was glad to have him as a leader. Can of worms???? Pandora’s box more like it. ;)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:45:46 -0500

I see the point you are making sir, but I feel this is probably a bit more about pride than any real harm that could befall anyone.

I love the infantry. I've been in support of many different combat arms units as a Human Intelligence Collector. I will never claim I'm just like the infantry. I've patrolled with them, air assaulted with them, taken cover with them in some really crappy situations....I am NOT infantry. I am proficient enough that they never kicked me out of a formation or a patrol. They had my back and I was always thankful for that. That being said....

Claiming I'm pretty much infantry just pisses off guys who have given their blood sweat and tears to be on the front lines. What I do is a specialized MOS. No one except HUMINTers are authorized to conduct interrogations or source operations in the Army. I cannot tell you how many times on my deployments I had to check a combat arms officer who thought he was a spy and tried running confidential sources to gain intel. I believe this is worse than a guy claiming something he is not because 1. What those officers did is actually illegal and could result in jail time. 2. People can get hurt. An infantry officer trying to run sources is not trained to assess and vet a source to determine whether that guy has nefarious intent or is a viable source.

So I think, put in context, some things are not as serious as it may seem. People can claim to be a Human Intel Collector, act in that capacity

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 4:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:48:02 -0500

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 9:18 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 21:18:25 -0500

Well stated!!!!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 11:08 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 23:08:03 -0500

You al make valid points from each of your perspectives, but we all have an important role to play.  The Infantry is and will always be at the leading edge of the battlefield, they and only they can take and hold ground by design.  That is not to say MPs, Armor, field Artillery or even signal could not, but the Infantry formations are design to do that.<div><br></div><div>All non-combat arms branches of the Army are to support is a specific role and function.</div><div><br></div><div>All soldiers must be proficient in Warrior Tasks, previously referred to as common skills,  but proficiency does not make an EXPERT.  I am an EXPERT Logistician and a proficient soldier.  I was Infantry for a period of time and an expert at the craft, but it takes a toll on a body; yet I still wanted to serve, I became a Logistician.</div><div><br></div><div>Put the petty grievances down; be a soldier and an EXPERT in your chosen career field; if you do not like your career field, then change.</div>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 11:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 23:12:50 -0500

I just want to thank all of those for being Professional about this. It is a very hot topic among Soldiers that is very combustible. I do have to say I love the Infantry and have been Infantry for a long time, with a CIB and EIB, but I realize that the support of all others in the army enables me to do my job.

But i do have an alibi.
40A Space Operations
40C Army Astronaut
In no way do they have anything to with what I do or have any impact in how I do my job. This has nothing to do my request to be a spaceship door gunner being denied.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Nov 25 at 2013 1:09 AM

CPT Endre Barath — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:09:06 -0500

RLTW:)) we considered worms as Delicatessen:)))

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 7:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:02:42 -0500

Sir, You hit the nail on the head with a sledge. And I do agree that Warrior has been left behind with an ever changing Army. Most units don't know what an MP Squad carries or how to even use them (Oh, guard my gate, man the towers), and that is sad. One of the things I tried to do was show what we had; and some units were surprised. But overall, being able to train with the other units on the installation not each of us valued respect. Not only on the battle field, but on the road as well. And yes, I did take anyone of the units we trained with on a ride along. Now that made for some very interesting patrol nights when you had Leadership with you.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 25 at 2013 1:02 PM

CPT Laurie H. — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 13:02:41 -0500

This whole conversation is far more civil than I expected it to be.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 25 at 2013 2:07 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:07:21 -0500

Sir, I grew up in an Army family, and I was told "You are either infantry; or you work for somebody whose infantry."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 2:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:49:40 -0500

I'm going to ask one question and then I'm going to leave it alone. What does this have to do with the price of tea in China?

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Nov 25 at 2013 4:02 PM

SGT Gary Frank — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:02:08 -0500

Each service specialty serves a specific purpose, for anyone to compare their MOS to the Infantry is like saying "OH, the Army is just like the Marines, or Navy".

Tankers though combat arms are not like the Infantry, neither is Artillery.

For a REMF to make this claim is completely laughable. People that say this are just as bad as the PX Ranger.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 4:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:09:14 -0500

Sir,

I come across similar things statements from other career fields in the AF. As Security Forces we are tasked to do many things. People joke about us being the bottom of the barrel for the AF. A typical work day for me is 9.5 hours and a lot of off time studying weapons knowledge, tactical movements, cammo applications, the UCMJ, AFI's (Air Force Instructions), general job knowledge, and other branch rank structures. We have other career fields come up to the gates some times to helps us scan ID's and these other career fields talk about how they can do our job because they were an augmentee once. When I ask them what the 8 preconditions of deadly force are or what the use of force module is they look at me like I just spoke Mandarine to them. Every branch has its purposes and within those branches every job has its place. To claim you know another job or you are just like another career field is plain ignorant.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 5:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:07:54 -0500

I love sitting back and watching the combat MOS fight about this. Its like grade school all over again.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 11:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:35:31 -0500

I once heard that 11B's were the same as 18X's. I'm pretty sure those Special Forces guys get tired of all those simple Infantry guys trying to be like them or those tabbed Ranger guys acting like there were actual at Ranger Battalion. Man its a shame when people try to pose as another. <div><br></div><div><br></div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 11:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:38:03 -0500

I agree. Everyone should be able to do basic tasks from every branch. I can fill a radio, conduct CBRN decontamination, and work my way around a 15-6 investigation. Others should be able to fire their assigned weapon (and hopefully hit their target). I also know some Soldiers in other branches that can beat members of my platoon in PT and Marksmanship. Infantry is a title, it just so happens to be the oldest title in the Army. But no matter the branch, you should be able to do the basics of any branch. So stop claiming to be Infantry. If you can shoot, move and communicate, then that is great, but unless you have the blue cord, you are not Infantry. Nothing against them, but they aren't.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Nov 26 at 2013 9:56 AM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:56:40 -0500

I do not consider myself Infantry. My MOS confirms that. I will say that any MOS can gain the respect and trust of a combat arms unit. Case in point. I was an 88M in a Cav unit. After about 6 months, they started to see that we weren't just a bunch of knuckleheads. They begin mentoring us and teaching us what they knew. It allowed us to mesh well with them. We returned the favor by teaching them our side. It was a great symbiotic relationship. I don't claim to be Cav, but I know that, at that time, I could operate right alongside them.

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 26 at 2013 1:06 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:06:48 -0500

This has been an ongoing discussion between Soldiers for decades, it is nothing new from this post, I did 27 years as an MP, did many of the same tasks and missions requirements as Infantry during numerous deployments and other operations. It is basic Soldiering in some aspects, but also job specific on others. While 11 series MOSs are job specific, long before any of the younger NCOs/Officers replying and posting here ever thought about being the military, MPs and Infantry did some training together for certain operations, so that is where some of the comparisons come from. I am an MP, not an infantryman, but many in Infantry aren't true infantry by doctrine either, but they possess the MOS, with that being said, I can do aspects of an 11 series, but they can't do my job as a 95/31 series point blank. We are distinctively different, but can be taught to do each others job if needs require it, these two MOSs are the most compatible for interchangeability of any in the military. While in Desert Storm, I was part of a MP platoon assigned/attached to a Infantry company when they were pushing North towards Baghdad in the early part of the ground war, our whole platoon was put in for CIBs along with the company, but were denied because we weren't 11 series, but we were doing and part of the same job at the time, so it can be done. Yes Infantry is one in their own, but others can do their job if needed, cut and dry.

Response by SPC Gary Basom made Nov 26 at 2013 3:39 PM

SPC Gary Basom — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 15:39:50 -0500

Lt. I have been Combat Service Support being a 55B (ammunition storage specialist),

in bivouac have dug many foxholes, had three layered defense zones around the camp,

walked a few patrols outside of the bivouac,I guess the reason for this was we never had the units we were supposed to have, an ASP Ammo supply point in the field would have infantry, air defense and some engineer units for defense purposes.As a 88M or heavy wheeled vehicle driver our job was to supply fuel, ammunition and food to our armored and scout and mortar units as well as infantry, this was less combat service support related I guess and combat support but less combat type preps were involved.

4AM standtos, prep for LOGPACs, or emergency resupplies of units supported. Of course this was training and not in a combat environment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 4:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:18:07 -0500

As former Infantry soldier the way I see it, its the infantry (light or mechanized, it don't matter) and then there is the rest of the army. Infantry fights the fight and everyone else supports them. Its as simple as that. No MP or any other branch can compare them selves to Infantry.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 6:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:12:44 -0500

God Loves the Infantry.<br><br>But Satan Fears the Cavalry.<br><br>Mount Up! <br>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 6:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:20:16 -0500

Sir, I agree with you. I was a 13B, later became a Drill Sgt. I am now in the US Army Nurse Corps. While I was a DS, many of my fellow DS were Infantry. When I was a 13B we were in the field 3 weeks out of the month- constantly training. I could perform my job and a skill level higher in my sleep. The skill of Infantry is also 2nd nature with type of constant training and especially so when combined combat experience. I also participated as OPFOR for Officers training in Infantry tactics. Though they studied noise dicipline, it was not practiced and led to kills. They trained not to fall in line on trails but as they grew tired they fell in line (in groups) on paths in the woods, this led to very easy kills. We know the enemy speaks English yet they yelled flank directions to one another letting me know where to adjust my fire. A skilled infantry soldier will practice all of the training correctly and change/adjust tactics to the enemy. Adjustments are learned by those who are actually doing the job and picked up much later by others back home who are training. Though I trained with Infantry soldiers I am not Infantry and I have learned there is a big difference from knowing and "knowing" Infantry tactics.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 6:34 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:34:04 -0500

As a Scout - I'm glad to provide what I can to the Maneuver Commander, when I wear that hat - my role is support the Maneuver element to accomplish its mission.<br><br>However, I hope we are all aware - your Tankers can act as their own independent maneuver force, and can be SUPPORTED by Infantry. Just as Tankers can support infantry. The Army of the 1920's suffered a problem whereby the Infantry refused to let Tanks be its own branch and felt that the primary role of the Tank was to work for the Infantry.<br><br>Then Major Patton argued adamantly against this, believing that the Tank can operate as its own Maneuver force. It only took a world war to prove him right. <br><br><br>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 7:29 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 19:29:10 -0500

I am not fully aware of all the Capabilities that the Branches can bring to the fight, but I think it's very dangerous to not have even a little education on what your Armor brethren do before you keep making statements like "Only" the infantry knows things like the dismount combat load of a 240b. Or "only" the infantry knows how to establish SBF, ABF, or knows the warfighting functions. We not only "know" these things, they are primary functions of our MOS - and we battle drill them to a level of expertise.

Accept that Infantry are the premiere dismounted direct combat maneuver force of the Army.

At the same time, get the hell out of my way and let me get my guys on line to close with and destroy enemy mounted assets - accept the Armor branch as the premiere mechanized maneuver force of this man's Army.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 11:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 23:28:34 -0500

As an officer, I can see the pride you have in being infantry and in my mind the toughest job in the military. And at times, the most thankless. At the same time, all veterans consider themselves warriors first, even weather forecasters who are also associated directly with combat units. When I was stationed at Ramstein AB, we were part of the 86th Tactical Fighter and conditions were volatile because there was still two Germanys and pilots would tell me about being buzzed by MIGs and how resentful these officers were.

The point is, we all served or are serving this country. We all have made sacrifices that non-military cannot even appreciate. When I came in the service, veterans were actually spit upon and not welcome in a lot of places. Moreover, in high school some guy in my grade called my dad a baby killer. He was a recruiter. I punched that guy in the nose and the VP laughed and sent me back to class, proud that I stood my ground.

My one uncle was a General and one of the most decorated men in NY and one of the VFWs was dedicated to his name. My dad is buried in the Florida National Cemetery.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 1 at 2013 6:39 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:39:17 -0500

Centurion (2LT Eric Rosa), Do you compare yourself and your men to the likes of Roman Legionaries of which is said by modern day military experts to have the very best infantry the world has ever seen?

Platoon Leader at B Co, 1-120 IN | Military Profile | RallyPoint

See the full military profile of this Platoon Leader at B Co, 1-120 IN, stationed at Whiteville, NC | RallyPoint professional military profile.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 2 at 2013 2:16 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:16:46 -0500

Sir, The general wants you and your men to move yourselves to the front gates in aniticipation of a barbarian breach. Kill every barbarian who pushes through the gates and avoid getting hit by the hot tar above.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 3:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 15:04:55 -0500

No one in Armor wants to be "just like Infantry".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 4:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:24:57 -0500

I was reading through and I just have this to say in regards to us enlisted 11B's not knowing how to use computers and being immature:

We're rubber, you're glue

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 7:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 19:59:53 -0500

It'll be interesting to see what the first females to graduate Infantry OSUT/BOLC have to say about this as well.

Response by SGT Aja Johnson made Dec 4 at 2013 11:41 PM

SGT Aja Johnson — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 23:41:32 -0500

I admire the Infantry very much, they do a lot that others don't. I get just as offended when people in other MOS's (especially MPs) claim the whole "just like Infantry argument". There's a pride in the Infantry and it's damn well earned when you receive the Blue Cord. Yeah other MOSs can have it pretty crappy downrange and they can experience crappy living conditions, and they can get ambushed and attacked, but that's not what makes the Infantry. The Infantry has to deal with all of those things but their primary mission is to snuff out the enemy in CLOSE combat. No one else can really say the same unless they're 18 Series. If a FOB got overran, we are not all Infantry, we are all RIFLEMEN, there's a difference. The FOB getting overran isn't the same as GOING out and LOOKING for the enemy. THAT is the mission of the Infantry. We can DEFEND all day but that is not the Infantry.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Dec 6 at 2013 10:37 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:37:37 -0500

I'd never claim to be something I'm not. I value my career too much to be anything other than a mechanic. I support the front line and those others who also support the frontline because it's what I love to do. Let the infantry have credit for what they do. I probably wouldn't volunteer to do it, but I'd do it if I absolutely had to.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Dec 6 at 2013 10:37 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:37:49 -0500

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 7 at 2013 4:50 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:50:14 -0500

Security guards at the mall are pretty much police officers so yeah, I am infantry. NOT!

Response by SPC Dave St.Andrew made Dec 7 at 2013 7:46 PM

SPC Dave St.Andrew — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 19:46:43 -0500

I'm not Infantry, but I'm attached to them and go out with them, the Engineers were always the ones that cracked me up with that, they always claimed to be just like the Infantry, one even went so far as to say that they could do the Infantrys job, but Infantry couldn't do theirs, all while this soldier was being treated for leg cramps after only dismounting for 1K. They lost over 15% of their company while we didn't take a single casualty while out on missions with us because they would walk in a file, even though they were told countless times not to, and all the enemy would have to do was spray down the line and they would hit someone. Even better was when we took contact and all the grunts would return fire while the engineers were hiding behind the trucks and not returning fire.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 9:52 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 21:52:25 -0500

If I ever heard an MP say they were like the infantry I would slap that ass. I think 13F are about the closest to infantry with out actually being 11b, but we are not infantry and we like it that way. 

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 12:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:30:00 -0500

I guess I will jump in this discussion because I love the
Infantry and have been in Infantry units my whole Career; I have an EIB and a
Ranger Tab as a Forward Observer. I have been next to all these great Americans
kicking in doors, numerous fire fights, and getting blown up by VBIED's pulling
guard at check points. I had an Infantry Commander tell me one time to just
follow him and stay out of his way; "I said RGR Sir" about one hour
into the fight he was yelling at me to call in CAS. Everyone has a job to do
regardless of MOS, of course I hate going to finance or the S1 and they act
like I'm bothering them to help me with a Soldiers issue, I had to throw that in there.

"KING OF BATTLE"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 3:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:09:07 -0500

I am an infantryman, and proud of it. With that beng said, let it be known I do have te typical mindset, we are better than any other job..... At the same time i know that withoit the other ssupporting mos our job would be 10x's more complicated. But back to the original topic, I am assigned to a stryker cavalry unit an we just recently completed a "spur ride" before we started ths our Infantry 1Sgt and Captain decided to give us a motivational sspeech. In said speech, we were told that "its time to bridge the gap between the cavalry and Infantry, since its pretty much the same thing now a days." I'm sure most of you understand that this geatly angered me, and demotivated the entire formation..... Any thoughts on this?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 10:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:34:42 -0500

No disrespect intended sir. And I am not at all trying to say I am just like the Infantry when saying this. But going through Basic Training one of the first things we were taught is that our first job is Infantry, this is why they teach us very basic infantry skills while going through basic training. Because no matter what our ERB/ORB says our MOS is... if someone is trying to kill you or your battle buddy, your first job is to protect yourself and your battle buddies.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Dec 16 at 2013 10:27 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 10:27:33 -0500

I could start this comment with the "I was going to go Infantry but..." but I won't.

Was a certified diesel and generator mechanic before I joined, so that's what I did as an MOS. I can admit that I was a nasty leg REMF. Loved it.

That being said, God bless those nasty Grunts. One of the best moments of my life was showing up at an Infantry unit to work on thier 4 deuces with the back of my truck full of cigs, candy and reading material fresh from the PX van. Felt like Santa...

Maybe in my next life I will go the full Hooah!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 3:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:12:03 -0500

Its silly to see young brass uncomfortably complaining... we all have a job to do and there are those of us who picked more physically demanding jobs in the military and those of us that picked less environmentally challenging jobs, and furthermore there servicemembers out there military wide that dont even deploy physically but are receiving combat and flight pay... so I ould say to cool the argument yes everyone is given basic combat tactical training during BCT but it does not replace nor allow those not in a Infantry MOS to claim such a title. I have lots of brothers in 101st ABN DIV that respect my job for one purpose because when the radio calls the birds come in for pickup and that is why Aviation and Infantry are paired so well in the combat fight..."HOKA HAI"; "PRIMUS AUT NULLUS"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 1:03 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 01:03:41 -0500

My bottom-line is that every specialty has to have people that care passionately about what they do.   We all need education, training and a feel for what we are doing. The human brain is extremely complex with our brain quickly processing information with conflicts happening instantaneously.    The infantryman is in the unique position to die almost at any time and therefore their awareness and training distinguishes them from a person who from time to time are in that situation and it is very likely that they would have to cover for you.

Military doctors are many times in harms way.   MP are very likely to be the victims of terrorism at the gate or to fight an enemy on base like at Ft. Hood.   A medic deals with people firing at that person and themselves.    A missile-base commander may have to make a deadly decision.    Without Jet Engine Mechanices, troops may not land where they should be and the list goes on and on and on.

In my personal opinion infantry can be the most thankless and less understood of all professions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2013 2:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 14:47:05 -0500

Sir as an MP i would never claim to be or say we are just like the infantry. Now as a recruiter when i have a female applicant that wants to be infantry i tell her that is not possible but if she wants to do that kind of hooah hooah gung ho stuff the MP corps is prolly the closest they can get or chose another job and then do the FET. People get crazy over this kind of stuff. I do take pride in my branch but would never compare my self to infantry. Now I can say from personal experience. 15 months in Iraq we (MP company) where the only ones besides EOD that left the FOB while an entire Infantry brigade guarded the gates and did the ACPs. That always seemed a little backwards to me.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Dec 30 at 2013 1:35 AM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 01:35:25 -0500

Sir,

This is what my 1SG said. "You all signed to serve the Army! You have a primary and secondary MOS. That secondary is Infantry!!!!"

I agreed with what he said before I went to an Infantry unit, after I left the Infantry unit this is what I learned.

Every unit has it's own culture that you have to adapt to. Whether it's Chemical or LRS or SOF's. You earn respect among your peers and superiors by your character, knowledge, performance and experience.

When I left the LRS-C. There were two things that were stuck in my mind. I sure did hated it but I missed it.

But if you asked me if I am infantry? I would Say. HELL NO!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 2:56 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 14:56:51 -0500

Field Medics, Tankers, Fisters, and Mortarmen are classic examples of MOS's that don't give a damn about being anything than what they are. I'll never understand why cav scouts and some MP's feel the need to measure dicks...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 4:56 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 16:56:49 -0500

Sir,

With all due respect, who really cares? I mean, boo hoo, some guy said he was basically infantry.

Conversely I've had a ton of infantryman who said they were basically doing human intelligence work when they haven't the foggiest idea what that even entails. Especially LTs who have their "informants" while on deployment that don't realize how close they are to violating international law by overstepping their legal bounds in tactical questioning which turns into interrogation, which could land them in jail for decades. But I digress...

Furthermore, I'm sure some of your own infantryman brethren out there would further classify you as NOT an infantryman either.

