What is the primary mission of an Infantryman (11B)?

The primary mission of an Infantryman (11B) is to close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver. This mission encapsulates the fundamental role of infantry in ground combat operations, which involves engaging enemy forces directly and effectively utilizing a combination of firepower and tactical movement. It emphasizes the importance of coordinating attacks, using weapons systems to engage targets, and maneuvering to gain advantageous positions on the battlefield.

Closing with and destroying the enemy is critical in achieving tactical objectives during combat scenarios, as infantry units are often the backbone of land operations. The ability to engage the enemy effectively determines the overall success of missions and contributes to larger strategic goals in warfare.

While providing medical assistance, gathering intelligence, and transporting supplies are important tasks in a military context, they are not the primary focus of an infantryman’s role. Each of these functions supports infantry operations but does not encapsulate the core mission of directly engaging enemy forces, which is the essence of the infantryman’s commitment to combat readiness and effectiveness.