Posted on May 14, 2020
1LT Saul S.
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I am currently entering my MS4 year in Army ROTC and will soon be inputting my final preferences for branch. I still have a few questions I would like answered in order to help me make my final decision. I have served a little time as an Enlisted Infantry soldier but am curious about all of the differences in duties between the Enlisted Infantryman and the Infantry Officer. If there are any Infantry Officers or NCOs that wouldn't mind answering any of these questions, I would greatly appreciate it!

What is your daily life like as a PL, XO, Staff Officer, Company Commander etc? What opportunities and assignments can you expect as an Infantry Officer? What schools are you expected to attend? What can I expect at IBOLC and do to prepare myself for it? What are the most important qualities of a successful Infantry Officer?
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Responses: 5
MAJ Jim Woods
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I am an 11A Light Infantry Officer and have enjoyed the role immensely. I was Infantry for 21 years and never had a bad day. I was also an XO & CO of an IOBLC Company between tours to RVN (68-69). Go into IOBLC with a good open attitude and don't sweat the small stuff. You will learn everything you need to know there. When you first arrive at your Unit, pull your Platoon Sergeant to the side or better still buy him a cup of coffee and tell him you don't know nuthin' and will look to him for hints when a decision has to be made. He will be appreciative of you and will bust his ass to make you look good. Remember this... "The Credit belongs to the man in the Arena, that if he fails, at least he fails valiantly and his place will never be with those cold timid souls who knew neither Victory or Defeat" "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
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1LT Saul S.
1LT Saul S.
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Thank you sir for your words of wisdom. I will apply them going forward! I will definitely remember that quote.
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LTC Bernabe Rosa
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Upon getting a commission as an Infantry Officer I knew that you always need to be ready to lead as your soldiers always are looking at you as you become their "old man". The guy with the answer for everything in their life of service your soldiers are your extended family and life is going to be full of difficult situations and satisfactory moments at the same time. Been an Infantry Officer is a great career choice for some special people not everyone.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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It’s a very challenging, yet rewarding calling. I’ll start with BOLC and work up to being at a unit...that’s as far as I have experience to refer to.
IBOLC will equip you with the basic tools to resource and plan training for an IN PLT. You’ll learn the more in-depth TLPs and control measures necessary to lead a rifle platoon, nothing too fancy just the basic to get you to your unit. Show up in shape and be a sponge.
IN branch expects all officers to complete ABN/RGR training. All other schools are based off your BCT assignment(ABN, AASLT, Stryker, Bradley) and you’ll be sent to the required ones for your assignment.
As a PL, you’ll do a lot of CONOPs/DRAWs, resourcing and planning training for your platoon, creating a vision for the PLT with your PSG executed through the SLs on PT, training tasks, welfare for the PLT.
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1LT Saul S.
1LT Saul S.
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Thank you for your feedback sir! That was just the oversight I was looking for. I'll take note of all of that! Any advice on preparation for IBOLC if I am selected to branch Infantry? Will prior enlisted experience in the Infantry aid at all at IBOLC?
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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You’re welcome.
I’d go on the IBOLC benning website they have all the standards posted and study material/read aheads. It’s useful to drive you prep around that.
As for prior service, yes always leverage your experience because it’s an invaluable asset just understand your training to be an officer/IN PL so keep that perspective in mind. Be a team player, listen attentively to the cadre, train hard, study, and be humble...the rest will work it’s way out. 1LT Saul S.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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Couple typos above, sorry about that...fat fingers. CPT (Join to see)
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