National Guard? I could completely see some ACTIVE DUTY infantry guy laughing at the 2LT claiming to be infantry. (I wouldn't agree with this, but I'm saying, it's ridiculous how far the Army digresses in comparing each other)

I love the ARNG, my wife is ARNG and I know there is work involved etc. But really, if you compare two people who have been in 10-15 years, active and national, and remove deployments....you are on active status for about 6 weeks a year at max. And it's a joke that the ARNG counts Friday night (if at all) to Sunday mid day four days of active duty. Whereas the active guy is gonna be the one pulling the 24 hour guard duties every time the arms room alarm goes down, or someone loses SI, or weeks and weeks of field problems, TDYs, NTC, etc.

Seriously, who cares?

I never understood the need for ANYONE to get so butt hurt about it.

As a HUMINT collector who has been embedded with the infantry and former arty guy who participated in OIF I, I bet I've seen more combat action than quite a few infantry guys. But I neither care, nor care to compare, because we are all on the same team.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 8:58 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 20:58:12 -0500

This is really a silly thread. Because each person here is part of the fighting machine, in one capacity or another just as most infantry would not be the same as the Green Berets or a Marine. Everyone matters.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Jan 3 at 2014 1:10 AM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 01:10:02 -0500

Let it go man, just let it go

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 10:13 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 10:13:13 -0500

Wow Eric, you really opened a can of worms on this one and I definitely agree with you. Just because you can qualify on your M4 and you spent a day or two on a MOUT range practicing clear & enter doesn't mean you are infantry no more than putting a bad guy in zip ties makes you an MP.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 8:10 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:10:27 -0500

Back in my Army days I clearly remember something My instructor said in Medic school (back when it was 91B) "There are two MOSs in the Army: Infantry, and everyone who supports the infantry." Of course each job has it's own specific skill set and responsibilities, but anyone who has been downrange lately can tell you that the lines are being blurred. Everyone in uniform can be tasked to ruck up and move out. I've seen Infantry, Cav Scouts, MPs, Mechanics, all on patrol together. I don't think it takes anything away from the dedicated Infantry members who proudly wear the blue cord, but on a battlefield with no clear front lines and where everyone is vulnerable, everyone shares the responsibility of fighting.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 8:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:20:22 -0500

"I could pack a parachute right now if I was told to."- 92G

Response by SPC Gary Basom made Jan 8 at 2014 5:54 AM

SPC Gary Basom — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 05:54:11 -0500

As a motor transport operator, both 64C and 88M my job was to deliver everything from fuel, small arms ammunition, tank ammunition,food, POL, even water to combat arms and personnel. Now, as far as I know if my vehicle got destroyed or disabled, me and my trusty M-16, and assistant driver would be on our own and in effect become infantry and attempt to get out of the kill zone or ambush area. ALL soldiers are trained to be infantry.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 12:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 00:14:20 -0500

As an Air Defense Artilleryman we're pretty much the red-headed step children of the Combat Arms branches, so I don't really have a dog in this fight.

I must say though, the idea that everything must be done like the Infantry tends to permeate to our branch pretty often, many times in completely ridiculous matters.

During our field training/evaluation before our deployment, a certain ex-infantry field grade officer started grilling me on Infantry tactics related to my role as OIC for the RSOP (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Occupation of Position) team. Asking us about terrain movement, camouflaging scent & shadow, noise discipline, choosing a site for a patrol base, patrolling the perimeter, recognizing IED emplacement sites, recognizing evidence of CBRN use, the list goes on and on... while luckily I could use some of my Common Core Knowledge and Basic Soldiering Skills to appease him, I couldn't hardly stifle my laughter when our Battery Commander told him almost exactly, "Sir, you know this field exercise is practice for how we'll be conducting operations in Guam, we're not taking $800 million of equipment through downtown Baghdad".

There's a level of absurdity in trying to be Infantry when you're not. I don't go around quizzing Infantry soldiers about Radar Theory, Safety concerns over 4160 Volt cables, or how to integrate into a Link 16 network. I completely agree with what you said though, we all have a role - and an important part to play, I just wish more people would realize that simple truth.

Anyways... I still love my job. If It Flies It DIES!

Response by SSG Genaro Negrete made Jan 9 at 2014 12:59 AM

SSG Genaro Negrete — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 00:59:33 -0500

Having working with MP's and Artillery, I've heard this many times. My thought process, even before I got the opportunity to work with the Infantry, was that support soldiers had to learn the basics of Soldiering, while the 11 series soldiers were expected to be masters of that trade. Yes, the particular vernacular used, "pretty much...", seems to belittle the endless hours of training, drilling, and practicing the intricacies of the job.

Although support soldiers are expected to master certain common tasks, even these skills end up at arms length when coupled with the daily grind of the technical skills we have to employ as required by our various duty assignments. This adds creedence to the flippant tone a statement like "pretty much..." takes on in reference to something someone else puts so much work into. I know that if I said I'm "pretty much a commo guy" or "i'm pretty much sniper qualified", there would be people within earshot ready to verify my "story".

Response by SPC Adam W. made Jan 28 at 2014 7:51 PM

SPC Adam W. — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:51:57 -0500

I've seen this topic come up elsewhere and it usually turns into a vicious cycle of "I'm pretty much Infantry." and "No, you're a POG."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 11:06:26 -0500

I agree, you should only take credit for what you have actually done in life. with the deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan normal Infantry jobs were being conducted by MPS and 88M and so on. Because of the lack of personnel. Is there a clear difference in training yes. Has other MOS answered the call of duty and help us do our job the answer is yes. I think this issue is best left at we as individuals know are capabilities and limits as long as your not claiming false actions or awards then its just talk it shouldn't bother a warrior. As always be a SILENT PERFESSIONAL and this issue will just hit one ear out the other. I am sure we all can contest to is the amount men with that blue cord that cant perform any skill 1 task and are close to worthless when it comes to being an Infantryman and in many cases are outperformed by squared away support role soldiers. However, they still claim the title INFANTRY.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 1 at 2014 1:24 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 01:24:42 -0500

You sir. You with this post. I made the mistake of asking my armor friend what an LRRP is and lucky me, I got an EXTENSIVE explanation in addition to a never-ending history lesson on how every great warrior in life ever was either FA, Cav or Armor.

I'll never...ever...forgive you for this sir. Ever.

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 1 at 2014 10:13 PM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:13:48 -0500

At the end of the day it is perception vs reality.

Infantry:

Perception -

Infantry is easy... run around kill people go home

Reality -

It sucks... and there is more to it than just kicking down doors.

Signal :

Perception -

Its easy all they do is sit around and stair at Computers all day

Reality -

Its easy.... all we do is stare at computers all day.

Jus sayin :D

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 12:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 12:54:16 -0500

<p>Sir,</p><p> </p><p>Don't take this the wrong way but you're really not infantry without a your CIB. All joking aside, I'm a 13F and damn proud to say it.  If somebody tried to classify me as "almost infantry" I would laugh, and reply Infantryman can claim to be "almost a FISTER" once they grab their full rifleman combat load, a PRC-117F with extra batteries, a MK-VII or trigger or some other optic and move out like a man all while planning, coordinating, and executing fire support.</p><p> </p><p>I guess my point is, take pride in what you do but lets not get narcissistic about our jobs.  Seem's a bit immature and unprofessoinal.</p>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 11 at 2014 3:56 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:56:12 -0500

I've never understood why anyone would want to be infantry. Seems very short sighted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 7:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:55:24 -0500

Yeah, everyone wants to be Infantry. Until it's time to do Infantry stuff. There are only two MOS in the Army, Infantry and Infantry Support.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Feb 12 at 2014 12:16 PM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:16:08 -0500

I had an instructor at school who is an MP. She said that an MP platoon has as many or more weapons and bigger weapons than an infantry company. I'm sure that's an exaggeration (haven't seen their MTOE) but she followed up her statement by saying that it's because many MP units downrange were doing the same thing as infantry units downrange but they weren't as good at it so they had to throw more firepower at the enemy.

I'm not an MP so it has nothing to do with me but just wanted to share that story.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Feb 13 at 2014 4:38 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:38:39 -0500

There is a reason why Squad Leaders in Signal take away grenades and incendiary grenades from Signal Soldiers prior to movements. They simply do not have the proficiency to use those items or to actively engage the enemy. This probably applies to any non combat specific MOS.

During the Invasion however I was doing stand to and stand downs, getting shot at on convoys with soft sided vehicles, etc. At no point was I "actively" engaging the enemy though. It was not until my third tour in Tal-Afar with 3 ACR that had my team being actively engaged. I requested training from the Cav Scouts on IMT, CQM, etc. and they taught us more than we could ever hope for.

It was a humbling experience and I appreciate their help in making sure we could provide the support they needed when attacked so we could cover our AO. If I learned anything it was that Combat Support MOS's need much more combat related training prior to a deployment for teams that have to go outside the wire and not be a fobbit their entire year.

Simply going to a range and maybe doing live fire convoy training is not enough. The Signal Corps especially needs to focus a hell of a lot more on initial site set up and security. Destruction procedures and evacuation options, I would have never expected to see and experience what I did during the Invasion of Iraq and my third tour outside the wire as a Signal guy.

If your on a FOB that's one thing, but a few teams will have to go support the warfighters. I still have brand new troopers coming in who say "But SSG, we are Signal" I immediately correct them right then and there. You never know until you get your Operation Orders.

Response by SPC Andrew Craig made Feb 13 at 2014 7:15 PM

SPC Andrew Craig — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:15:26 -0500

i'm a proud pog, now if you call me civilian , i will take offence---grrrr don't piss off the fat mechanic pog, lol. ok so as for me i never claimed to be even near to infantry nor any variant there of, i'm quite content yelling ORDNANCE CORP! in formation. there are always some one who tries to think he could do an infantryman's job but not many who actually try. there aren't many soldier's out there that don't envy the infantry's glory, and look forward to the opportunity to go out and play grunt for sgt's time or a weekend(i plea guilty!).no matter how you cut it, all the jobs in the army are vital to the mission,just in differing ways.i am thankful for the opportunity to be part of that mission. btw thanks to all you grunts for taking on that mission, i really do appreciate your sacrifice's. now if any of you need me i'll be getting greasy in my motorpool

-ORDNANCE CORP!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 11:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 11:19:28 -0500

Sir, i think your view is a bit skewed, it is quite possible for a Military Police Company to be tasked with the same tasks as an Infantry Company, they just do so without all the aforementioned formal infantry training. If signal responsibilities were limited to but setting up a radio (another common task) I'd say you too could be as such. Please don't mistake capability with expectation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 12:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:12:03 -0500

I deployed three time as an Artilleryman and my Battalion was a battle space owner in all three of those deployments. We Conducted patrolls, cordon and searches, went after HVT's, Air Assault missions, route clearance, spent several days out in our battle space with out going back to our COP or FOB, and all the other stuff that goes along with it, on top of delivering Lethal and accurate Artillery Fires. HOWEVER, it took ALOT of training before we were able to do those things with enough confidence that aloud our leaders to believe that we would be able to accomplish the missions we were given.

I by no means, at any time, felt I was just like the Infantry! (even though our Brigade Commander at one point may have told us we were the best "Infantry Battalion" he had) I would have never said it and I would have never wanted to say it because I was proud to be a RED LEG and proud of what we did as a Field Artillery unit!

Because of my experiences while deployed I have the utmost respect for what the Infantry does day in and day out. Most of those people who say " were just like the infantry" are probably they same ones who went to their recruiter and said " I'll do just about anything as long as it's not Infantry!" In my opinion, the Infantry is the hardest, most stressful, most physically AND mentally demanding, and in most cases the most under appreciated MOS.

(now for some humor)

With that being said I'd STILL rather be the KING of battle then the QUEEN of battle!

Response by SFC Michael Lydon made Feb 25 at 2014 4:58 PM

SFC Michael Lydon — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:58:00 -0500

Sir, I see what your saying I've been an MP for the past 12 years. I've always been of the one team one fight mentality. Because there were many times in theater where marines saved our asses and infantry saved ours. Now do some MP units perform combat operations? Absolutely QRF for instance presence patrols, searching for HVT's at 3 am kicking doors in?? If some people need to show the size of their manhood by downplaying infantry or downplaying mp's. Well that's on them we all have a specific mission that fits into the battle rhythm differently. No matter service or mos....

Response by SFC Michael Lydon made Feb 25 at 2014 4:58 PM

SFC Michael Lydon — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:58:02 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:28:01 -0500

I served as a line medic for an infantry platoon that deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. During that time I lived with them, ate with them, slept in the same hooch as them, embraced as much suck as them, went on every single mission they did, but that doesn't give me the right to say "I'm was pretty much infantry."

When I raised my right hand to enlist, I did so enlisting as a combat medic, not an infantryman. I didn't earn the blue cord and discs. I would take offense at being called a POG and certainly considered myself a grunt, but I was a grunt purely by association.

My stance is simple. Unless you had the balls to raise your right hand to enlist as an infantryman, went to Benning and earned your blue cord and discs, then you're not infantry. You may have done similar tasks while deployed (I'm looking at you cavalry scouts and MPs), but you are not and never will be an infantryman and it's as simple as that.

Response by SFC David Cook made Feb 26 at 2014 1:52 AM

SFC David Cook — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 01:52:12 -0500

The most annoying thing for me as a POG medic is: The Infantry Soldier, two days out of Basic Training, calling everyone else POGs in a derogatory fashion regardless of rank. It is really annoying and disrespectful, but pretty much encouraged by their leadership.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 26 at 2014 10:55 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:55:24 -0500

I think that there are a couple things at play here. I am a prior Army Medic before going to the Air Force, so I do think that I have some understanding (tho it is OLD experience!).

1. Basic Training: While it indoctrinates members to the Army, it does so with a BASIC (not advanced...basic) understanding of infantry. Like the Marine Corps, everyone in the Army 'should' be a basic rifleman/infantry (at the very basic understanding level). Those that go on to be 11 series learn the advanced skills needed for their craft of war-fighting.

2. With the 'new and improved' battlefield, there is no true line of demarkation. In WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and to some extent Desert Storm, there were battle lines. Front line us, front line them, rear areas, supply lines, etc. NOW there is much more unconventional warfare in which there is no real front line. Supply guy, motorpool guy, everyone is now expected to be able to pull their weight in a "frontline" position during a FOB/base assult. Infantry has lost some of that...but gained more in that they are now acting more at Liasion with the locals.... can get messy, but that is what it is. If we every go BACK to conventional warfare, Old teachings will still be huge. Until that time, everyone needs to be BASIC infantry, but Infantry (11 series) are the true masters of this.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Feb 26 at 2014 2:02 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:02:42 -0500

I served my years as a Cavalry Scout, proud and honored to do it! And we were proud to state; We Ain't Infantry, We Are Cav! :-) Anyone who is willing to serve in the Armed Forces no matter what branch of Service or MOS/job. Deserves to recognize for their service and are veterans! I have many veteran friends who are females and accept them as my fellow veterans.

A very small percentage of Americans are veterans anymore, past and present. We are a shrinking minority anymore. So again, if you served in the military you are a veteran that I and many others recognize you for your service!

With my friends who are veterans, we joke about each others duty and service, but only out of respect for the other!

Response by SSG William Patton made Feb 26 at 2014 2:43 PM

SSG William Patton — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:43:23 -0500

I have seen soldiers make the statements that they could perform like an infantryman because they feel basic training has qualified them to do a job they perceive as nothing to it. I did infantry AIT at Fort Polk's famed Tiger Land during the Viet Nam War and then was fortunate to go to my chose AIT training. It is a long story about how I ended up in Tiger Land and basically had a double MOS upon completing my advanced training. I served in Viet Nam with the field artillery in a Meteorology section and I can honestly say I know infantry jobs because I was trained in them. However, I will never say I did what the infantry did in Viet Nam. I spent my tour on a FSB in the tri-border area and because of my training and dual MOS was sent into the field when we became short handed for radio operators on our FO teams. The training I recieved is the reason I am alive today and I am thankful my situation unfolded the way it did. At the time I was not so sure, but after many years to reflect, infantry training is the best thing the Army did for me. Still, I am not an infantryman by any stretch of the imagination. I am a Red Leg, field artillery, KIng Of Battle, and nothing more. I respect the grunt because I got a glimpse of what they do, but only a glimpse.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 5:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:16:12 -0500

Ok, You may agree, but you may disagree with what I have to say... I am an 11B and 11C...both active and NG and as a Squad Leader and PSG.I totally agree that no MOS is like the Infantry...BUT in the last 12 years of war/police action...many units such as MP/FA/CA/PSYOP/ENG...do do the same job...IN COUNTER INSURGENCY...how many missions have been Movement To Contact, or Raid, or Assault? I can tell you for FACT, that on raids in Iraq and Afghanistan, I had PA/CA/ and MISO guys right next to me within 5 meters....doing the exact same thing as I was doing....Counter Insurgencies are not the "normal" warfare that you watch on TV

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 9:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:13:04 -0500

I am the Infantry, follow me
Not a foot soldier, we're much more you see
We'll take the fight to the enemy
I am the Infantry, first of THE THREE

I am the Calvary, follow me
A modern horse soldier in an APC
Charging straight forward to the enemy
I am the Cav, most daring of THE THREE

I am the Armor, follow me
The arm of decision I'll always be
When the going gets rough, call on me
I am the Armor, the best of THE THREE

Armor, Cav and Infantry
Rush headlong into the mêlée
Breaking the lines like an angry sea
Deep into enemy territory

Approaching a crossroads, what do we see
The area secured by two lonely MPs
Directing us forward, how can this be
How long has he been here waiting for me

What a crazy person an MP must be
He has no firepower or armor like me
And I thought everyone followed THE THREE
Armor, Cav and Infantry

I am the MP, don't follow me
You don't want to be where I will be
Guarding a crossroad, waiting for THE THREE
Just my partner, a sixteen, a sixty and me

With the objective taken, wait and see
No one will remember the lonely MP
Who held this ground so they could run free
But that's my job, supporting THE THREE

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Feb 27 at 2014 3:47 AM

SSG Robert Blum — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:47:28 -0500

I glanced through most of the comments so forgive me if I hit on something already said, however I didn't see much From the MP Perspective, and because we were mentioned as the offending MOS in this topic I'll throw some feedback your way Sir. I have been an MP for 10 almost 11 years. I have never and Will never consider myself "Almost Infantry". Its good enough for me to be an MP. Now as for you assessment that the Infantry needs MPs to process detainees, Correct one of our Five Functions is detainee operation, However 31E's (corrections specialist) Usually get assigned this task. I know 31B's who have done it, but personally I have not had the "pleasure".

Maneuver Mobility and Support Operations - Ensuring that supply routes are open, Convoy Escorts, and Draw for Fire missions were common place for me as a young Soldier In Iraq. 12 hours of patrolling around Baghdad in the turret of an M1151.

Area Security- Be it the Cordon element either outer, inner, or both, or a critical site, I.e Downed aircraft. I believe some one referred to spending a couple of days at the MOUT site doesn't make you Infantry, That is a correct statement, but I would argue that a well trained MP unit can conduct MOUT operations with the same effectiveness as an Infantry unit. Our SRT (Special Reaction Team) Soldiers would probably do it better.

And of course we have Police Intelligence Operations, and Law and Order Operations. Mainly Garrison missions, but they still have a place on the battle field. Some Soldiers Complain about Mp's giving tickets on FOBs for speeding or PT Belts, Well that's not that PFC, or SPCs Call, It is the FOB Commanders, writing policy letters, then ordering the MP's to enforce said Policy. Once again I have not had the "Pleasure" of working L&O in theater, but I know guys who have and I have been told that it is a tedious and thankless job, and none of us want to deploy and be stuck on the FOB.

We also have Police Transition Teams, K9 teams, Customs Inspectors, and Personal Security Detachment Teams. The Military Police Corps Makes up about 1% of the Active Army Population, and is in No way Like the Infantry, Cav, Armor, Artillery, Transportation, Supply, or any other MOS. How ever we are a Versatile Combat Multiplier, and we bring as much to the fight as any other MOS. As one person said its disrespectful to say something like "Im Almost Infantry" that person is correct, I have the upmost respect for the Infantry, I would never want to Walk with all my crap to accomplish Most of my missions. Another person said that Combat Arms Commanders Do not know how to use MP's, I agree with that as well. With all this being said Sir I hope you have a better understanding of how to use MP's in the future, and that you understand that one Dumb MP who opens his mouth, doesn't speak for all of us.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 6:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 18:15:22 -0500

So I take it that this convo is all about "mine is bigger than yours..." WHO CARES

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 8:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:59:59 -0500

Because their are two Branches in the Army, the Infantry, and those that support the Infantry?

