Infantry (CMF 11) Career Progression Plan
Chapter 1. Duties
The Infantry is a unique branch, designed to close with the enemy by fire and maneuver, to
destroy or capture them, and to repel their assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack. The
Infantry is the only branch in the Army organized, equipped, and trained to accomplish this
mission. Infantry leaders synchronize all elements of combat power to defeat the enemy.
Infantry NCOs ensure Soldiers under their supervision receive individual training in their MOSs
and basic Soldier skills. Infantry NCOs also train Soldiers to fight, win, and survive on the
battlefield. NCOs are prepared to train, lead, and employ Infantry and other combat arms assets
on the battlefield, across the full spectrum of military operations. The Infantry arrives on the
battlefield by parachute or air assault, mechanized or wheeled vehicle, or on foot. Insertion
means are dependent on the mission, enemy, terrain, weather, and time available. CMF 11 is
comprised of three separate and distinct Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), MOS 11B
Infantryman, MOS 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman, and MOS 11Z Infantry Senior Sergeant.
Chapter 2. Transformation
Infantry units and organizations transform in terms of design and equipment to adapt to changes
in the operational environmental, adversarial capabilities, doctrine, and technology. Infantry
Soldiers assigned to vehicular or non-vehicular, generating or operating force organizations, are
all linked through the core CMF 11 competencies to one common mission: To close with and
destroy the enemy through ground combat. Infantry Soldiers and NCOs must be adaptable and
resilient, to rapidly respond to transformation and master the unique characteristics of each type
of Infantry formation. Regardless of formation design, the building blocks of the Rifle Squad and
Platoon and the key tactics, techniques, and procedures associated with each remain constant.
Above all else, the culture of the Infantry requires its Soldiers to be mentally and physically
strong and disciplined. The Infantry culture is the basis for the Army’s warrior ethos and is
rooted in the harsh realities of the battlefield, which, for the Infantry Soldier, is close, personal,
and brutal.
Chapter 3. Recommended career management self-development, by rank
a. Private E–1 (PVT): specialist (SPC)/corporal (CPL). The proponent recommends the
following for self-development:
(1) Infantry Soldiers should seek self-development through reading materials listed in TC 7–
22.7, the Chief of Infantry’s Reading list, as well as publications related to the operation,
employment, and maintenance of squad/section weapons and equipment.
(2) Volunteer and prepare themselves for appearance at Soldier boards, such as for “Soldier of
the Quarter” and “Soldier of the Year”. These events will broaden the Infantry Soldiers
knowledge base, instill discipline, and improve their ability to communicate verbally.
(3) All PV1 through SPC/CPLs should strive to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB).
(4) Infantry Soldiers should seek to attend the Basic Leaders Course and complete SSD Level I
at these ranks. Obtaining recognition as the Honor Graduate, Distinguished Honor Graduate or
Commandant’s List at the Basic Leaders or any course attended should be the goal of all
Infantry Soldiers.
(5) Soldiers with general technical (GT) scores below 100 should seek to improve their scores
through FAST, not only for self-improvement but to improve their options for reenlistment and to
meet future functional or special skills course prerequisites.
(6) All Infantry Soldiers should take the opportunities provided by the Army through programs
such as CLEP, DANTES, and GoArmyEd to increase their individual level of civilian education
now and throughout all ranks. There is no requirement for enlisted personnel to earn a college
degree; however, Soldiers employ and operate extremely complex technical equipment, in order
