11C Indirect Fire Infantryman

About the Role

As an Army National Guard Indirect Fire Infantryman, you'll be responsible for operating the Infantry’s most powerful weapon—the mortar. You will perform challenging activities such as parachuting from aircraft to construct and camouflage mortar positions, as well as locating and neutralizing enemy mines. As your skills advance, you will take on leadership responsibilities, including supervising and training other Soldiers, leading mortar squads, and providing tactical guidance.

Advanced Indirect Fire Infantrymen receive and implement combat orders, direct Soldiers in offensive and defensive operations, and coordinate indirect supporting fire.

Responsibilities

• Set up, load, and fire three types of mortars
• Employ crew and weapons in offensive, defensive, and retrograde ground combat
• Operate, clean, and store automatic weapons
• Employ, fire, and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
• Carry out scouting missions to spot enemy troops and gun locations

Skills

• Interest in ammunition and weaponry
• Readiness to accept a challenge and face danger
• Physical and mental fitness
• Teamwork, discipline, and leadership abilities

Training

Instead of paying to learn these skills, you will earn while you train. After 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you will learn fundamental Soldiering skills, you will attend 14 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which includes hands-on simulated combat and classroom instruction. You will refine your skills through squad maneuvers, target practice, and war games.

Benefits

• Paid training
• Monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000 for existing loans)
• Health care benefits
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable

Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.

Requirements

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Programs and benefits are subject to change. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.