Response by Sgt Anthony White made Feb 28 at 2014 2:55 PM

Sgt Anthony White — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 14:55:56 -0500

Welcome to my world except I am a former Marine and all the sudden out of the wood works comes all the "Marines". (that was a joke) I understand what you are saying though. There are those who do something and those who wish they did it. You will always have those who try and either be a one upper, or justify putting themselves on your level.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 6:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 06:53:36 -0500

umm. aviation wins!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 9:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:11:39 -0400

2LT,

When
I was a 37F I worked with both infantry and MPs while deployed on various
operations. Let me say, that when working on operations with the MPs and operations
with the infantry the MPs were just like infantry with more responsibility.
They also had the task of training and being a OCT, so to speak, to the IPs
while in an active combat zone. We had some of the same type of missions just
with different assets. Too me, infantry is just the bare bones, it is a Soldier
who is way more combat orientated than say, a supply sergeant. When you add
another Layer "MOS" you add a Soldier who can do more than just
combat. See, I am a 42A now so I guess I am nowhere near "combat"
these days, however, I did attend basic training at Fort Knox, 37F AIT at Fort
Bragg (JFKSWCS), deployed with 101st, 82nd, 10th Task Force etc etc and spent
long days and nights outside the wire... So, I can still do the basics. The age old fight about what MOS is best is silly. I understand basic rivalry but I have seen friendships destroyed over this silly argument. All the
Army people on here are Soldiers by definition:

Definition
of soldier (n)

·
sol·dier

·
[
sṓljər ]

·
/th?id=AEEFhCXAry7duJg100x100&pid=Dictionary

somebody serving in army: somebody who
serves in a military organization

army member below officer rank: a member
of an army, of a rank below commissioned officer

dedicated worker: somebody who works
with dedication for a cause

Seems we all fit those definitions minus
"a rank below a commissioned officer".

When I was a little kid I did not think
about the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Infantry, Supply, HR,
MPs etc. As a little boy playing with his green army men, they were all Soldiers.

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Mar 18 at 2014 11:16 AM

MSG Cameron Davis — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:16:23 -0400

I was infantry for 11 years and deployed as such. Now I am Human Resources and have deployed as such. First and foremost, there is no comparison in these two. That said, my last deployment to Afghanistan I was in a Combined Arms Battalion. Prior to deployment my battalion was informed that it would deploy as a light infantry unit and that we needed to prepare the unit as such. We mixed 19D with 11Bs and trained like no tomorrow and when we deployed, we deployed like an infantry unit. Companies, Platoons, Squads and teams (walking patrol, ect...) were a mix of MOSes 19 series and 11 series yet executed mission in the Arghandab river valley as if they were all 11 series. For this deployment I was a 42A (Human Resources) and found that my biggest fight (administratively at least) was processing CIBs and CABs. It would appear that there is a large enough difference in the qualification process of these two awards that in many cases a squad (mixed of 11B and 19 series) who came in contact with the enemy would be split on what was awarded. All the 11B immediately were qualified and received the CIB and the other MOSes (though involved in the same contact) I would have to fight and provide twice the paperwork to get it (CAB) awarded. In some cases it was never awarded despite the fact that every Infantryman in the squad received the CIB. As the NCOIC of the S1 for this deployment, I can assure you I personally reviewed each award and can assure you that there were no differences besides the MOS. I am not one to fight who works harder but I will say that when the action warrants equal recognition, equal recognition should be given. I received my CIB 17 Aug 2003 (before the CAB) and I can remember a very distinct and intense firefight where a "cook" fought right beside me. I think we both had a hard job that tour and while I wouldn't say this cook was an infantryman everyday, I sure was glad he was that day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 11:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:36:54 -0400

I am a 11 Bravo. Have deployed twice as one, fought a MMRB to keep my MOS. I feel there no other MOS in the army that close and tight knit community and brotherhood as the infantry is except for those operators out there. We have the ability to train and call for fire are self but enjoy having the company of a Forward Observer along side us in battle. We also like every other job out there require medics to assist us after we initially stop the bleeding and bring that person back to the medic or the medic comes to them. Queen of battle "Infantry". worked along side plenty of other MOS and it not the same as being in a PLT of Infantryman doing there job weather it be conducting MOUNT operations on Range or reacting to contact in Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 8:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 20:55:19 -0400

In repsonse. 6.5 years in 21 months deployed 2 of which i actually did my job of shooting artillery. The other 19 months i spent doing combat patrols in both Iraq and Afghanistan as well as multiple 72 to 96 hour missions both clearing and raid type operations in both theater's of operations. In a sense yes in a deployed role the 13 series is basically infantry, the question is if the mission called for it could you hop on a howitzer and do my job? No you couldnt. The issue is simple anyone can do your job and many of us do your job. Dont get upset because 90% of the infantrymans job is taught in basic training. And yes of course when you have time for your petty arguments with others about this subject and you ask them your infantry based questions and they cant answer that is simply because they have moved their brain back to their jobs away from yours.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 8:36 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 20:36:45 -0400

Oh hell no! Tomahawk Range 950 miles, Harpoon 64 Miles, 5"54 Range 13 Miles. If I can see you, you are too close. There is a reason I joined the Navy, Can you say stand off, can you say fire and forget. First part of my Career was Strategic Intelligence, London, DC, Somewhere in the US. Only last third of my Career was Tactical Intelligence. Take it from and Expert Parking just outside a not so friendly countries territorial waters is not a way to make friends but damn you can gather a lot of information.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 12:34 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:34:20 -0400

The difference is apparent on the battlefield and with some of our terminology, such as "battlespace owner". The Infantry commander is the battlespace "owner" and has wide latitude to prosecute a very unstructured problem set to translate tactical operations into an operational success to support meeting the objectives of the joint task force commander's campaign plan. The infantry are on the hunt, seeking contact with the enemy, developing the situation and pursuing the enemy. The other Army specialties are solving more structured problems within a very narrow set of operational parameters and usually more technical or procedural in nature. Route clearance for example. Outside the wire every day, dangerous as hell. They make contact, they react in accordance with battle drills, call for suppressive fires, and break contact to continue their route clearance mission. Very different with the infantry. What started out as one night company air assault raid may infect turn into a six day sustained brigade movement to contact re-enforced with the division reserve and become the theater main effort (STRONG EAGLE III in Kunar 2011). That is the difference.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 1:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:09:08 -0400

I am sure you have heard by now about the concept of the Army becoming Full Spectrum Warriors. Let me tell you Loui, MPs ARE the Full Spectrum Warrior. You nmae it, we do it. Hnce the joke MP means Multi Purpose).
Just because you asked 1 MP who didnt know what the basics of a Patrol Base are and he didnt know, you cant gig us all. If you look at any MP FM, all out tactics, mounted and dismounted Patrols and Patrol bases, types of rcon patrol and combat patrols, etc., are derived from FM 7-8 (or whatever new name ya want to call it). Thereofre your tactic, are OUR tactics. Also, remeber, before you cross a bridge heades to battle or come down the crossrads, the MPs already have it secured for you. But that is all you infantry are good for...kick door, toss, grenade, clear room. MPs are more disciplined, we train to SEE ( See Evaluate Eliminate)
MPs are just that we police the troops. we keep the rear area secured. We patrol supply routes, conduct patrols, gather intel. Secure ports and railheads. Provide Protective Service to VIPs (PSD). We are trained in Hostage Rescue (SRT) MPs conduct route recon and secure it (engineers FM) before your Strykers or the Armor move out to ensure your vehicles can even make it. Other than a Stryker itself, an MP squad has more firepower than an infantry squad. And then when you are Garrison what are you doing..training? MPs are still on mission, they lock and load and put on armor everyday ready to engage. They secure the post while you go for your litle jog in the morning, they respond to domestics and rapes and sexual assaults, and child neglect, traffic accidents. and the best off all the Bar fights, which usually involve some drunk Grunt puffing his chest screaming' "I'm the Infantry" to which I reply, "I am the Law"

Response by 1SG Jacob Baty made Jun 24 at 2014 9:17 AM

1SG Jacob Baty — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:17:09 -0400

Let them keep saying it if it makes them feel good about themselves. They give trophies to the kid who played two innings in right field on the last place team these days.
You will never hear a grunt say "we are just like MP's." Or any other MOS for that matter.
They certainly don't write books or make movies about the trials and tribulations an MP goes through. Why? Because it isn't all that difficult. Water purification specialists did get a solid performance from Pauly Shore though. That was nice.
Infantry is the easiest branch to sign up for. But the hardest to be a success at. Lowest required GT score to sign up for. But the highest average GT score in the Army. Why? Smart people like to challenge themselves and nothing is more challenging than signing up for a gun fight.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jun 24 at 2014 1:41 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:41:24 -0400

Eric, I agree with you. I am Cav, at least in heart still and damn proud of it! Don't take me wrong, but always hated it when people try to compare Cav to Infantry. No comparison, mission as a Scout and Divisional Cav is totally different from everyone else!

My son was Infantry for 6 years, just got out in December. We respect what each other did and that is it! Besides the shit talking that goes on!

Also, many of friends who were/are Infantry, besides other MOS......

Last, I totally agree with you. Except Cav is the best of them all!!! :-)

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 24 at 2014 2:15 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:15:51 -0400

Sir,

I understand where you are coming from, but I also understand where they are coming from too. For MPs, for the last decade they have spent half their time doing combat tasks. Many MOSs have found themselves much closer to flying metal than they thought when signed up for 92 or 88 serious?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 26 at 2014 3:49 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:49:50 -0400

There is a difference between being able to do "infantry missions" and "being infantry". Not being an Infantryman, I am not going to attempt to quantify the demarcation between the two.

Response by Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns made Jul 15 at 2014 9:03 AM

Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 09:03:47 -0400

I was an MP and I never claimed to be anything else but make no mistake if placed in a position where I needed to use the skills of an infantry person, I can. Knowing how to set up Patrol Bases may not have been something I would have been taught mainly because I was enlisted and knowledge like that was only for officers, I'm not sure. I have also come to notice that the skills we learn in a school setting has little to do with how that operations is completed when it comes to practical application. Many times what is written in books, were not adopted by those we engage with nor learned as we did. My specialty was Russian's tactics and they served me quite well but today that knowledge maybe obsolete because those tactics have been modified. The primary purpose of attempting to give every one of us an idea of what other units did was to make sure that those we engage see every person wearing a U.S. military uniform as formidable. That is the fear that uniform instills regardless of who wears it and what branch or unit they are from. We were taught these skills in order if we find ourselves in a position where those skills are needed and no one was present who were better at them, to still be able to complete the mission. It's nice to know that if you go down, another is able to step in and complete the job or do we want to have our military so specialized that only infantry does infantry stuff?

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Jul 15 at 2014 10:14 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:14:08 -0400

This is a little annoying especially with the privates getting out of basic thinking this is going to be like Call of Duty or Ghost Recon. We are all trained to shoot at the enemy the same way but that doesn't mean we are all infantry.

I used to be artillery before I reclassed to food inspection. The closest I came to being anywhere near infantry was when I deployed and was a maneuver battery. I spent most of my time as a turret gunner but I was on the ground a few times. That doesn't make me an infantryman though. It DOES however allow me to better understand what the infantry goes through on a daily basis on just training alone (my old unit used to joke around that infantry and cav just stood around all the time while we spend 7 hours of an 8 hour day in the motorpool). I know I am not infantry. I don't waste my time and energy pretending to be something I am not. Unfortunately, now we got privates coming out of basic and AIT thinking that they are special forces just because they wear the uniform. "I'm a badass motherfucker!!" "No your not. Your a goddamn food inspector stuck behind a desk."

p.s. Don't take it the wrong way. I love the job I have now. I get to spend more time with my family. I still respect the infantry and all other MOS's. Without them, the Army wouldn't function as efficiently as it is now.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 4 at 2014 12:33 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:33:34 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I heard the "I'm just like Infantry" line a few times through my years as well...and most recently from my nephew, who is AF Security Forces. I always just laughed it off with some glib comment or question like "cool...you ruckmarch every wednesday too?"
If they think that, you aren't going to convince them otherwise without spending some field time with them....so have some fun with it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 5 at 2014 7:57 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:57:49 -0400

Because we're so orange with envy and jealous about not having the "Queen of Battle" moniker attached to us. "Oh hail, oh hail oh Infantry...." :-)

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 9 at 2014 12:21 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:21:39 -0400

You got a few butthurt MPs downin the dumps. I noticed a trend in your thumb downs.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 9 at 2014 5:31 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:31:01 -0400

As a former Infantry officer and Military Police Officer I can tell you that there are certainly differences in the two branches, but there are probably more similarities than differences. Regardless of the branch, every soldier is trained and expected to fight as Infantry, if necessary, for that is the basic purpose of the Army, when you come down to it.

When I was a brand new Airborne Ranger Infantry Second Lieutenant, my attitude was that, even though there were 20+ branches in the Army, as far as I was concerned there were only 2 -- Infantry and Support.

After being injured and required to branch transfer out of the Combat Arms, I became a Military Police officer. Although I was not happy about it at the time, that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I love the MP Corps and view the missions, both in peacetime and war, as essential to the Army, just like all the other branches.

I found that my 5+ years in the Infantry made me a much better officer; much better able to support the Infantry, Armor, and Artillery units my units supported, as I understood where they were coming from. I think that my jump wings, Ranger tab, and Expert Infantry Badge served to allow me to gain more rapport with the folks I dealt with in those branches than I otherwise would have had.

There is a purpose for all the branches and MOS's in the Army. They all contribute to the mission. Yes, everyone can perform Infantry tasks, just like everyone can secure an airfield, talk on the radio, or deliver supplies. But there are folks who are specifically trained in those specialties, so that they are professionals at it. Whether someone else can do some percentage of the tasks of that branch/MOS does not make him/her "just like" them. Neither does it make them "unlike" them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2014 11:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 23:18:56 -0400

Well, at the basic-most level, everyone is in one way, shape or form "Infantry" (err... "cannon fodder") to Big Army.

The question is really, are you "just like", or ARE you? Personally, I wouldn't want to claim to be "essentially infantry" because I always felt the role to be relatively one-dimensional. It also overlooks the fact that no Army has been successful without adequate support and sustainment.

Anyone who would rather claim to be Infantry, than claim to be Sustainment... and actually IS sustainment, has a self-validation problem.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 9 at 2014 10:12 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:12:56 -0400

I know I wasn't just like infantry. And I never even tried to pretend to be like infantry. Why do it? Anyone that knows me wouldn't be fooled one bit.

Response by SPC John Cummings made Jan 3 at 2015 8:16 PM

SPC John Cummings — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:16:56 -0500

My phone is obviously censoring me. I was an MP in OIF
1. Its not "non combat arms" its "combat support".
2. The only reason any CS would claim they were "like" the infantry is because they were talking to an Infantryman and knew they had to keep their vocab simple
3. The problem is two fold.
a. The first part is the CIB (the CAB mostly corrected it) most peopled who wear it should actually be wearing the ISCZ (Infantry Served in Combat Zone) the Infantry did nothing to stop REMFs from receiving one while MPs EODs and others where serving at the front with real CIB deserving soldiers.
b. the other problem is that the tradition of Three Combat Arms is out-dated. There is a big difference between facilitating the front and what combat MPs do. No longer are Infantries battling each other in the trenches. MOUT warfare has led to MP forces and policing mission to dominate inside cities. That has led to combat arms being designated to MP forces.
There is only one kind of combat MP whereas several MOS of Infantry. That's my take, but to get any deeper you'd have to understand that the Infantry is not a Branch-- the Navy is a branch, the Air Force is a branch. I cannot fathom any self-respecting soldier calling themselves infantry if they didn't earn it

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 3 at 2015 9:03 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:03:16 -0500

Well... I'll poke the bear. :-D

I spent 13.5 years in the infantry until I was injured fast roping... Alas... Enter logistics. I did the remainder in CSS... Oh... I'm a grunt that can count... 8.5 additional years. Oh... 18 out of 22 was spent in operational units all over this beautiful blue marble.

I spent numerous hours teaching people that thought they were grunts various tasks like... Patroling, bayonet training (outside BCT), weapons training other than the M16A2 like AK... SKS, advanced rifle marksmanship, call for fire.... you get the idea. No matter which unit... Leadership wanted my experience and knowledge as a grunt. Don't get me wrong .. I was a very good loggie toad... But I was a pretty good grunt too... And most people when you get to the "two way shooting range" want to stay alive... Common tasks are one thing and help... But the skills learned as a grunt made the real difference more times than a couple... And my soldiers knew it.

Here it is... bottom line at the bottom... Deep down... People wasn't to be Infantry... I have never heard anyone claim to be of any other MOS... E.g. Signal, an MP, an ENG, a Tanker, AG, trans, you get the picture... But everyone claims to be a grunt... Why? When it comes down to it... We all know what we really are. Regardless of the training... We are all grunts... And sometimes... That might make the difference between them... And their soldiers... coming home ambulatory... Or litter.

That is why people say they are Grunt!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 7:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 07:54:52 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I just don't understand why anyone would use "pretty" and "Infantry" in the same sentence! :)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 4:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:49:56 -0500

Chemical Corps: We're lust like the infantry, but with Gas!

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Jan 4 at 2015 5:42 PM

CSM Christopher St. Cyr — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 17:42:10 -0500

Sir,

REALLY?! Who would want to be queen when you could be the King of Battle? Hail Artillery!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 7:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 19:26:22 -0500

I'm an MP and I've never once claimed to "basically be infantry"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:48:04 -0500

....

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Jan 5 at 2015 11:39 AM

SPC Angel Guma — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 11:39:59 -0500

Your post was WELL said. But unfortunately, what you are pointing out is just how it is these days.

Response by SGT Charles Vernier made Jan 5 at 2015 1:27 PM

SGT Charles Vernier — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:27:44 -0500

No I wasn't infantry, not do I claim to be. Part of the MP skill set is area defense, convoy security, TCPs, etc. Which can lead to contact on occasion. Then again can infantry reconstruct a fatal accident using mathematical formulas, identify, protect, document, and collect physical evidence, conduct interviews and interrogations of suspects etc?

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 5 at 2015 5:25 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:25:03 -0500

Can we take as a baseline that no one can say they are "like" infantry unless they have knowledge of calling for and adjusting supporting arms? Running a security patrol is not the be-all and end-all of the Infantry trade.

Walt

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:46:13 -0500

Speaking as a DAT... I can assure you that I have never heard a Tanker ever claim to be infantry. So it's not everyone... that said, I hear many of the combat support types these days describing what they did down range and a lot of it sounds like functions that would traditionally be performed by Infantry.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 8 at 2015 1:07 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:07:11 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I enlisted on 8AUG69 and trained to be infantryman, ending up 11C4S, to be exact. I was commissioned on 16JUN73 into the Signal Corps. I wasn't infantry anymore, and I never had any trouble with it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 9:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:37:56 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member My respects for all Infantry personnel. Being Finance, I am way too far from Infantry. I am FINfantry !!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 3:44 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:44:38 -0500

Well if I had to guess, it's because when we were kids our "idea" of the military was the reality of the I gantry soldier. I'm not infantry, I'm not even in the Army, but my job is based on my specific skillset and interests. I'm very proud of what I do and I really wish people did t feel as though they needed to compare themselves to others in order to validate themselves.

Response by CPO Anthony Davis made Jan 9 at 2015 3:55 PM

CPO Anthony Davis — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:55:23 -0500

So being infantry somehow makes you superior?

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jan 9 at 2015 5:52 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:52:42 -0500

Lt Rosa,
I applaud your pride as an Infantry Officer, I think its awesome! We should be proud of what we do. That's being said, I don't understand we you consider this a serious issue. Soldiers say that they feel like Infantry because they called upon to do patrols, pull security, man weapons, react to ambushes, raids, and other tactics. Some of which I've personally did as a Commo guy. I'm proud I was in Signal Corps. You perform the job you're ordered or told to regardless of MOS.
Saying you feel that way isn't the same as claiming to be Infantry or discrediting the value of the Infantry

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Jan 9 at 2015 5:53 PM

SFC Royce Williams — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:53:05 -0500

Bwahahahahaha "we call it the weekend" that made my day!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 1:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:28:23 -0500

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 11 at 2015 1:45 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:45:42 -0500

I suspect that this discussion is inspired by the question, "What did you do in the war daddy?"

Anyone who can honestly respond "infantryman" can leave it at that. Anything else requires an explanation.

To say that "Well, I was sort of like an infantryman" isn't as satisfying, is it? Or honest...

