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As the main land combat force of the Army, Infantrymen capture or destroy opposing ground forces, repel enemy attacks and operate weapons and equipment in order to engage and eliminate the enemy. During peacetime, it’s the Infantry’s job to be ready to jump to the defense of our country. The Indirect Fire Infantryman specifically supervises or is a member of a mortar squad, section or platoon. The Mortar has the longest range and is the most devastating of any weapon system organic to any Infantry unit on the battlefield.
Some of your duties as an Indirect Fire Infantryman may include:
Set up, Load and Fire any of three types of Mortars: 60mm, 81mm or 120mm
Employ crew and individual weapons in offensive, defensive and retrograde ground combat
Perform hand-to-hand combat drills that involve martial-arts tactics
Employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
Locate and neutralize mines
Carry out scout missions to spot enemy troop movements and gun locations
Operate two-way radios and signal equipment to relay battle orders
Construct and camouflage mortar firing positions
Operate, clean and store automatic weapons
Parachute from troop transport airplanes while carrying weapons and supplies
Requirements
Infantrymen must perform strenuous physical activities, such as marching while carrying equipment, digging foxholes and climbing over obstacles. Being in top physical condition is a plus. Infantrymen need good hearing and vision.
Training
Job training for an Indirect Fire Infantryman 14 weeks, three days of One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which includes Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. You’ll keep your Infantry Soldier skills sharp and fresh through frequent squad maneuvers, target practice and war games.
Advanced Responsibilities
Advanced level Indirect Fire Infantrymen provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Indirect Fire Infantryman, you may be involved in:
Lead and control mortar squads
Provide tactical and technical guidance to subordinates
Supervise the construction of mortar positions
Record operational information on maps
Receive and implement combat orders
Direct Soldiers in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations
Request, observe and adjust indirect supporting fire