I wish we could all be satisfied by responding simply, "I survived."

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 11 at 2015 6:17 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:17:36 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Could this question possibly be a bit ego driven in so far as one is very proud of his branch, more power to you...we are all proud of our MOS and should be.

Not sure this question is going to produce productive feedback. I have however seen some detailed answers below that are very informative, although not addressing your question directly.

My answer would be; In other branches the "Infantry" is used as a general term for "solder" "Warrior" or a fighter in general. They are not referring the actually 11 series MOS per say. This is my experience traveling the world the past 20 years, even worse most foreigners see me and ask if I was in the Marines becasue I am so fit for my age and fairly large! I just tell them I was infantry! lol Just kidding.
Steady on LT!
Steven

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 10:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:11:24 -0500

Doctrinally, its the combat engineers' secondary job per FM 5-71-2 and FM 5-100.

Response by TSgt Manuel Perez Javier made Jan 14 at 2015 7:02 PM

TSgt Manuel Perez Javier — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:02:09 -0500

I was a crew chief in the Air Force, that is the almost the same: fly fight and win is our model work 12 hours a day and weekend plus deployment, i was part of the Air Force Rapid deployment forces. I respect you're duty. !

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 7:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 07:27:42 -0500

I always thought that everyone wanted to be like the Cavalry.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 7:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 07:32:25 -0500

Fun fact: My first job after being commission an Armor Officer was a Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader. I served 6 month, including an 'old-school' NTC Rotation. I spent 7 months as a Tank Platoon Leader, then went back to the Mechanized Infantry where I was a Platoon Leader again for another 6 months, including another NTC Rotation.
During the entire 4 years I was in this unit, I never saw an Infantry officer serving as a Tank Platoon Leader, however we did have a fantastic 11C (Mortarman) serve as a Tank Company 1SG!
(For the record, this was between 1993-1997.)

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 9:55 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 09:55:00 -0500

The great thing about it is that thinking and being are vastly different states of proficiency. If you're not at the very least MOSQ'd 11B, you can think all you like but you're just not an Infantryman. You can go overseas and do convoy ops, or stand at the gate, or walk down the street in some village..hell you can even fire you're weapon, but in the end, you are NOT anything like or close to an Infantryman.
Infantryman close with and directly engage with the enemy until that enemy is dead, captured or defeated...that is the mission. Unless thats your MOS's specific mission...then you're just fooling yourself. But its cool...we don't mind the envy! ;)

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jan 16 at 2015 7:46 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:46:52 -0500

1LT Rosa, You will love this! I joined the Army in '82 as an MP. About a year and a half as permanent party, I transferred to Infantry due to promotion points for MP being so high. After earning the 11B MOS, I made the decision to go back to the MP's. Why you ask? In '83 and '84, there was only the Cold War to fight. I was with the 1st CAV, and as a CAV MP, spent more times in the field than most of the Infantry units. We were not just support, but moving and training as lightly armored (think Jeep v. M113) infantry in every way. Figured that if I was going to do the Inf. stuff, I would go Inf.. Once I went Inf. I realize that if I was going to to this stuff, I might as well be riding!! So back to the MP's!
That was in the mid '80's, in the 1st Cav. Roll forward a couple of decades and the similarities start to disappear. On the individual level, maybe not as much, but as a unit, the differences are be glaring.
As a side note, I loved the Infantry and the field aspect of the Military Police, but hated the Police part of being an MP. Decided EOD was the way to go!

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jan 16 at 2015 8:08 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 08:08:57 -0500

Again, I have been both MP and INF. I Got smart and went EOD, I'd rather take it easy ;-), letting you guys do the shooting, while I sip Boones Farm until you run into something scary. Don't wake me till then.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Jan 16 at 2015 8:22 AM

SFC Richard M. — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 08:22:34 -0500

I have a lot of respect for the infantry, but I'm an artilleryman and have never claimed to be infantry (nor want to).

I think a lot of the issue you're talking about is because of the emphasis of a lot of infantry tasks in the SMCT.

The infantry obviously master these skills, but everyone is required to do them to some degree. As far as everyone claiming to be infantry, I think it's just harmless trash-talk between the branches.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 2:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:44:00 -0500

They are not and I get angry when I hear that. There is more than just shooting straight involved. I had non-infantry leaders say anyone can pull a trigger. You may do an Infantry like mission (ie battle drills) but you are provisional Infantry at best if you are not dedicated everyday to the task of closing with the enemy. I like to drive fast and may test drive a sports car but that does not make me a race car driver.

Response by SGT Graham "Tom" Town made Jan 17 at 2015 9:48 PM

SGT Graham "Tom" Town — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 21:48:52 -0500

I am the Infantry, Follow Me!

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Jan 18 at 2015 3:25 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:25:04 -0500

At the potential risk of stirring up the POG vs Grunt stuff.....

.....there is a difference between what jobs you were willing to sign up for way back with the Recruiter, and specifically just how much (if any) potential or real personal risk you were willing to subject yourself to while serving. Some folks cheese their way through just to gain college money or healthcare or whatever other benefits, and take on the least deploy-able and arguably safest jobs because they were only ever in it for the "what's in it for ME" bit....and as the current Entitlement Society grows, so will you see more of these people in uniform.

These types are more likely to end up labelled with the Stolen Valor bit, too. Some come home and feel some level of need for a increased level of external means to raise their self-worth, because the hole in their souls failed to provide this for them internally. I believe this is called Embellishment.

Everyone's a hero until its actually time to do some hero shit, right? (eyeroll)

I actually find the opposite might be more correct. Many infantry people can do many other jobs, given the appropriate of education or training. But not many POGs have the NUTS for Grunt life...and that can only be "taught" to an extent.

That said, we're all important...Grunts would have a much harder time doing grunt shit without POG support.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 18 at 2015 9:04 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:04:24 -0500

Infantry Guy: The other day I played with hand cuffs so basically I'm an MP.

We get it too.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 9:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:09:43 -0500

Thanks good I'm not in infatry.

Response by CPL Felton Donnell made Jan 18 at 2015 9:11 AM

CPL Felton Donnell — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 09:11:14 -0500

Infantry is not just a job or mos, it's a way of life. Once infantry always Infantry. If you are infantry you already know this and there is no need to explain anything. That light blue cord you earned say it all. The Army is a team, and every player is needed.

Response by SSG Robert Edwards made Jan 19 at 2015 2:46 PM

SSG Robert Edwards — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 14:46:05 -0500

All soldiers in the Army are considered to be infantrymen; some are more specialized than others with various variations. We all need to realize that the Army as a whole is an Army of One, functioning together in order to complete our mission in life.

As an infantryman I learned that we need to categorize our fellow MOS holders and devise a process in order to determine how to train the other MOS holders in order to fulfill my role as a Squad leader of an infantry squad or as member of my infantry squad.

When stationed at Fort Hood Texas, I was assigned as the SL of a collection of misfits (NBC, and wheel mechanics) for a weekend task in tackling a New Infantry Obstacle course. I got drafted as SL; after the E6 and 7 other E5s passed the buck to the Unit Armorer (me). We navigated a 5 point 6K land navigation course, how to cross an open field, how to identify land terrains, clearing road obstacles, night time land navigation, navigating through hostile fire, obstacles and providing suppression fire on opposing forces.

Boy those kim lights look awfully pretty when hit by rapid fire of a 5.56 round, pity we couldn't get the 60 out of the mud. This bunch of misfits went through a 6k course open field and terrain identification in 1.5 hours beating infantry squads by as much as 2 hours.

If anyone knows of two E4s from the motor pool of B 2/41 (M) Inf 2AD by the name of Dudley and Yokum ask them.

Claiming to be infantry is one thing, training will separate the MOS's.

Response by SGT Raquel Zornes made Jan 23 at 2015 9:46 AM

SGT Raquel Zornes — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 09:46:42 -0500

Of the troops, for the troops. I am proud to have been an MP. We do not just deal with detainees. MPs cover down on a ton of different rolls. I have never heard any MP claim to be like infantrymen, because we are badassary MPs-- excuse my choice of words. I have heard of some MPs working alongside Infantrymen. I have worked alongside Marines but would never claim to be one. Bottom line, you should take pride in your MOS no matter what it is and there is always going to be to rivalries. I had definitely heard someone say... I'm like infantry.. Purely to get a rise out of an infantryman.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 23 at 2015 4:45 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:45:01 -0500

I would like to add to this that just because you may go on missions regularly with Infantrymen while you are down range, that does not mean you are just like the Infantry. Speaking for myself, I am a 13A Field Artillery Officer and while deployed I was a Company Fire Support Officer in an Infantry Company. I went on dismounted patrols with Infantry platoons all the time, patrolling along with them in whatever formation they were in. HOWEVER, in the grand scheme of things over time, this DOES NOT make me just like the Infantry.

In the same breath, I would point out that 11C Indirect Fire Mortarmen are NOT just like 13-Series Artillerymen. There is a king of battle. There is a queen of battle. The queen cannot be the king. Looking at you CPT Private RallyPoint Member :-P

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 11:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:52:03 -0500

Being a scout I've dealt with this debate to the point that I'm sick of it. Most of this is a result of using scouts, tankers, FA, and MP's as battle space owners. We've all been mashed into doing a lot of other jobs. Grunts are taking finger prints and clearing routes while engineers are kicking in doors and running battle drill 6. Lines have been blurred but at the end of the day a duck is a duck. I can conduct a platoon attack just as well as any 11B3O but I'm a scout. So put the rulers away, no measurements are needed, and remember that your 4 months of BS training gave you that couple of numbers. Training and experience since then has made all of us what we currently are.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jan 24 at 2015 12:19 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:19:56 -0500

Um, don't we all train as infantry before training in our MOS? Even as Signal soldier, I still have to go to the range to keep my marksmanship current!

Response by SSG Corry Struve made Jan 24 at 2015 6:16 PM

SSG Corry Struve — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:16:57 -0500

Sir, I would take it as a compliment, they want to be infantry. It's comical at times, one minute they are bad mouthing a group and the next they are claiming to be one. It's funny how the different MOS fields sometimes think they are better than others. No one is better than the other, we all have our specialty. Just like a few others have said we all need each other to fully function.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 12:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 12:58:46 -0500

As an MP, I would like to state that we are not infantry. And, I apologize for any of my fellows who do claim this 1LT Eric Rosa. As was pointed out each Branch/MOS has a special mission/skill set they bring to the table of full spectrum operations, including in garrison. I wont lie, I have been known to say that MPs take the missions that the infantry doesn't want.

I will say that many of the MP's war fighting skillsets do over lap with the Infantry's. For example, during linear combat operations (read pre-9/11 doctrine), the MP Corps' primary mission is ensuring freedom of movement and security of the REAR AREA. With that being said, we do train on many things that are traditionally consider combat arms only tasks (i.e. cordon and search, hasty and deliberate attacks, ambushes, etc.). In addition to this, our 3 man teams haul a comparably massive amount of firepower thanks to our gun trucks. And, yes we need it, as we are cleared to run delays on level 3 threats (SpecOps teams and light divisions). But, it's a very rare occasion to see an MP at the front lines. Those occasions usually being tied to traffic control (I.e. support to passage of lines, river crossing, and obstacle breaching) or security of log pac convoys. (Sorry folks, it's not our job to get your EPWs/detainees to the DCP/DHA/BIF/TIF).

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 7:04 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 19:04:46 -0500

I could say the exact same thing about Infantry guys. I spent plenty of time with an Infantry company before I commissioned and then two more years with an Infantry BN after I commissioned. Still to this day every time we have an exercise the Infantry guys want to skip the portion where the MI folks provide them tons of information and instead want to move right onto develop a plan to kick bad guys in the face. Every time they do that later in the planning process they end up with a FUBAR plan that involves risking a serious number of lives rather than just asking the MI folks first. Also, being the only Soldier in the BN qualified to manage Interrogation Operations I've been told that I don't know what I'm talking about when I tell as Infantry Soldier they are in fact not allowed to run approaches on a battlefield.

The moral of my story, every branch thinks they are the best at everything and can singlehandedly win the war. If everyone just steps back and listens to the SME they have a better chance of beating the enemy.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Jan 28 at 2015 4:21 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:21:44 -0500

Kinda like when people tell me they have logged flight time, when all they did was get a ride in a Blackhawk. SMH!

Response by CPL Dion Freeman made Jan 29 at 2015 11:12 AM

CPL Dion Freeman — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:12:56 -0500

As a medic in an Airborne Infantry unit, I can say that Infantry are the rock stars of the military. No one does what they do better than them. Being cross- trained in Infantry tactics is close, but not the same as being Infantry. Being a Ranger-qualified medic in an Infantry unit makes it a little bit closer, but still..... I was called a grunt with an aid bag, but MY specialty was combat medicine, NOT Infantry. My beret's off to those gentlemen, and the work they do!

Response by SSgt Jay Dee made Feb 2 at 2015 1:58 PM

SSgt Jay Dee — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:58:40 -0500

Your post is misleading. You state that other "branches" claim to be just like the infantry. But then talk about a specific MOS (job). Marines do this too. You will always have this age-old battle between "infantry" and everyone else. Who gives a shit? I know my story. Know what I accomplished. Know where I've failed. And you do you. When September 11th happened, I was signing my contract shortly after. I tried to go infantry. They put me wherever they wanted and there was no rebuttal. Just like I know guys who tried to be support and went infantry. It's all about timing and too be brutally honest; how smart you are. On average, an infantryman's ASVAB score is low. Not saying it's a bad thing, it's a fact. So, the big picture is that you are simply a pawn at the time of enlistment and they will put you where they need you. Doesn't make you any better (or worse) than anyone else. I've known some dirtbag infantry guys and I've known some badass support guys. End of story.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 8:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:56:47 -0500

I learned in basic that all soldiers are "twelve bang bang first". That's why. There is a term for my branch you may have heard about. Cheminfantry

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Feb 2 at 2015 11:32 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:32:52 -0500

The arguments will be glorious....

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Feb 4 at 2015 2:31 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:31:02 -0500

Maybe the other Branches are more like the Infantry than the Infantry is like the other Branches.

Walt

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Feb 4 at 2015 2:50 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:50:39 -0500

I pulled guard duty with an Infantry guy at KFIA during Desert Shield. Now granted I was a 19 year old scared sh**less PV2, that was less than a year out of Basic training.

However I was smart enough to realize that SPC Kenny Wells had knowledge that I did not. I probably irritated the f-ing hell out of him, trying to suck every bit of information as it pertained to staying alive in the upcoming months.

He was happy to teach, I was happy to learn... we seemed to be on the same roster, and pulled duty together several times. I'm grateful for his willingness to teach.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Feb 4 at 2015 2:57 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:57:28 -0500

MPs are/were known as the chick Infantry. Gives the fairer sex a chance to duke it out with the enemy. First popular in the Panama excursion, a WAC Captain detailed to MP who got a SS for leading her company by fire and maneuver in an attack. She said it was like being in the chick Infantry.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 3:13 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:13:36 -0500

I love my regiment, this is just funny to me though

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 4 at 2015 3:21 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:21:58 -0500

Sun. Rain. Snow. Mud. Heat. Cold. Walking. Crawling. Running. Carrying a ba-zillion pounds of crap all day long. Bugs. Bullets. Shrapnel.

Uh... how about no.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 4 at 2015 3:24 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:24:47 -0500

If they make these PT standards "MOS Specific" I believe there will be a DRASTIC decrease in "just like Infantry claims"......except from SCOUTS!...lol?

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Feb 4 at 2015 3:41 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:41:57 -0500

All Marines are trained 0311, our primary MOS, from cook to commandant. It's just some have greater experience and training than others.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 4 at 2015 4:57 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:57:40 -0500

What the problem is, is that the civilian chain of command that never served; don't see a difference between the branches "they are all soldiers" they are all the same.

Response by 1LT Gerald O'Hare made Feb 5 at 2015 12:16 PM

1LT Gerald O'Hare — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 12:16:53 -0500

As an infantry officer with the 1st Division in Vietnam I knew we were different from all others. We were the ones deep into the jungle. We were the ones up close and personal with the enemy. We were the ones who filled most of the body bags. We were the ones who engaged large units of the enemy. I know that the long range recon and snipers get a lot of attention but at Bu Dop we had to call artillery on our own positions just to survive.

Response by SPC Robert Leiter made Feb 5 at 2015 3:05 PM

SPC Robert Leiter — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:05:30 -0500

I served 3 years Infantry and two years Military Police. While both have certain levels of combat training, the role of the MP is far different than that of the Infantry soldier. Both have a completely different skill sets and have different functions. The Infantry soldier is still the front line soldier. I am not saying an MP cannot find him/herself in that same position, but it would be much less frequent than that of an Infantry soldier.

With that said, we all are trained to shoot a rifle and use a bayonet. We all receive that training for a reason. It does not make us Infantry, but it does make us aware that at anytime we may be forced to take on a role of engaging the enemy. The enemy does not differentiate between Combat Arms and Support. They will put a bullet in either.

Thank you to all that have served. Thank you and be safe to all those who still serve.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 4:35 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 04:35:35 -0500

Infantry is a branch, an MOS, so if you don't hold an 11 series type number for your MOS then you are not in fact Infantry. Now does that mean that you won't get into some Infantry type shit? Nope, not at all. As I tell folks, your MOS is just a means for the big Army to herd the cattle. Meaning, they will stick 11s in Infantry units and 25s in Signal units, thus and so. Every once in a while the "corporation" gets a wild hair in it's ass and sticks you wherever they want (i.e 11B in Aviation, 25L in Quartermaster) just because. Now here's the funny thing is, you do the job that Uncle Sugar tells you that you're going to do. So, if it's putting lead to ass, then that's what it is. If it's mopping up shit in a pool of feces, then that's what it is. Welcome to the damn Thunderdome troops!!! You got your say at MEPS on what job you want to do, but that's not necessarily the job that you will do for Daddy Warbucks!!! And you will do the job because you took an oath to do so!!!

Hey...I'm not the bad guy, I'm just the guy with the bad news.

Suck it up troop...and stop claiming MOSs. Be happy that you are a warfighter, you're just contributing to the war in different ways.

Response by SPC Shyue Lor made Feb 7 at 2015 2:29 AM

SPC Shyue Lor — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:29:34 -0500

Because everyone wants to be Infantry until its time to do Infantry stuff.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 12:32 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 12:32:49 -0500

The Marines have MPs, that write tickets and work the base...and field MPs, these guys were always in the field...not as much as real infantry, but enough that I wouldn't argue about it

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Feb 18 at 2015 1:23 PM

SGT Kevin Gardner — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:23:55 -0500

Every soldier is a rifleman first, when I joined the Army I joined as an 88M, my job description was to get you what you needed to fight and feed, well upon deployment I was sent to 272 NPTT, now I find I am kicking in doors and dragging suspected combatants out of their homes, patrolling the streets of Iraq looking for the enemy and sometimes finding them or being found by them.

like a lot of soldiers here, we go where the Army needs us, but in the end every soldier is a rifleman first, your Designated MOS is your second Job.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 2:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 14:22:48 -0500

So tell me again how you are just like the infantry?

bradley vs some snipers in iraq

25MM BUSHMASTER CANNON TEARING THAT ASS UP!!!!

Response by Maj Chris Clark made Mar 11 at 2015 7:39 PM

Maj Chris Clark — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 19:39:02 -0400

Because I am a Marine (Logistics/Artillery) I really am unfamiliar with why other branches in the Army of the Republic would claim to be "just like infantry". In the Corps we pride ourselves to all be basic riflemen and are trained as such. That having been said, that does not make me an infantry Marine. Just a basically trained riflemen. Part of the difference is that in the Corps, if you are not infantry you are support. Tanks, artillery, helos, supply all are trained riflemen, but they exist to support the infantry.

S/F to you and thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 10 at 2015 12:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:48:30 -0400

Some soldiers who walk in a straight line, 5 meters apart, in the terrain feel like they are infantry. They don't understand the science the science of infantry like different formations according to the threat an terrain, what to do on contact, how to bound and flank. They don't know what they don't know, and that is their ignorance.

MAJ Landgren
US Army (R)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 1:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:00:56 -0400

My biggest issue is misconceptions. When I was with an infantry division, I got a lot of weird looks with my Aviation uniform and my flight crew wings. People discounted me as just some loose and lazy flyboy when Those same people were sure grateful to have some aviation support . . . and the ones that acknowledged that even just assumed I worked on helicopters. Usually when I tell people in that situation I'm air traffic control, I either end up with a weird look, or "Oh, you're the guy on the runway with the cones, right?"

Response by 1SG Brian Allen made Apr 10 at 2015 3:35 PM

1SG Brian Allen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:35:21 -0400

I understand what you are saying. I had the same experience when some people called themselves scouts. I am a Cavalry Scout and reconnaissance is what we do. We are trained in several Infantry, Engineer, Signal and Artillery skills. I used those skills to perform my job as a scout. Sometimes soldiers do a patrol and the next thing you
Know they are calling themselves Scouts.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 8:42 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 20:42:21 -0400

I am not I am Air Force never claimed never would claim. I work on planes in the FOB am not outside the wire. You guys go out kick ass and I make sure planes come and go to get you the infantry supplies you need. Me turn wrench turn wrench good ugh!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 8:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 20:43:01 -0400

MOS envy?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 4:41 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 04:41:21 -0400

The picture is obviously not a picture of an Infantry squad patrolling, it has to be a WLC class or something. No self respecting Infantryman takes his firing hand off his weapon to give the halt/freeze hand and arm signal.

I shall dismiss this entire discussion as bogus.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 9:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 09:03:24 -0400

Armor officer here. This is one of my pet peeves. I recently snapped at this poor female MP LT, not my proudest moment. She make the remark and I said "then why do we have your branch? Why not disband them and expand the infantry?" I felt bad later but it's still valid haha

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 9:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 09:21:55 -0400

The only people who say they are just like the infantry and can be taken seriously are those who have been assigned to infantry platoons, namely 13Fs and 68Ws. They are there for all the crap and do everything we do. Everybody else is full of it. If they actually had any clue about what type of mental and physical toughness it requires to be an infantryman they would never say that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 9:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 09:31:52 -0400

12B-Combat Engineer.....enough said!!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 11 at 2015 9:38 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 09:38:23 -0400

See the parachute drop?
Every 14 is a Combat Medic
:)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 10:57 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 10:57:41 -0400

From my own experiences (uh oh, the LT just said the word experience....) as an 11A, it seems to me to stem from just a general misunderstanding of the infantry MOS. It's kinda like you said, they misinform soldier tasks with infantry tasks. I also don't think they understand the level of competence in these tasks that the infantry shoots for. Running battle drill 1A is not hard, and most units of Cav or MPs can run it. Running it WELL and to the proficiency level that infantrymen can run it however, IS difficult. I would actually prescribe this to the MOS as a whole. Once you get past the suck, being infantry isn't difficult, but being a good or even great infantryman can be very difficult.

Hell I've seen this issue from within the MOS. I once had the PL of one of my sister platoons walk up to me frustrated because he felt like all he did was battle drills, patrol bases, and the like. I just looked at him and said: "You realize you're in the infantry right? That's what we do. Until you're platoon can run 1A or the other drills blindfolded, you keep training on them, and then you KEEP training them to maintain that proficiency."

Anyway, that's just my thoughts on the subject.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 11 at 2015 11:53 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 11:53:50 -0400

Imagine the following scenario.
You are the despotic leader of a 3rd world country.
You have taken a bunch of US citizens hostage.
You receive the following news..

(a) A C-5 filled with clerk / typists is winging your way
- or -
(b) A C-5 filled with a combination of 101st and 1st Inf is winging your way

Which would you choose?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 10:51 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 10:51:18 -0400

To settle the debate of Infantry vs "pretty much" Infantry, all you have to do is compare guys who are Special Forces qualified. SF recruits from all Military Occupational Specialties (Combat Arms and non-Combat Arms) and they use the 18X program to recruits kids right out of high school or college to go straight into the pipeline (after attending a prep course). They all receive Small Unit Tactics training (Infantry training) and have to prove their ability to plan, execute, and lead a combat patrol prior to being able to graduate. In theory, all SF guys should be on the same level after graduation especially since having a mastery of Small Unit Tactics is so essential to the primary mission of Special Forces right?

Wrong. Despite everyone attending a common core course designed to teach Infantry tactics, there is a distinct difference between guys in SF who are former Infantry and those who are not. Even 18 X-Rays, who start their fledgling SF careers as 11 Bravos fresh out of AIT, don't compare. Former Infantrymen in SF are simply more proficient, not because of the training, but because they lived the life and are indoctrinated in the culture.

Point is, just because you went to a school (like Ranger School) or did some training event that taught you a particular skill or set of skills (like SUT) doesn't make you an Infantryman. Regurgitating the Principles of Patrolling or being able to sketch out a raid, recon, or ambush on a white board doesn't make you an Infantryman either. Being an Infantryman is as much a way of life as it is a skill set.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Apr 12 at 2015 2:25 PM

SGT Beau Thomas — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:25:33 -0400

I am a Cav Scout and we often have training exercises with infantry, our sister Infantry Company always tries to outdo us in the dumbest ways. If we have tents, hey sleep under a net, if we have a net they sleep under the stars, if we are under the stars they sleep in a hole, if we sleep in a hole they fill theirs with water. We Cav scouts just laugh at the silliness.....I also had a one day Search & Rescue hands on training, I'm still waiting for my SARE tab. ;0)

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 5 at 2015 12:25 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:25:06 -0400

DANG!
And I thought they were talking about the Medical Corp.

Response by MSG David Chappell made May 5 at 2015 1:06 PM

MSG David Chappell — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:06:34 -0400

Only infantry guys could come up with this

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 1:12 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:12:09 -0400

The closest thing I ever was to Infantry was Combat Engineer...and we all knew we were better than Infrantry...lol...apologies, Sir...I had to throw that in

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 5 at 2015 2:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 05 May 2015 14:11:46 -0400

That was not a good joke. Some units use some Infantry TTPs and think they know more than they do.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 3:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 15:24:34 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Sir, as a medic I've been assigned to several Infantry units. My 1SG in the unit I was assigned to as a private told me "you're Infantry until someone gets hurt". That stuck with me and made me want to be the best I could be in those skills.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:23:42 -0400

Proficiency, proficiency, proficiency. That's what separates the infantry from other MOSs that have infantry-like training. The fact is, most other branches have no idea the training we go through in the infantry, they have no idea what being in the infantry entails, other than that we occasionally get to shoot at the enemy. The reality is: you can't just go to the qual range once a year and say "Well, we're basically infantry." There's a lot of technical training we do on a regular basis. Watch an Infantry unit clear a village, then watch pretty much any other branch do the same thing. I can almost promise you'll see a difference. Why? Because they don't train on those things nearly as much as we do. MPs may be very proficient at clearing buildings...at least, I certainly hope they are, having been a civilian cop for over eight years, I can tell you it's a major part of the job. But how are they at the other hundreds of different tasks we may have thrown at us? When was the last time they tried assaulting a machine gun bunker/mortar pit/etc? When was the last time practiced crossing a danger area? Linear or otherwise? The fact is, I hope they have at least some training in these areas, but due to their other roles, they simply can't devote the time to training on those things that we do in the Infantry. That's why clearing a village looks buttery smooth when you see an infantry unit do it, but another unit may need a little work. Can they get the job done? Probably. But it will take longer, not be as smooth, and the risk for casualties will increase. We have years of practicing these tasks in the Infantry, it's what we do.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 2:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:48:01 -0400

What is funny is how 4 our of the 6 down votes are from MPs. The irony of it all.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 12:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:29:46 -0400

Pretty much Infantry? No. Have I been trained to conduct Traditionally Infantry Tactics? Yes. Do I care about this? No.

Each MOS, NEC, AFSC, and Special Indetifiers have specific functions and tasks they are supposed to do. They each take a part in the operations that are conducted.

Ever seen how long a unit could operate without having a support function assisting it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 3:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:36:40 -0400

I think it is really just ignorance to be honest. I always had a good idea of what exactly being an Infantryman entailed, but never really got a personal look until I was a Combat Advisor. My team was a mix of Infantry, Artillery, and a couple of support guys and a medic. I went from being an Artilleryman to learning how to conduct actual maneuvers. My boss was Ranger, Airborne, Infantry, and a Major. He taught me so much. It was a tremendous wakeup call. The problem is that many non-Infantry Soldiers think that it is all about "outside the wire", they think that because they do convoy security that they are doing the same thing as the Infantry. They are dead wrong. They just don't understand that. They have never been a part of an actual offensive onto an objective, or involved in a real firefight where the goal is to destroy the enemy, not just repel him or get out of the killbox, or slept outside the wire, kilometers away from the safety of the FOB, for weeks at a time during a mission. After that deployment I had a new found respect for my Infantry brethren, and I earned their respect in return by being there with them throughout over 80 missions and a Strong Eagle. I treasure that experience and hold that deployment at the top of all my previous ones. That being said, I don't like to judge a Soldier solely based on their MOS. Like I said, we had a couple of support guys on our team also, to fill slots, and they performed at an extremely high level throughout.

Response by SGT Jeremy Mills made May 20 at 2015 3:48 PM

SGT Jeremy Mills — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:48:26 -0400

With all do respect,
I was attached to infantry units for my three deployments. Company level, battalion level, and brigade. I was expected at every level to do what the infantry did. So in addition to doing infantry tasks, I had the responsibility of ordering and maintaining equipment, comsec and a dozen other things, that the infantry didn't have to do. The only time that I got out of anything, was when I was placed on radio guard instead of the perimeter. There are commo guy's (25u and b) who can infantry better than the infantry, then return to garrison and set up a router. Signal isn't the only MOS that works hand in hand on the front line with infantry. During my time in the 82nd, the brigade CSM's rto was a cook. When they got into a fire fight in Afghanistan, he ran along with the infantry CSM and closed with and destroyed the enemy. Are you going to tell him, that hes not like the infantry? Principles of patrolling, and other infantry tasks are just that, tasks. If you are getting blank stares, you correct that. I was lucky in most of my leadership believed in cross training. All this being said, we need to get away from this, my mos is better than yours pissing contest. We are all soldiers. With training, every single soldier should be able to shoot move and communicate. It's nice to identify yourself as infantry, or airborne or special forces. There is heritage there that shouldn't be disregarded. But in the new world of terrorism, Anyone who puts on the uniform is infantry. Airforce IT personnel to coast guard helmsman. You put that target on your back, and you are infantry. MOS qualifiers are supposed to allow leaders to better utilize their personnel, not say this branch is more hardcore than the others.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 3:51 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:51:50 -0400

Similar training. Minus the EIT and long term experience.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 28 at 2015 10:16 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 28 May 2015 22:16:46 -0400

MPS LEAD THE WAY! Here's a funny story. Infantry guy get trained up to work the gate and says, "Yep, pretty much an MP".

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 29 at 2015 6:48 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 29 May 2015 06:48:25 -0400

I think it's pretty simple that many SMs envy and look up to the infantry as being a professional Soldier, a highly skilled warrior elite.

Response by SGT Les Hoffman made May 29 at 2015 8:08 AM

SGT Les Hoffman — Fri, 29 May 2015 08:08:08 -0400

I was a 67N Huey Crew Chief, then became a 67T Blackhawk Crew Chief we as soldiers knew basic infantry skills, but I was definitely NOT infantry. I have a high respect for those guys who choose to pound the ground. The furthest I humped my rucksack and weapons was to my helicopter, lol.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 29 at 2015 8:31 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 29 May 2015 08:31:34 -0400

Nothing worse than a bunch of POACMs!

(People Other than Airborne Combat Medics)

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 29 at 2015 9:05 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 29 May 2015 09:05:10 -0400

And we in armor have a name for infantry.....track grease!

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made May 29 at 2015 9:06 AM

MAJ Haris Balcinovic — Fri, 29 May 2015 09:06:57 -0400

I think that some of it boils down to the persisting military (at least Army) stance, strip away MOSs and everyone should have basic Infantry skills. I know that grunts are very proud, but so are other branches.
Some Soldiers who (falsely) claim to be Infantry probably do it as a status claim (and grunts should take that as a compliment).
With that said - I can't help myself as a 12B, but to take a little friendly jab at you CPT Private RallyPoint Member
ESSAYONS!

Response by SGT Allen D'Aoust made May 29 at 2015 10:02 AM

SGT Allen D'Aoust — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:02:52 -0400

Everyone wants to be Infantry but not everyone has what it takes to be Infantry.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:23 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:23:15 -0400

Medics get it too, mostly from Joes who gave an IV in basic, and are therefor are qualified enough to tell me why my aid bag needs more tampons.

The soldiers who are all about cross-training (like myself) do so because they want to lighten each other's load when appropriate. If I can set up a radio or man a control tower without having my hand held, then that allows others to focus on their specialty, and vice versa.

We're valuable and essential to each other BECAUSE we're different, not because we know all the same skills. Let's each watch our lane.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 29 at 2015 10:23 AM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:23:28 -0400

Infantry, everything else is support ;).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 10:31:16 -0400

While Active, I never remember anyone wanting to compare our MP Co as Infantry. In fact, it was kinda looked upon as an insult.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 9:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 21:10:50 -0400

Wow. I mean, seriously? If you are an infantry soldier, you should care less what some other person in a different MOS claims to be. It is either you were/are an infantryman or NOT, simple as that. There is no maybe, perhaps, or "My MOS is like the infantry" type of BS. Why are infantry Soldiers wasting their time worrying about what other wished they had done, but didn't? I did my time in the infantry and then I went to the support side of the house, so I've done both sides, and I can honestly say "Who cares?".

I find it more pathetic seeing infantry Soldiers raise hell about it and even act unprofessional when talking down to other MOS's instead of being humble given the type of duty we have volunteered to do. If I had a Soldier saying to me that his MOS is like the infantry, I wouldn't say a word. Why, you ask? Simple. Why explain the obvious? When someone says "like", it still actually means that it is NOT the infantry. I told Soldiers all the time that no MOS is more important than the one you CURRENTLY have right now. We all have a job to do in order to accomplish the mission, and in combat, that mission has a bunch of moving parts where each part depends on the other to accomplish the mission. So take pride in what you do, not link it to something else. Some listen, while others seek some form of "acceptance" or "validation" for their career field which is a disservice themselves.

Getting all butt hurt over some guy comparing himself to the infantry is foolish. They KNOW that they are NOT infantry and with each word coming out their mouth that does not say "I was infantry" or "I am infantry", it only confirms it. No need to bust them out or correct them because your stare would say everything. Now, if they were claiming to have been or are infantry and were found to be lying, that's another story.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 11:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 23:00:43 -0400

Artillery and Infantry are closely related retarded cousins... So that kinda makes me infantry. Lol

* Disclaimer*
I am not Infantry
But I am Airborne qualified!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 00:46:17 -0400

I never had any desire to be Infantry. I am quite content to be an MP. I am also a prior 88M and found it funny to be called a POG and reminded them that I just spent 18 hours on a convoy to bring them their mail; ammunition; food; water; and RIP-ITS.

Infantry guys (and soon to be gals I would imagine) my hats off to you. You do what you do and do it very well. I will stick with what I do.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made May 31 at 2015 9:39 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Sun, 31 May 2015 09:39:48 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t25Gb74rgq8

Semper Fi, you crazy Jarheads!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2015 12:55:12 -0400

I eat a doughnut and ran a red light once so I am basicly a MP. LoL

Response by SPC Joseph Durham made May 31 at 2015 3:37 PM

SPC Joseph Durham — Sun, 31 May 2015 15:37:40 -0400

Being a 11H or 11C does not make a person 11B. I could do the basics of either job and was even participated in a Best by Test with the 11C's and we earned 2nd place in the Division. 11B though is a unique skill set. And to be successful, requires sacrifice and fortitude. Something very few people outside of 11B during combat will understand.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Jun 1 at 2015 12:14 AM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:14:02 -0400

Infantry? Nope. Why would I want to be the Queen of battle when I'm already the King of Battle. FISTER for life!

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made Jun 1 at 2015 1:31 AM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 01:31:46 -0400

Everybody wants to be infantry until it's time to do infantry shit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 9:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:48:43 -0400

I had 11Bs in my Scout Platoon and we integrated just fine, had no issues.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 9:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:53:33 -0400

So I had a friend of mine-a Infantry LT, he told me Infantry meant, "babies" and I was like....waaah, sure enough it means, "child Soldier," and then he used to parade around saying he was the Queen of Battle....of course I told him I had no issues if he wanted to be a queen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 10:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 10:19:08 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, you say you have had some of your worst experiences with Military Police? As a Military Police Officer, all I can say is sorry Little Brother; the MPs you've encountered obviously have never worked for me! Granted, the combat environments of OEF and OIF have tended to greatly blur the lines of distinction between Infantry and Combat Support MPs at times, in many cases, the two have ended up working together and supporting each other to such an extent that for many a young MP with a limited frame of reference, it became very challenging to distinguish the difference between the two branches at times. This is no fault of these young MPs, but the problems ensue when they redeploy and later encounter folks from the Infantry world. This is frequently when the shit-talkers bubble to the surface and tell people like you that they are no different than you. They don't realize that Iraq, and to lesser extent, Afghanistan, were exceptions to the normal mission roles of our respective Branches, and not the rule.

As a Company Commander in Iraq, my MP Company was attached to Infantry Combat Task Force out of the 1st BN 505th PIR, 82nd ABN DIV. Effectively, my Company became regarded as a 5th Company within the BN formation and was regarded as such, but my mission was PTT with the IP, while the Infantry COs focused on providing the security necessary to make PTT possible within the AO. If I needed support, I could get it from my Infantry brothers. If my Infantry brothers were in need of support, I could roll my assets to them and provide it. A Combat Support MP CO brings a considerable amount of firepower with it, after all. We had a very solid, very positive working relationship with our Infantry counterparts, but, it was a constant job to remind my Soldiers that they were MPs, sent to train the IP, and not patrol with the Infantry whenever they would attempt to volunteer to augment Infantry patrols. It happened everyday!

If we were to get back to waging war on a linear battlefield, MPs today would have a clearer understanding of their primary combat mission, which is to patrol and secure the rear areas so that the CA guys can be freed up to focus on the FEBA and the FLOT. This is why Combat Support MPs roll with such a high concentration of firepower; so that if they encounter anything heavy, they can engage and destroy it or engage and delay until they can hand off to someone with more lethal capabilities.

I am sorry you keep running into shit-talkers who have only nonlinear battlefield experience. It is what it is.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 1:10 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:10:34 -0400

Sir, I asked that same question too. This is the answer I was given:
During the Surge, when bodies were low, and ground-pounders were in short supply, servicemembers form other MOSs stepped in to fill in the gaps, causing them to do the BASIC Infantry tasks in-country. So they now think that they routinely do the same thing as the Infantry (and more, some boast). When in reality, the Infantry does the Infantry hooah cool guy stuff, and the support supports.
Truth be told, they all say it because they wishe they were Infantry. FOLLOW ME!!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 11:49 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:49:28 -0400

I'm pretty much infantry especially as a Finance Officer - we conduct super high speed tactical patrols in tight corners while maneuvering the nuances of interpersonal communication while juggling warm beverages :)
(I hope those who read this understand my sarcasm)

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 9 at 2015 6:40 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:40:33 -0500

Well then, so sorry you are butt hurt. I have not heard anyone claiming to be like the infantry and all in all I think highly of you guys and you have it pretty good. May I suggest you load up on an amphib then get real cozy next to a Marine as they splash out of the back of it for their comfortable ride ashore, oh did I mention some asshole put a quarter between the hull and the hatch so the diesel and water spray into the back as you ride in? I mean after all no one would be bothered by all the vomiting Marines and smell of diesel because the seawater is washing it all around like a slurry in a bathtub. Personally I have never experienced this my buddy a retired Gunny told me about this. So get real, every job has it's shit end of the stick.

Response by SPC Randall Eichelberger made Jan 14 at 2016 4:54 PM

SPC Randall Eichelberger — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:54:43 -0500

I'll leave this here.

"I am the Infantry, follow me
Not a foot soldier, we're much more you see
We'll take the fight to the enemy
I am the Infantry, first of THE THREE."
"I am the Cavalry, follow me
A modern day horse soldier in an APC
Charging straight forward to the enemy
I am the Cav, most daring of THE THREE."

"I am the Armor, follow me
The arm of decision I'll always be
When the going gets rough, call on me
I am Armor, the best of THE THREE."

"Armor, Cav and Infantry
Rush headlong into the melee
Breaking the lines like an angry sea
Deep into enemy territory."

"Approaching a crossroads, what do we see
The area secured by two lonely MPs
Directing us forward, how can this be
How long has he been here waiting for me?"

"What a crazy person an MP must be
He has no firepower or armor like me
And I thought everyone followed THE THREE."

"Armor, Cav and Infantry
I am the MP, don't follow me
You don't want to be where I will be
Guarding a crossroad, waiting for THE THREE
Just my partner, a sixteen, a sixty and me."

"With the objective taken, wait and see
No one will remember the lonely MP
Who held this ground so they could run free
But that's my job, supporting THE THREE!"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 5:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:23:28 -0500

Never claimed to be just like infantry. But Cavalry Scouts are simply better than infantry and Medics do your job and then give you shoulder to cry on.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 5:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:48:59 -0500

Great explanation.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Jan 14 at 2016 6:20 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:20:24 -0500

Sorry brother, don't mean to hurt your feelings, but I've never claimed nor wanted to be infantry! When I was enlisted, my weapon carried me (M1A1) and then I became a pilot and flew Apaches.

As we in Armor used to say, Infantry may be the Queen of Battle, but Armor is the chastity belt that keeps that B***h from getting raped! Nothing but love.

Response by SPC Stephen Gerard made Jan 14 at 2016 7:20 PM

SPC Stephen Gerard — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 19:20:02 -0500

Actually, sir, not each of those pictures shows an 11B. I'm pretty certain that at least one is an 11C.

But... I know what you mean. Good day!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 9:04 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 21:04:11 -0500

People claim that they can do the infantry job, while infantry claim to be able to do every support job. It's a double edged sword both people are going to get cut. It's all just a pride in your corps thing. I really do not care for any of this child play, all I know is I've never deployed but I can do my MOS and you can do your MOS simple as that. Mission completion is all that matters when it all comes down to it.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Jan 15 at 2016 12:45 AM

SGT Justin Anderson — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 00:45:02 -0500

Though everyone is a (hopefully trained) rifleman, infantry is the ultimate fighting force in an armed conflict. That's their sole purpose and nothing else but to seek out and kill the enemy. The rest of army and its plethora of jobs is there to help facilitate the infantry in killing to get war over. Yes you do convoy duty, route clearance, etc etc but you are a supporter. Your supporting job is recognized and we are thankful for it, but you are not infantry and are not basically infantry. What ever your job may be, be proud you did it. Own the things you did and just say you fought like you were trained. There certain circumstances in which bodies are needed for a mission. Sometimes the more the merrier but you aren't infantry. Hopefully this makes a little sense.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 15 at 2016 2:51 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:51:35 -0500

For the same reason the Army claims to be like Marines... ; )

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jan 15 at 2016 3:57 AM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 03:57:45 -0500

I noticed your post got thumbs down from all Non-Infantry MOS soldiers-little wonder. The Marine Corps forces, I say again, forces, all officers, JAGS, pilot wannabes, data dinks to eat dirt their first six months at The Basic School, Quantico, VA learning to be Infantry officers, in the field and the classroom, getting hammered by experienced infantry instructors, officer and enlisted. That experience is priceless as joint formative experience for every Marine Officer, every MOS, Warrant Officer and butter bar. You leave TBS with a deep appreciation of what it takes to be in the infantry. No matter where you go in your career, no Marine Officer would EXCEPT for infantry MOS officers think themselves infantry. They might do some of the tasks that the Infantry does, but not even close to the complete package. You also learn that many of the skill sets to be a competent infantry Marine or Soldier are perishable skills that have to be constantly evaluated and practiced, and learned and re-learned. THAT is the reasons that every Marine, Officer and Enlisted is taught that they are in a supporting role to the Infantry, lawyer, Logistician, Comm, Armor, Arty, Aviator. While every Marine is a rifleman, not every Marine is an Infantryman. And the Infantryman in the Marine Corps are cocky bastards because of it, and no one begrudges them their bragging rights.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Jan 15 at 2016 7:47 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 07:47:54 -0500

I have been out of the Army Infantry 35 years ago.... Believe it or not, I still here these same story's in Civi life.. I also hear from other branches of service as well.. All I have to say is , If you didn't go Infantry you wouldn't understand ! "FOLLOW ME ! "

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 9:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 09:32:40 -0500

Infantry is the most respected military job to a civilian who has no military knowledge. When you mention that you are a Soldier, the first thing most people imagine is an infantryman. So when talking to someone trying to explain how they walk around with the infantry as a forward observer, a civilian would usually be satisfied with "kind of infantry"

Now when someone comes up to you and says "I'm pretty much you plus I can do this other thing" it's likely because they are trying to lie to themselves because deep down they feel that you are better then them. Don't worry about it, that's THEIR problem, not yours. It's how you deal with them that reflects on YOU.

When a combat engineer says "I'm pretty much EOD" I don't get mad, I feel flattered that he has to put himself equal to me in order to feel good about himself, but when was the last time you heard an EOD tech say "I'm pretty much a combat engineer"?

You've probably heard an MP or a CAV scout say "we're pretty much infantry", but you've never heard an infantryman claim to be anything else. That's all you need to remember.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 15 at 2016 10:42 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:42:11 -0500

Same reason everyone wants to be a submariner?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 10:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:57:08 -0500

At WLC I asked an MP why many MPs say that they are "basically infantry" and he went off on how they do everything infantry does, and so much more. When I realized he took this question so seriously, I let him speak.. all out. Until he stopped, and then I added "but you know you are still not infantry right?" - just to see the poor SGT blow up.

Not jabbing at MPs.. but I hear it so often. Everything from 88M, to a shower and laundry specialist, that they are practically infantry. This is only true if you have no idea what infantry does... and the amount of suckage you need to embrace to become said infantry.

Response by TSgt Michael P Reed made Jan 15 at 2016 11:52 AM

TSgt Michael P Reed — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:52:06 -0500

No other AFSC or MOS is like the infantry. The infantry is the most dangerous job in any branch of the armed forces. The rest of us, unless we have been in a combat situation, are only there to help the ground pounders do their jobs. Even aircraft maintenance, of which I was one, is there to assist the ground pounds when they need it. The rest of you are there to support the ground pounders and aircraft maintenance so that our mission can be accomplished.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 11:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:59:37 -0500

I have no idea. But if you need your vehicle fixed bring it by the motor pool!!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 1:33 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:33:46 -0500

This is a very sensitive topic, just like the need for Airborne. It is almost like discussing religion, as many people take their branch to heart and defend it with the classic "bad arguments" that do not push forward a conversation that gets anywhere. Now, in my experience as a 19D in an AASLT RSTA Squadron, we were treated like Infantry, did the exact same job as Infantry, and even had Infantry Commanders. Then we would see the "Battalion Scout" platoons claiming to be scouts and trained in reconnaissance. We considered ourselves to be the same, just with half the people. (Though nobody likes the 19D, most hated MOS in the Army) We weren't doing scout skills, we were closing with and destroying the enemy. We WANTED to sit in a hole for a week gathering information, then watch the Infantry do what they do best, then sit there another week to gather more information, but we did the EXACT SAME THING.

Now, there is also the deep down difference between branches. Every soldier is technically an Infantryman. IET makes you an 11B, those who stay as 11B have the rest of their OSUT to further refine their skills. Everyone else goes on for different training. Signal, Intel, Armor, all of em is just an Infantryman, with additional training and job description. Infantry literally means - child soldier. Grunt is an acronym for General Replacement UNTrained. Both referring to brand new soldiers with enough training to be put on the line. POG is Personnel Other than GRUnt, as in people who have a specialty and/or are not brand new. This is not a dig at the CMF 11, it is the truth. We damn sure need 11s to close with and destroy, just like we need fuelers, EOD, and prime power.

Much of the other jobs saying they can do the infantry's job probably comes from the infantry's attitude that they are the best MOS around (generally speaking), just like many Airborne soldiers believing that "legs" are no good in combat. If that is because the 11's are in direct combat and have to fight to survive, then remember the 13F and 19D have a combat lifespan of about 7 seconds. Much of the Army needs to realize that every MOS is essential, and life would be hard if everyone was an 11B.

I suppose I've gone off topic a little but to sum up, the past few years have allowed the non 11 series to see combat like the 11s do. There is no front line to delineate FLOT, enemy, and rear echelon, its all a ridiculous 3D battlefield with everyone in range of the enemy. We are all soldiers, all having specialties, all needed. NONE BETTER THAN ANY OTHER!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 17 at 2016 11:10 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:10:28 -0500

In the final analysis every man is an infantryman whose mission is to close with and destroy the enemy by any means, whether it be hand to hand, e-tools, knives, or indirect fire. I saw cooks and bakers run screaming like banshees, out of a Bn mess hall at 0200 when we were being probed, helmets and flacks on over their mess whites they looked like ghosts in the night, brandishing butcher knives, meat cleavers, machetes, K-Bars, AKs, shotguns and any other weapon available. The cooks did horrible things to the VC that night and the next morning were back frying eggs and peeling spuds as if nothing had happened.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 10:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 22:53:41 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Aren't they? JK ;-)

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jan 24 at 2016 4:20 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:20:33 -0500

Sure the Navy is JUST like the Infantry. LOL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 6:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 06:31:05 -0500

Is low IQ and lack of common sense a requirement to be 11B???

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 19 at 2017 6:16 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 18:16:53 -0400

Just like the infantry but NOT. People think the Infantry is made up of cannon fodder who are little more than moving targets. They have no idea what the weapons systems and transport require. They think their job requires more skill than Grunt, or Canoneer (gun bunny) for that matter. I'd sooner be with the Warriors than stuck in an officer with POGs

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 9:45 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 22 May 2018 09:45:02 -0400

Cause they want to be hero's instead of weenies? LOL

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Jun 12 at 2018 12:55 AM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 00:55:47 -0400

LoL, one small correction 1LT, Combat MP's receive basic combat training,that was comparable to what used to be Infantry Basic , how to shoot, move and communicate in combat, more than a few think they are Infantry qualified because of this . No one told them that to be Infantry you gotta receive Advanced Infantry Combat training , which any Infantryman knows is way different than basic combat training. No point in going further as after advanced there are the specialist Infantry training such as Airborne ,Air Assault, Sniper, then Ranger and of course The Special Forces.... Of course the absence of the Blue Means you only received a basic combat training ....

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 2 at 2018 4:22 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:22:56 -0400

Who?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 2 at 2018 5:51 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 17:51:46 -0400

If you sleep in dirt it's because your infantry

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 3 at 2018 1:56 AM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 01:56:58 -0400

Got to have blur disc and blue rope.

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Nov 3 at 2018 2:55 AM

MAJ Haris Balcinovic — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 02:55:47 -0400

I'm just gonna leave this here. ;)
Essayons.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Nov 4 at 2018 7:22 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 07:22:09 -0500

Never walk when you can ride or ride when you can fly!

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 6 at 2018 9:08 PM

SrA John Monette — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:08:26 -0500

to make the infantry feel better about themselves

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 4:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:27:29 -0500

Hmm...maybe I've been lucky but I don't think I've ever heard anyone over E4 say that...seems like a pretty low maturity level to not understand your role.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 5:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:43:46 -0500

I was at a training center once and my scout squad put the hurt on an opfor platoon plus, we went back to the toc later and our BDE CSM came and told us we did a good job but we needed leave the enemies to the infantrymen, or something like that. We were infantry scouts.

Response by PFC Kel Lee made Jan 16 at 2019 8:56 PM

PFC Kel Lee — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:56:08 -0500

MPs are the worst about claiming infantry. I was one and during basic our drill sergeants literally told us that we were basically infantry and I thought it was bs and learned that it is. My experience with my unit after basic was they wanted to act like infantry without the family type bond infantry soldiers usually have. Could be just the unit I was in.

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 17 at 2019 2:02 PM

CPT William Jones — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 14:02:08 -0500

My job back in the day with a 1330 (now 12a) was to be able to do everything a combat engineer does and everything an 11b does. It is all part of the mos

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Jan 18 at 2019 12:25 PM

SFC Michael Arabian — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:25:12 -0500

Please do not take this wrong, I never want to be or claimed to be infantry. What I did for the military was something I loved to do and that was cook. Yes I am proud to say that I am a lowly little cook. I have nothing against anyone who is, I was work with some great people that are Infantry. If I had wanted to be Infantry I would have enlisted for it or re- enlisted during my time in.

Response by SSG Gilbert Duran made Jan 18 at 2019 1:16 PM

SSG Gilbert Duran — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 13:16:13 -0500

Nope thank you

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 2:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:18:40 -0500

I'm just a simple mechanic. All we do is scream, "go ordnance!" While spraying vulgar insults at eachother as teamchiefs run up to the bay bitching about their trucks being deadlined.

Response by SGT Timothy Strashinsky made Jan 18 at 2019 3:03 PM

SGT Timothy Strashinsky — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:03:49 -0500

Becuase everyone can do a crunchies job but they cant do most other mos jobs. At least as a tanker thats what i observed when i was in.

Response by GySgt Mike Fulp made Jan 18 at 2019 3:11 PM

GySgt Mike Fulp — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:11:50 -0500

As the Marine Corps says "Every Marine is a basic rifleman" . That means all Marines can accomplish basic rifleman tasks. That does not mean they are experts or experienced in complicated infantry tactics. I spent 20+ years in the Corps as a support person of the anti tank and tank community. I spent a great deal of time working on tactics I would not dare say I can do the job of a infantry GySgt. Just like they could not do my job. One team different roles. Semper Fi.

Response by PO1 Daniel Brock made Jan 18 at 2019 3:40 PM

PO1 Daniel Brock — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:40:03 -0500

I really can't add anything to this discussion. Most of my career was spent as a Gunners Mate in the SeaBees and Naval Coastal Warfare/Embarked Security Detatchment. I'm completely clueless when it comes to Army MOS.

Response by SPC Terry Fuller made Jan 18 at 2019 4:13 PM

SPC Terry Fuller — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:13:05 -0500

This was not only a very good topic, but very well written. Thank you!

Response by SSG Jack Lewis made Jan 18 at 2019 4:25 PM

SSG Jack Lewis — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:25:30 -0500

I dunno, man. I took a Combat Lifesaver course once, and it pretty much made me a field medic.

Also, an 88M is eight times an infantryman. That's not my opinion. That's just math.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jan 18 at 2019 4:51 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:51:06 -0500

Anyone can claim to be anything. And it tends to piss off the ones that earned what is being claimed. Mostly by limpdicks.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 5:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:31:42 -0500

I’m going to preface with how much I, as someone who has SMOS 11B on my ERB because I completed infantry OSUT before being reclassed to 19D and completing the black and gold phases of their OSUT, can’t stand this. One problem I have is when my fellow scouts, being in a motorized unit and not Strykers or Bradleys, say this. My problem is that even though I firmly believe light scouts should be 11D and not 19 series, they’re not, and as such they’re not nearly as good as the infantry at the infantry tasks that they so often do. I can’t speak as to whether or not Stryker or Bradley units should be 11 or 19, but I do believe that reconnaissance for an infantry brigade is much different than recon for a tank brigade, and not being infantry results in light scouts getting overlooked for the training that would benefit them the most. That being said, my guys are great in the woods, not so great in urban areas, and my biggest pain is dealing with when we have engineers attached because they have no knowledge of patrolling or stealth, they always become a risk and need babysitting. You’d think that an Engineer Reconnaissance Team would be something they have to try out for, much like scout platoons in the infantry, but as far as I’ve seen, it’s not. They don’t get the training that they need either, and it really shows. MP’s, Engineers, scouts (back when they were infantry), and the infantry all stormed the beaches of Normandy together, but that doesn’t happen anymore. There is nobody who is just like the infantry except the infantry, not even those who should be because it would make them better at their job, our training just isn’t that effective and you can’t commit all your time to training infantry tasks if you have other tasks to train.

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Jan 18 at 2019 6:24 PM

SSG Brian Edwards — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:24:33 -0500

I was in aviation, never ever and I mean never did I say I was infantry. I respect what those guys do every day, but I had and still have pride in my aviation branch. The infantry is there own part of the army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 6:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:27:06 -0500

I would never claim to have a low ASVAB score and questionable morals! Aviation all the way!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 6:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:27:22 -0500

I have alot of respect for the combat arms brethren we have in the Army, and have seen some come through my neck of the woods, 12N, heavy equipment operator (Engineers).What they possess in their respective field for knowledge was amazing. We all contribute to the cause, through technical and tactical knowledge. No one element can fight standing alone. Combat arms needs support, and vice versa.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 6:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:44:34 -0500

I agree with you on the fact other mos soldiers dont know as much as 11b soldiers when it comes to being infantry soldiers, however, to say a soldier isnt infantry oriented bothers me. We all train with rifles, we all do perform "soldier tasks" that tradoc believes we should know to fight, and many who arent infantry have died. I believe, thqt every soldier is an infantryman first, then whatever mos they may be. A lot experienced than an 11b but still an infantryman. The old marine adage merines are riflemen first should have applied to the Army as well.

Response by SPC Christopher McMahon made Jan 18 at 2019 6:51 PM

SPC Christopher McMahon — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:51:22 -0500

I was a 13B Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember. At no time did I wish to be, or claim to an 11B. We all have our jobs. Everyone of them matters. It’s why we are the best Army on the planet.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Jan 18 at 2019 6:57 PM

CPT Jeff Robinette — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:57:38 -0500

For the most part I would agree with you.I think that their reason for these comments foes back Rob the fact the they are not the point of the sword. We are!
If you are a student of history, I am, I would encourage you to look up Kampfgruppe Pieper during the Battle of the Bulge. The Combat Engineer unit there in that sector did as much as or maybe more than Infantry and Armor to slow, hinder the advance, harass the Butcher Of Malmedy in his race to Antwerpt. They blew bridges, laid mine fields , and set up hasty Ambushes on dismounted Infantry.

Response by TSgt Darell Brown made Jan 18 at 2019 7:37 PM

TSgt Darell Brown — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:37:21 -0500

I guess I can see your point being a old commo guy. I’m sure everyone remembers the old mottos Shoot, move and communicate so we prided ourselves knowing missions don’t get accomplished without commo. At least we convinced ourselves of this. Lol But personally for myself the first 4 units of my young career were in infantry, and rest assured someone had a prc-77 on their back in a 50 lb ruck with those frigging brick batteries. Granted I will admit we were not always involved in patrol training etc, but TOC setups perimeter security, digging and sleeping in foxholes we did it all. So I took from my experience living the grunt life the confidence and knowledge of skills I would have never gotten from a conventional signal unit. Never claimed infantry status, All I have to say is Ft Campbell KY. 101st AbN. Honorary maybe. Lol

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Jan 18 at 2019 7:52 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:52:17 -0500

I first encountered Army life as a combat engineer in 1971. We were told our job was to go out in front of the Infantry and clear the way so the infantry could make it through safely

Response by SGT Mike Adams made Jan 18 at 2019 9:11 PM

SGT Mike Adams — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 21:11:13 -0500

Calvary scout, similar to infantry but also have to be a mechanic.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jan 18 at 2019 9:33 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 21:33:41 -0500

In 1968 My MOS was 31M40, Radio Relay Carrier. If we were setting up a new out post I always wanted a grunt in the area. I knew what to do and how, but they were more efficient and made quicker decisions. I was a Sgt and if a inf. PFC said here’s what I recommend then that’s what I did.

Response by SFC William Huse made Jan 18 at 2019 10:02 PM

SFC William Huse — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:02:44 -0500

I was airborne infantry,82nd, I was 9th ID Infantry, I was 1st IDF Infantry, I am 60 years old, and still Infantry and always will be!.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 10:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:39:55 -0500

Im a 68k. Infantry do your thing. I barely claim to be a soldier.

Response by SGT Patrick Gaebelein made Jan 18 at 2019 10:51 PM

SGT Patrick Gaebelein — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:51:27 -0500

Now, how does it work when as a combat arms MOS (I served as artillery in the 82D as well as a tanker in armor battalions and even an infantry company) are employed as provisional infantry, as in Iraq and Afgahnistan, literally doing the same job, minus the MOS, and getting none of the recognition, as in a CIB? The 319th FA, both it’s 173rd component and its 82D were used extensively as “provisional infantry”, I know there were others. An artilleryman in an airborne unit isn’t the same as his mechanized brethren...and this is beat into you from day one and the training exemplifies this. I an not taking anything away from the infantry, but when people are transplanted into that role for the mission sake, the least they can be provided with is recognition from the role they were assigned. I know plenty of 13F guys who could do everything a grunt coul, to include EIB testing, yet they can’t wear the decoration, nor can “provisinal infantry” where a CIB.

Response by SGT Jason Quarles made Jan 19 at 2019 12:21 AM

SGT Jason Quarles — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 00:21:44 -0500

Haha lame joke sir. Being armor you couldn't do my job just like I couldn't nor want to do yours. I respect the trackpads that support us and we support they have to walk while I get to ride and yes I'll start the tank up so you can warm up n the winter. We rip each other and that's all it is.

Response by SPC Anthony Kueneman made Jan 19 at 2019 1:07 AM

SPC Anthony Kueneman — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 01:07:22 -0500

So many non infantry types commenting on this. At the end of the day, we have our pride and you have your applicable job skills. Just let us have this one ya POGs!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 6:14 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 06:14:59 -0500

Idk about other branches MPs, but the Marine MPs go on floats and teach other countries how to use machine guns, mounted and dismounted patrols ect... I’ve known more MPs with combat experience than I have grunts. Also, peacetime grunts are just POGs in my opinion. That’s just my experience.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 6:22 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 06:22:14 -0500

I’ve also known MPs to do raid, security, and ambush patrols. Mounted or dismounted. Process detainees, expeditionary forensics and site exploitation ect...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 6:29 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 06:29:07 -0500

Of course, I actually don’t give a damn. My MOS is 1039 Pot Stirring Specialist.

Response by CPT David Neighbors made Jan 19 at 2019 7:51 AM

CPT David Neighbors — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 07:51:46 -0500

As a Cavalry trained officer we were taught infantry, armor, and cavalry tactics. I never considered myself a tanker. Scouts out.

Response by Cpl Pablo Torres made Jan 19 at 2019 11:07 AM

Cpl Pablo Torres — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:07:36 -0500

I agree because I always hated to saying that All Marines are Riflemen....not true, most non Grunts have shitty shooting scores, don’t properly clean their weapons and usually fall out of runs and humps. That’s not to say some grunts don’t either but at least they are suffering in the Line Companies with the rest of us.....which is why I had commented in another post about USMC have some sort of patch or badge to recognize a Marine in the Infantry....you can have a Admin Pog in Dress Blues and a Grunt in Dress Blues and not know the difference

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 11:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 11:49:14 -0500

Being the most NON Infantry of all, A band guy, I think you should be proud of whatever job you enlisted for. If that means you perform similar tasks to the Infantry, then so be it. Still doesnt mean you're part of that MOS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 12:30 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 12:30:35 -0500

When I was a Cav Scout, it was a familiar refrain. In fact, a lot of our NCOs were former infantry. As a light unit, perhaps there was a lot of overlap, but I never much cared to compare. I personally always thought it was fine to be a 19D.

Response by CPT Paul Weiss made Jan 19 at 2019 3:16 PM

CPT Paul Weiss — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:16:45 -0500

This is easy. You are either a Grunt or not a Grunt. Do you have an Infantry MOS? Are you entitled to wear a Blue Cord? If in combat, do you qualify for a CIB?
If you answers are affirmative, you are a Grunt! Everything else is just noise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 3:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:54:17 -0500

Sir, I'm eight there with you. I served for 28 years in the infantry but had the opportunity to get 7 other MOS schools. Yes, other MOS'S want so badly to say that they can do our job but when you have those same soldiers come out to the field with your infantrymen, that's really something to see. I did this on more than one occasion, and every single time, those same " we are basically infantry " soldiers we through after only about a half of a day of REAL infantry work. There is no other MOS that can do what we do, and in the same respect, we can't what they do. That's why we are all in the Army. To do our respective jobs. But just like in any manual in the military, ALL other MOS'S support the tip of the spear, that's us, INFANTRY LEADS WAY!

Response by SSG Ian Faling made Jan 19 at 2019 4:31 PM

SSG Ian Faling — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 16:31:26 -0500

Infantry is Infantry no one can come close to claiming to be almost Infantry! Well accept for a badass line Medic!

Response by 1SG Gary Bacon made Jan 19 at 2019 5:35 PM

1SG Gary Bacon — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 17:35:55 -0500

Never in my life did I want to be infantry. I loved the ordnance field and that is what I did. An old saying, " A soldier can Co 30 days with no food. A week with no water, but won't last 5 min without bullets." So yea, I think my mos was important enough without having to wish I was infantry....just my take.

Response by COL Tom Dials made Jan 19 at 2019 6:12 PM

COL Tom Dials — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 18:12:15 -0500

I was commissioned Armor and was an aero-rifle (MOS 1204) platoon leader and an infantry platoon leader and company commander (MOS 1542) in Vietnam. I also commanded a tank company and a cavalry squadron. I keep seeing this question pop up. I think it is regarded by most folks who’ve ‘seen the elephant’ as kinda silly.

I read a story in this month’s Army magazine about a MSG Vito Bertoldo, who was a ‘f*ckin’ cook’ in A/1-242 IN, 42nd ID and received the MoH for his actions in Hatten, Germany in January 1945, defending his company’s position against an overwhelming German assault for over 12 hours. So, in the interests of maintaining harmony and protecting tradition I’ll just leave my CIB on the wall and ignore this. Thanks for the opportunity...

Response by SGT Sean Moore made Jan 19 at 2019 7:11 PM

SGT Sean Moore — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 19:11:09 -0500

I was 19K (Tanker). MOS prior to that I was originally a 71L (Admin Spec) which was later transitioned to 42A. Got to go to jump school (5 jump chump), but still glad I got to go and wish I’d had the opportunity to jump more, but oh well. After ETSing from active duty I wound up being a full time DA Civilian Police Officer at Ft Campbell. With all that said, I’d never claim to be “almost Infantry.” Now... on the other hand about Infantry, I’ve had countless 11 series guys say to me... “man, I wish I worked in an air conditioned office” or “it must be nice to be able to ride around everywhere in a tank instead of humping a ruck on foot all the time.” I’ve got respect for you Grunts as well as all other Soldiers, but spare us the commentary like I quoted above. There hasn’t been a draft in over 40 years and when you volunteered you chose an Infantry MOS. Suck it up and either live with your decision or reclass to a different MOS or get out. It also seemed like the vast majority of AWOLs from Ft Campbell, when I worked for the Provost Marshal Office, were INFANTRY... LOL!

Response by CW3 Jere Hodges made Jan 19 at 2019 7:25 PM

CW3 Jere Hodges — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 19:25:03 -0500

Although I spent about 25% of my career in combat arms (Infantry & Artillery) units, I had no desire to be "just like infantry". My job was to see that the infantry , artillery, or Aviation soldiers in my unit had what they needed, where they needed it, when they needed it to perform their mission. My mission was logistical support of the combat troops. I was skilled at my mission and proud of my success in supporting the troops in their mission.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Jan 19 at 2019 8:35 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 20:35:34 -0500

Engineer branch used to come close to Infantry. They didn't patrol but we involved with defense.

Response by SGT Daniel Rocco Ames made Jan 19 at 2019 10:47 PM

SGT Daniel Rocco Ames — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 22:47:06 -0500

I was a 13B1P/13B2P, but for both my extended deployments they had us doing non-standard (for us) missions. We worked with Infantry, SF, EOD, etc. doing TCPs, clearing rooms, cordoning and searching neighborhoods, cache searches, P.O.O. overwatch, mounted and discounted prescence patrols, air assaults (landings) on compounds, and everything else. I never touched a Howitzer except for quarterly maintenance, yet I know I wasn't Infantry. Although I did the Infantry job. By the time I got out after 7 years I had only basic knowledge of my MOS, but I could train new soldiers in entering and clearing a room, react to contact/IED etc. To call myself Infantry would be the same as calling myself Air Assault qualified. I've rappelled before, rigged many slingloads for heavy drops (It was a common detail in the 82nd), many many miles of timed road marches, and have also done 5 actual air assault insertions in Iraq (Non fast roping)

Response by PFC Glendan Donald made Jan 20 at 2019 12:40 AM

PFC Glendan Donald — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:40:59 -0500

Good question. I’m infantry prior service and will be joining the reserves as a 88N soon..currently awaiting orders. Wtbs when soldiers that aren’t infantry say they are “basically infantry”, it’s a slap in the face in all honesty. The pride in having that blue chord is like no other. Being deployed going outside the wire daily while other soldiers huddle around the coffee shop was the infantry. Everybody’s infantry until it’s time to do a mountain climb for PT when the weather fluctuates the higher you go with a low of -15 degrees.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 2:20 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 02:20:15 -0500

Anyone could do anyone's job it's just a matter of being trained to do it. I could fix a car if I was trained and you could fix an airplane if you were trained. One day we are just normal average civilians and the next day we are in basic training wearing a uniform completely the same person. Even after completing a few years in the military we are still just people like any other civilian. Even after retiring from the military we are still just people. It doesnt matter where you have been what you have been trained to do or what your are good at. Pride is your own burden but like any other person you are going to eventually die and everything you use to could do will be lost. Ash to ash dust to dust fade to black it is all gone. Worrying about someone else's perception of reality is a waste to your life. All this time spent being upset about some issue that has no meaning could have been spent feeling joy.

Response by SGT T M made Jan 20 at 2019 10:19 AM

SGT T M — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 10:19:32 -0500

Who in the hell ever says "I'm pretty much infantry ?"

Response by SGT Michael Hartman made Jan 20 at 2019 12:17 PM

SGT Michael Hartman — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 12:17:43 -0500

As a retired Signal Soldier I remember watching combat arms MOS Soldiers walking around like they owned the Army. It would irritate me then I would remember one thing. Where are they without commo? Instant gratification. I do have total respect for all MOSs but for one to believe it is superior to any other is wrong. They are all interlinked and one can not do its job without all necessary others.

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made Jan 20 at 2019 2:29 PM

SGT Tj Casiano — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 14:29:32 -0500

Personally, I never wanted to be infantry or thought I was anywhere near infantry. I was proud as my role as an MI analyst. I enjoyed being 'in the know'. Our role in MI played an integral part in guiding operations and minimizing casualties. I would never tried to take anything away from those who stand on the front lines.

Response by SPC Lupe AGuirre made Jan 20 at 2019 3:46 PM

SPC Lupe AGuirre — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 15:46:15 -0500

I was 13F..Forward Observer...we lived with our maneuver battalion.So I humped with 11B alot but I didn't have to do everything that they did.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 7:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 19:58:07 -0500

Often Imitated Never Duplicated

Follow Me!

Response by CPL Kevin Kumpe made Jan 21 at 2019 9:48 AM

CPL Kevin Kumpe — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:48:30 -0500

I am an infantry soldier and have served 8 years honorably as an infantry soldier and when I was set to go back to Iraq in 2008 I was non-deployable because I had a rating of 50% disabled from the department of veterans affairs. So when asked if I wanted to do another job with in the Army I was told that I could be a calligrapher which is a map maker and I said no because I didnt want to lose my status as an infantry soldier. So too me doing another job besides infantry was an insult too me and my infantry status.

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Jan 21 at 2019 12:20 PM

SSG Kyle Stromgren — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 12:20:07 -0500

Yes the only guys I can think of are your line medics as they are out with and embracing the suck as much as a true Infantryman

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 4:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:07:58 -0500

What do you think about 13F..Forward Observer. As a 13F I never claimed to be Infantry. But I been in more Infantry units in combat more than some infantry men I came across. Out of 20 years of military service I spent 17 in Infantry units

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 9:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 21:16:56 -0500

Just tell those POGS that daddy has work to do and to mind their mother while your gone and their vegetable so they can grow up big and strong one day. Then go handle your businesses. It is healthy for kids to exercise their imagination. It’s also harmless banter that you shouldn’t take so seriously. You don’t hear Marine Infantry crying about their POGS claiming to be rifleman.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 11:46 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 23:46:51 -0500

So, here is the only issue with your post. When you that “you need” other branches to support you, it sounds arrogant and, in 2019, and archaic. We aren’t fighting linear wars with infantry men controlling the battlefield. It’s much more multidimensional and the infantry man serves as much to support other branches as they do to support him. As a leader, it’s important to understand that. Your right, everyone has their role and every role is equally important.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Jan 22 at 2019 2:30 AM

SGT Mathew Husen — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 02:30:23 -0500

Infantry wants to be like Civil Affairs.

Response by PO1 Michael Moe made Jan 22 at 2019 9:41 AM

PO1 Michael Moe — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 09:41:28 -0500

Never wanted to be 11B, 13B is all I wanted to do is shoot those big guns and protect all that needed that cover my gun could provide.

Response by SGT Thomas Roberts made Jan 22 at 2019 10:12 AM

SGT Thomas Roberts — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 10:12:46 -0500

So, where do medics fall in this?

Response by SGT Thomas Roberts made Jan 22 at 2019 10:35 AM

SGT Thomas Roberts — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 10:35:53 -0500

There is Infantry, and those who support Infantry.

Response by PFC Gerald Bailey made Jan 22 at 2019 11:09 AM

PFC Gerald Bailey — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 11:09:47 -0500

I'm Artillery and learned basic soldiering in my first 8 weeks of OSUT at Fort Sill. I can set up a perimeter to protect my units area. My expertise is lobbing 95# rounds down range from a M109A2A3 Howitzer. Likewise, an infantryman operating a M224 60mm Mortar doesn't make them just like artillery. I get a little bristled when someone takes glory that they are not entitled to also. Keep it real. One gets more respect that way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 1:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:37:30 -0500

I have NEVER heard of other branches claiming to be just like the infantry... This article is FULL OF S#!T

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 9:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:06:06 -0500

I am not infantry nor do I want to be. A lot of factors go into this thing. Most of my experience with say 19d or 13f has been that they didn't claim to be pretty much infantry they would be insulted if you said infantry was as good at combat skills as they were, I am neither I have been a mechanic and an engineer. In Iraq my first hand experience puts infantry and everybody else on the same page depending on your mission. Most of the combat I saw or knew about was hits on logistic convoys route clearance or raids conducted because you took excessive fire when setting up checkpoints and so forth. I'd take our old gun truck crews in that environment over any 11b platoon in the army. We were trained for it we were good at it and no one will convince me otherwise. Let's change the circumstances though. Vietnam or a conventional front line war. Now you have definent bragging rights as it were. An infantry squad should be much better at say taking out a bunker or machine gun nest than my people ever were. Every conflict is different and every mos is mildly different depending on circumstances. If an infantry squad is actually doing their job then they deserve some extra respect. Most of my time in a combat zone they did the same crap I did. I'm not infantry but i think these circumstances bring up a lot of these feelings. As I said conventional war would be a different deal.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 9:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:13:49 -0500

Honestly. I've done gruntwork when attached to infantry units as engineer support usually to the light infantry units in 10th MTN. I gotta say, when it came to arguments like this I don't bother, mostly because I'm not envious I'm also not envious of more relaxed mos's. I'm at the most content where I'm at and haven't desired to be anything else (besides that drone stuff.. that looks fun.). From the way I see it I get my fair share of cross training and schools so why compare? Obviously someone who's job is to do X Y Z are better at said job.

Response by SGT Joseph Miller made Jan 23 at 2019 8:14 AM

SGT Joseph Miller — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 08:14:44 -0500

1LT Eric Rosa I get your point but if you would've used any other MOS than MP and I'm not talking about a cage kicker MP but an actual road MP I would've agreed with you. Son I was airborne infantry before you were even an itch in your daddies britches before I went to the dark side and became an MP. Yes there was some training that i got as an infantryman that I didn't get as an MP and just like there was training I got as an MP that I didn't get as an infantryman but combat frontline training was no different and MP's and infantry are two of the only MOS's that are that close and you could say that I don't know what the f@$k I'm talking about but I was an infantry drill sergeant at Benning in the 80's so I actually do know what I'm talking about. Your point was lost because you picked the wrong MOS to compare. You might throw in Bradley training or tow gunner or mortars but just like an MP those aren't basic 11 bang bang training, just like corrections is different training for a corrections MP. As for Bradley, ever heard of an ASV? It's the MP armored fighting vehicle. If you had used combat engineers or any other mos that thinks they are just like the infantry besides MP you would've made your point.

Response by SGT Joseph Miller made Jan 23 at 2019 8:40 AM

SGT Joseph Miller — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 08:40:23 -0500

1LT Eric Rosa, I'm gonna add one more thing in and remember I'm prior airborne infantry. The Infantry Soldier is the most brainwashed soldier in the US Army, they have constantly been pounded on how great they are and how much better than everyone else is exactly how US Marines are. Yes infantry has a great history and like you said they can't do it alone but they always go on about how they are the frontline and actually in the past yes but not anymore. And you get these kids nowadays that graduate infantry school and they get their blue discs and their blue cord and go to combat and get a CIB and they strut around on how much better they are than every other soldier and infantry has fought hard against the combat badge and the CAB for any other branch since WWII saying it's only an infantry thing and it's special. I hate to burst your bubble but research the blue cord, infantry blue discs and the CIB, it's the first participation trophies ever given to someone in the USA to say your special too. The US Army had a bad time recruiting for infantry in the beginning of WWII as who wants to be sent to the slaughter in war and they came out with these doodads for the uniform to make it seem like infantry was better than everyone else and to increase recruiting and men fell for it. It was all a recruiting tool for the infantry! When artillery and armor proposed the CAB (combat artillery badge ,red background with a cannon instead of kentucky rifle and the armor version done up in armor) the infantry fought tooth and nail to keep their participation trophies for themselves so they could continue to look down on mere mortals. I'm not putting the CIB down like I said I'm prior infantry but they aren't the only branch that fights and dies on front lines and they aren't the only branch who's ever turned the tide of a battle. It's not other branches mentality that's the problem it's the infantry mentality that's the actual problem and that needs to change

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 6:29 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:29:22 -0500

I’m a Seabee. Nuff said.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Jan 28 at 2019 3:45 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 03:45:13 -0500

Because they don't make war movies about the cook.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 3:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 03:04:02 -0500

Because they have Infantry Envy.

Response by LTC John Bush made Feb 12 at 2019 2:48 PM

LTC John Bush — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 14:48:34 -0500

a complex subject. My first platoon sergeant fought from D day through Germany as a machine gunner, shurly a true blue Infantryman. later, when I had a logistical assignment my CWO had also fought from D day through Germany as a combat engineer that never did any engineering. Any job in the Army can be demanding in different ways and in the final analysis all branches may be called on to fight as infantry. My supply company fought well in TET 68, they could not patrol, clear an area but they sure stood their ground against a witherin enemy fire. ( I could write a book about what it took to get them ready for that event but not here) Like you I always believed my infantry training made me up for anything and I sure had my share of off the wall assignments. I would say be proud of who you are, bloom where you are planted, let your deeds speak for you and ignore the rest.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Feb 13 at 2019 12:09 AM

LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:09:54 -0500

JEALOUSY. The entire military exists to support the grunt. It is he who closes with the enemy, defeats him and if politicians (lawyers) allow it destroy the enemy. All the arty, tanks, planes and ships either provide firepower to support land operations or bring supplies to the grunt.

When I was a little boy I said they would never take the moon without Infantry. Sure enough 20 plus years later some Joe climbed out of a spaceship, WALKED to a photogenic spot and planted our flag. That's Infantry.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Feb 13 at 2019 9:12 PM

CSM Tony Blair — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:12:06 -0500

because everyone wants be be Infantry!!!!!

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Feb 13 at 2019 9:15 PM

CSM Tony Blair — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:15:53 -0500

on a serious note, all can do things that 11B's do, but we do it better.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2019 4:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 04:05:11 -0500

LOL I couldn't help but respond to this old post. I've had this similar experience when I first enlisted. 19D Cav scouts have this wanna be attitude as it perfectly fits them; I label them as such. Long story short, I once was 19K (Armor) I took this one 19D (who I don't want to name) brought him into this discussion among other combat MOS soldiers with MOS 13B (artillery), 11B (infantry) to engage on this conversation once and for all. The 19D still insists that he is "infantry" and even stated that in front of the 11B soldier. I couldn't help but laugh my ass off in front of him. On the other hand, the 11B was rather offended. The 11B said "no you're not" and argued his why. Only to later have the 19D look like an ass and have him retract his statement and change it to "Armor." I stepped in and told him "no you're not because I'm Armor, you're not" in addition to the why. After two of us telling him he's just a wanna be he finally woke up and realized he ain't either of who he believed he is. He dare not say he's artillery because the 13B is standing right there in front of him. So... Definitely one of the funniest experiences I've ever had with those who don't know who they are. LMAO!!!!

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Feb 15 at 2019 6:04 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 18:04:21 -0500

My initial thought seeing the title was "Who would want to claim to be JUST like Infantry" since that would be a considerable step down. Of course, that was based on my experience in Armor and Armored Cavalry units, where the only comparison between us and infantry was somewhere between laughter and pity.

Then I read the the LT's text, and saw that he was whining about MPs. The odd thing about my career in Armor is that I did spend a while as NCOIC (and very briefly as Acting Commander) of an detachment that was primarily MPs, so I have some familiarity with them as well.

Of course,1 LT Rosa is correct that most MPs never learned the jargon he was taught in the Infantry Office Basic Course -- but then again, most infantrymen could not answer those same questions because memorizing textbook answers about textbook questions is an officer's job not a Soldier's job. Take and Infantry platoon and and MP platoon to the field, give them both the mission to conduct a patrol -- both will do it differently and both will probably violate one or more of the Principles of Patrolling, but both will get the job done. There are certainly a number of tasks that the Infantrymen would probably do better (especially tasks where heavy weapons are needed), and there are also a number of tasks where the MPs would do better (especially tasks where attention to detail or strict adherence to the ROE are needed). No one is really "just like infantry" (thank God) but there are several MOS with a significant overlap in skills.

1LT Rosa is proud of his branch, and that's good. But there is no reason to put anyone else down or to assume that ONLY infantrymen know how to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Anderson made Feb 16 at 2019 6:11 AM

Cpl Benjamin Anderson — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 06:11:38 -0500

As far as I've experienced even in the Marine Corps where everyone is a rifleman not everyone can efficiently do everything required of the infantry. Now me being lucky enough (or unlucky depending on how you view unneccessary field exercises) my unit had a CO who had started out as an infantry officer before being assigned to a com unit so he found it just as important to continue to sharpen the skill required of the infantry as well and sometime even more so than our actual mos.

Response by Eric Lund made Feb 17 at 2019 2:17 AM

Eric Lund — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 02:17:36 -0500

The army has become so specialized and compartmentalized that no mos can claim the expertise of any other. infantry gets a bum rap because everybody seems to believe that they are infantry with special training to make them something better. they seem to think that infantry is not a specialized mos and they are wrong on so many levels anybody that has been in combat knows that any unit in the field not supported by infantry is a target of opportunity especially heavy armor. infantry is equipped and trained to engage any opposition not specialized to engage a specific type of unit. no other mos can claim that distinction.

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Feb 17 at 2019 10:37 AM

Cpl Geoff Smith — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 10:37:56 -0500

Self esteem. In the Marin the Corps, and Army, the infantry is held in the highest order by the top leaders, although all are equally important to accomplish the mission.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Feb 17 at 2019 3:33 PM

PO3 James Bobiney — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 15:33:11 -0500

Response by LCpl Isaac Park made Feb 17 at 2019 3:47 PM

LCpl Isaac Park — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 15:47:49 -0500

I'm pretty much the equivalent of an infantry Marine rifleman. That's all the effort I am willing to put forth in this post.

Also, I wanted to say that you have a wholesome and good view of the truth.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Feb 18 at 2019 5:46 PM

SPC Daniel Rankin — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 17:46:12 -0500

That infantry officer was pretty dumb. I was an armored specialist in an infantry unit and so could do both. I was 33 years old when I went in and can tell you for a fact that could out run and outshoot most of the infantry that I hung out with. So do not get so hung up on your self mr infantry man. Most infantry do not walk very far anymore and I did my share of patrols on foot in the armored units. And yes I went through a war also. I drove and walked. In fact I drove many infantry to their destination before they got out and walked.

Response by SPC Bryan Meeks made Feb 19 at 2019 5:52 PM

SPC Bryan Meeks — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:52:50 -0500

Yes I agree combat arms is not all the same as me being a 68w is not a 68c nurse they could never handle being outside the wire and we are both medical they know more than us but we have specific training they don't like 11b has that 13 and 14 and so dont

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Feb 20 at 2019 9:53 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 09:53:07 -0500

You’ve cracked open a can of worms and I agree that it is silly to think of one’s self as infantry if you are in another MOS... except if you are a Marine and then you actually have to know what a 5 paragraph order is (SMEAC), the 11 general orders for sentries, you must be proficient with a rifle/pistol, and be able to discuss fireteam formations, squad tactics, and render field first aid, etc.

That said, there is still a difference between having an academic and even field training understanding of these things and doing them for real. Unless you are infantry, you really should not call yourself infantry.

Now to rip the lid off on this can of worms. An an infantry officer, what is your take on women and tg’s as front-line combat infantry soldiers? Will the troops eagerly follow a female or transgender infantry platoon commander in combat? Or is there a perception that they aren’t physically up to the task and need help keeping up? Would they prefer to follow a man of equal competence?

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Feb 20 at 2019 12:52 PM

Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:52:32 -0500

I was pretty much infantry- in the infantry. Then when I became a sniper I was like the infantry except I was just support. Everyone else is just support.

Response by SPC Kyle Olson made Feb 20 at 2019 2:07 PM

SPC Kyle Olson — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:07:50 -0500

They hate us cause they ain't us!!! Everybody wants to be in the lead until it's time to actually lead. Been going on for years and will continue too. INFANTRY FOREVER! 3RD ID!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Response by PO2 Payton Baldridge made Feb 20 at 2019 4:40 PM

PO2 Payton Baldridge — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 16:40:56 -0500

Sounds to me like a pretty massive chip on your shoulder here. I hear more Army infantry claiming to be the same as Marines much more often that what you claim to be hearing concerning infantry. This seems more like you actively seeking out these individuals.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Feb 22 at 2019 7:38 AM

CPO David Sharp — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 07:38:37 -0500

I am a retired Seabee Builder CPO. I went through the School of Infantry with the USMC, both Marine and Seabee school of field Comm., Land Navigation, etc. My primary duties are engineering support. I have the skills to do QRF duty but primary is to get the Marines and SEALs where they have to go, support and build the FOBs and COPs. Defend when needed and get them out of Dodge when required. Just do the job and remember "one team, one fight".

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Feb 26 at 2019 5:53 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 17:53:51 -0500

There are only two Branch's have real Infantry. The Army and the Marine corps.
The other have Jobs that involve Infantry like jobs.
Navy sea bees have to have infantry skills to do there jobs, Pulling securty with reacation forces.
The same with any group that has a air or landing field. That does not have infantry support.
Then the Air Force have there Spec ops people. A larg amount of them are RANGER qualified.
Then there are aways the PX Rangers.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 1:38 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 13:38:02 -0400

Its mostly out of Ignorance. Being in a firefight or trained on what to do in one does not make you an infantryman. When I switched from 25 Series to 11B I misunderstood the infantry. All Pog's hear is "To seek out and close with the enemy" while ignoring the "Kill or capture him, to seize and hold ground and to repel attack by day or night"
Anyone can form a wedge and walk. anyone can set up a linear ambush. anyone can fire small arms. anyone can sit and be quiet in a patrol base. These are the things most joe's on the outisde think grunts do. The difference between Infantry and other combat arms, specifically, is the knowledge, ability and skill set to apply all the things necessary to fulfill our primary roles.

Response by CPT Douglas Rulon made Mar 16 at 2019 2:43 PM

CPT Douglas Rulon — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 14:43:23 -0400

I was an Engineer and in the absence of an engineer mission we would disorganize and fight like the infantry!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2019 8:17 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 08:17:47 -0400

Air Traffic Control is the best MOS in my opinion.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made Mar 18 at 2019 4:13 PM

PO2 Steven Michaeli — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:13:04 -0400

In leadership school I did a speech on common basic infantry school being a requirement for all jobs in all branches. You an AF pilot? Army cook? Navy machinists mate? Guess what happens when the runway is destroyed, the mess hall is bombed, or the ship is sunk? Someone hands you a rifle and orders, “Follow Me”. Or you gonna wait for the 11Bs to rescue you? Or surrender without making the enemy earn it?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2019 5:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 17:34:05 -0400

I would NEVER claim to just like Infantry....Why the hell would I want to walk to a fight when I can drive. I can lay down more fire with my squad than a Inf. platoon could ever hope for. I can leave the wire when I need too and not need an Infantry escort. I can plan and get a COP built. I have a Job when not in a Combat Zone and my skill set can be used in Peace time, Conflict and combat so why would I ever need to lower myself to "Basically Infantry" ;)

Response by Lt Col Robert Farnette made Mar 18 at 2019 8:32 PM

Lt Col Robert Farnette — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 20:32:47 -0400

Infantry is not a branch. Army Navy AF are branches.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2019 7:54 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 19:54:32 -0400

Military conversations often devolve into a game of oneupmanship. It’s kind of a “my job is tougher (or better) than yours” mentality. The key is to not take it too seriously. As an infantry officer myself I have often run into peers who look down on me because I don’t have a Ranger tab. I even once had a young, slick-sleeve captain try to embarrass me in front of one of his new lieutenants, who had just completed Ranger, by doing a tab check on me. They laughed a bit until I did a right patch check and pointed out that their tabs demonstrated proficiency with blanks while my combat patch (one of 8) was “not blanks.” Then I pointed out to the young captain (I was also a captain at the time) that the FIRST time I tried to go to Ranger school was the year he was born. For some reason he never brought it up again. The simple fact is that we only get to choose a few things in our military careers and officers don’t always get to choose their branch (though I did). We certainly don’t get to choose the schools we get and I was turned down for Ranger and airborne 12 times each. Air assault 7 times and Pathfinder 6 times. Sometimes you roll the dice and come up snake eyes. The important thing is to focus on doing your job, training your troops, and keeping them alive. If you’re in this business for badges, tabs, or medals, you’re in it for the wrong reasons and serving yourself, not your country.

Response by Capt Gene Leone made Mar 21 at 2019 9:12 PM

Capt Gene Leone — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 21:12:05 -0400

The reason is basically "penis envy". Those of us who ARE Infantry are just that. Everyone else claiming to be "just like the Infantry" are like the guy who once told me he "could'a been a bull rider" because he rode a mechanical bull at the bar. When I offered to pay his entry fees to the Cody Night Rodeo so I could watch him put his fanny in the middle of a bull, he came up with every excuse in the world as to why he couldn't do it. Ditto the Infantry wanna-be's. They talk a good talk but couldn't walk the walk with their grandmother's walker.

Response by MAJ Ramon Claudio made Mar 22 at 2019 3:11 PM

MAJ Ramon Claudio — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 15:11:27 -0400

LT, I was a commissioned (04 Major) Aviator who preferred flying helicopters rather than running in the woods with 80lbs on my back. However, the Army has this obsession with making sure everyone knows that we are Soldiers first and aviators second, and that applies to every branch.
Back in 1978 when I went through flight school in Mother Rucker, we were allowed to display our wings and rank on our hats in silver or gold (depending on your rank) and we wore distinctive flight suits. Eventually, the Army made us wear camouflaged rank on the cap, no wings, and then they took our flight suits away and now aviators wear flight suits that look like BDUs.
So you see LT, those of us that are in other branches have no desire of being Infantry, it is mandated that we perform certain infantry-like training, so please don’t jump to conclusions about our motives.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Mar 24 at 2019 11:53 AM

MSG Reid Zohfeld — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 11:53:22 -0400

I Love young people in the Army
Even though most doctrine is not followed because Officers and their turf wars All mos work in harmony (I crack my self up)
But I digress So the MPs are duties are to protect the boundaries while the infantry rest it would rarely happen in training exercise or any other training exercise I was a Dragon Soldier and my command would not have a MP unit join us
It used to be trained but I doubt it
All other MOSs are secondary and primary is Infantry
Retired and not missing young soldiers
Don’t get me wrong I Love the Army not the politics

Response by CW5 John Vassar made Mar 24 at 2019 8:43 PM

CW5 John Vassar — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 20:43:44 -0400

Many years ago, an old BGEN told me that the entire US Military Establishment exists to get Kilroy, PFC, INF, AUS/USAR/USA On-The-Objective, fed, resupplied, and in-one-piece. An Aviation Major later told me that the Infantryman was the smartest and cleverest person in the US Military (Otherwise, they don't last very long) and when they call us, we show up, no matter what.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Mar 25 at 2019 3:01 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 15:01:37 -0400

Although the Marine Corps has its own land warfare units, I cannot conceive of ANY time we would compare ourselves as being "just like" the Army. The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight! MGen. Frank E. Lowe, USA; Korea, 26 January 1952
Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines. Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918
We have two companies of Marines running rampant all over the northern half of this island, and three Army regiments pinned down in the southwestern corner, doing nothing. What the hell is going on? Gen. John W. Vessey Jr., USA, Chairman of the the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the assault on Grenada, 1983
If anything, it is the other branches claiming to be "just as Bad Ass as the Corps. "Air, Land, and Sea. No job to big or small. We kill em all".

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Mar 26 at 2019 1:34 PM

MSG Reid Zohfeld — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:34:06 -0400

The infantry and armor comment is hilarious and true

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2019 4:13 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:13:47 -0400

They hate us cuz they aint us. lol

Seriously though, its because no one wants to feel left out and the media and the military hold the infantry on a higher level than the other job codes. In reality, the infantry is SO lost without the support personnel. "POG" units should be proud of what they do for us and when we give them shit, I want them to give us shit back. Seriously, I could do their job if that's what I was trained to do and vise versa but I am not trained to do their job and that's why we NEED them. Hear that POGs? We NEED you. Be proud of that.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 5:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:05:04 -0400

Honestly I have no idea why y'all fight over Branch. At all. Whatsoever.
If there was an unnecessary Branch/MOS, it would be eliminated.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Apr 9 at 2019 5:45 PM

SPC Clayton Ellzey — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:45:38 -0400

Infantry leads the way after the Combat Engineers clear it for them.

Response by CPT Jerry Lucas made Apr 21 at 2019 8:40 PM

CPT Jerry Lucas — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 20:40:15 -0400

I'm not infantry and yes, there is a big difference between infantry and the other career fields. There is a reason why there is a Combat Infantry Badge and not a Combat Military Police Badge or a Combat (insert any other branch other than Medics) Badge.

Response by SGT Dan Keeler made May 25 at 2019 8:09 PM

SGT Dan Keeler — Sat, 25 May 2019 20:09:36 -0400

I was Army Intel, so I'm just gonna sit over here and be quiet....... Hashtag Not Even Close to Infantry.

That being said, don't forget "Pride cometh before the fall." Back in 1998, during PLDC (or WLC or whatever they call it these days) at Camp Jackson, Korea, during our FTX, I and another Intel Pog managed to take a 240B nest that a couple of EIB-wearing infantrymen set up, because they got cocky and set up where we could advance to within about 5 feet of them, unseen. Not that we were better soldiers, because that absolutely isn't the case. They were just so sure of themselves they made a dumb mistake, and we monopolized on it.

Consequently, their arrogance festered ( and I quote, "No fucking way a couple Intel fags could really take our position!") and nearly resulted in a full-blown fist fight at the club the night after we ENDEX'd.

Response by PFC Dwayne Dittoe made May 31 at 2019 5:35 AM

PFC Dwayne Dittoe — Fri, 31 May 2019 05:35:53 -0400

lower left is more likely 11c than 11b mortar looks too big to be a 60mm looks like a pre-late 80s 80mm the ones that came out in the late 80s flared at the end actually making them a small bit quieter that the straight barrel pictured there

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Nov 19 at 2019 12:14 PM

SFC Joseph McCausland — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:14:37 -0500

Only an Army Infantryman can earn the Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) and subsequently only an Army Infantryman and certain Specials Forces soldiers can be awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).

Response by Sgt D. Smith made Mar 23 at 2020 6:26 AM

Sgt D. Smith — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:26:08 -0400

Where'd all the hobbits go? I get retires and poof everyone was a door kicker in every instance I ran into someone that was prior service. How does that fucking happen? One mouth breather had MSG on the drain till he had to use my landline to make a VA appointment. Older than I was to. Took about 2 min to find out mental one was a fantacy island supply CPL. I dont care what you do did how long none of those thread wrapped tin trinkets matter to me. Stay loose

Response by CPT Paul Weiss made Dec 24 at 2021 5:35 PM

CPT Paul Weiss — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:35:57 -0500

Everyone wants to be a Grunt except when it comes time to do Grunt stuff.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Dec 27 at 2021 1:49 PM

CW3 Michael Clifford — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 13:49:10 -0500

Better to be thought to be a fool than open one’s mouth and erase all doubt!

Sit down and talk with your MP counterpart and actually find out their combat missions, outside of EPW control. Though a mission of the MPs, the division band is attached to MPs during wartime and EPW is heavily dumped onto them to collect EPW. In Iraq, at Camp Bucca, we had Naval Reserve Aircraft Mechanics occupying prison guard towers while MPs handled the hands-on EPW operations.

Response by TSgt Douglas Greenwood made Dec 30 at 2021 2:27 PM

TSgt Douglas Greenwood — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:27:16 -0500

What you are called or what you do makes no difference. You served and for that will have my utmost congratulations. I was actually in a career field that did all you speak of, but, we were not called infantry, we were called Security Police or Security Forces. Inside this group we had specialty’s, weapons, base defense and many more. Don’t sweat the small stuff, you know what you did and who you are. Be proud

Response by LTC Thomas Shoemaker made Dec 30 at 2021 2:48 PM

LTC Thomas Shoemaker — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:48:21 -0500

The Combat Engineer, before, during and after Vietnam could claim to be just like the Infantry, as it was their secondary MOS. During this time, a combat engineer unit could be directed to reorganize as infantry and conduct a specific combat task. The Engineer branch was also unique as it was considered to be a combat unit, a combat support unit and a combat service support and was the only branch to be so recognized.

T. Shoemaker, LTC, EN (Ret)

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Jan 15 at 2022 12:53 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:53:13 -0500

Reminds me of an old marching cadence song. "I wanna be an AIRBORNE RANGER! I wanna be in constant danger." In my signal corps MOS back in 65-68. We went to work with M-14s, .45s and an M-60 mounted on the cab of our Deuce and a half. We were Grunts! :-)
Not even close. My helmet is off to all the Combat Arms.
Duty,
Honor,
Country!

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jan 22 at 2022 9:59 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 09:59:28 -0500

LOL, You'll never hear that from the Tankers. We float above the ground.

Response by CPL Bruce Ailiff made Jan 23 at 2022 1:32 PM

CPL Bruce Ailiff — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:32:27 -0500

9-10 months out of the year working 24/7 to hone our combat skills, holiday or no holiday we did not get any breaks. Memory muscle is what is is all about, I do not know of many (if any) MOSs that work this hard.

Response by SPC Pj LaBelle made Jan 24 at 2022 7:01 PM

SPC Pj LaBelle — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:01:03 -0500

Cause infantrymen think they’re bad asses and the quickest way to make them have a fit is to say, yeah I’m a —— it’s like infantry but we also do ——— and then you sit back and watch the infantrymen have a melt down

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 24 at 2022 7:45 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:45:56 -0500

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 25 at 2022 2:14 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:14:58 -0500

The only branch I know that is just like the Infantry is Cavalry. My knowledge of the 11thACR down in Xuan Loc was that most were actually 11 series serving in the CAV. Lots of those at Ia Drang in the 7th US Cavalry were 11 series. MPs were once known as the chick infantry at USMA. Came from a WAC Captain from there that was detailed to MPs. In Panama, she deployed her MPs as Infantry and was awarded a SS for taking a strong point. Now the WAC's can be in the real Infantry, so may not be a thing anymore.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jan 25 at 2022 7:25 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:25:04 -0500

Captain - wow, "the weekend" ? I'm an old 1203 (not kidding about the old part), and in 2 of the photos you supplied I'm seeing a mortar crew, which I had mechanized in my BN, and a Bradley, which isn't exactly a tank, but are attached to tank units such as my old DIV from Germany. And used to effect in the various Gulf Wars. Perhaps I'm the "odd duck" as I was drafted and trained as 11B during Viet Nam, became a machine gunner, and THEN went to Armor OCS at Knox and became a tanker. So I was taught those skills you mentioned and then how a mechanized Division works together in Europe defending the Fulda Gap etc. You never saw a bunch of 11B's so happy to be warmed by my exhaust as when it's near or sub-zero and the snow's up to you-know-where. At one point during severe officer shortage I had the BN HQ tanks, scout platoon, mortar platoon, Comm section (yes, supposed to be a Signal officer by TO&E), and was Asst S2. When I went home after my active duty I joined the nearest active reserve unit and became their Asst S2. The unit ? A mechanized artillery brigade. LOL ! You might say I'm "well-rounded" in combat arms...

Response by PV2 Jeffery Jordan made Jan 26 at 2022 7:54 PM

PV2 Jeffery Jordan — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:54:48 -0500

the MOS closest to those 11b crazies, are 12b crazier folk. 12b have some crossover such as creating platoon patrol bases (which infantry battalions usually have an engineering element for.) However, we are not supposed to be infantry, unless reorganized as such (yes, it is a feature of 12b), we are the closest to 11b, but still won't earn the CIB unless part of a 11b unit, or we upgrade to 18c. Them infantry have a few more details to their training to how to close with the enemy.

Response by SPC Paul Goodfellow made Feb 19 at 2022 1:47 AM

SPC Paul Goodfellow — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 01:47:20 -0500

No other branch of the Service is the Infantry.
If you're not wearing the Blue, you're not infantry.