Top 11 Infantry Certifications

Certifications are important for infantry in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in their field. By having certifications, infantry are able to prove that they have the skills necessary to succeed in a given role or position. Certifications also provide employers with an assurance that the individual is qualified and capable of performing the duties required. Additionally, certifications can help infantry stand out from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for jobs. Finally, certifications can help infantry advance their careers by enabling them to move into more specialized roles or higher-level positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Infantrys and explain how they can help advance an infantry's career.

What are Infantry Certifications?

Infantry certification is a professional development program created to help infantry personnel gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become certified in their field. This certification program provides a formal learning environment for soldiers to learn the core competencies required of an infantryman. It also helps them develop their leadership abilities and increase their understanding of tactical operations and battlefield tactics. The program consists of classroom instruction, hands-on training, field exercises, and assessments designed to assess individual performance. Infantry personnel who successfully complete this certification are provided with a certificate that can be used as proof of their proficiency in the field. The certificate serves as evidence of their commitment to excellence in the military and may be beneficial when applying for jobs or promotions within the military.

Pro Tip: Always make sure to stay up to date with the latest infantry certifications and requirements. This will ensure that you are prepared for any changes in the industry, as well as give you an edge when applying for jobs. Additionally, consider taking additional courses or attending seminars to further your knowledge of the field and stay ahead of the competition.

Related: What does an Infantry do?

Top 11 Infantry Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Infantrys today.

1. Infantry Officer Basic Course

Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC) is a 10-week program designed to train new officers in the basics of infantry operations. It is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia and is open to all newly commissioned officers in the Army. The course focuses on developing leadership, tactical decision making, and small unit tactics. It also includes physical conditioning and weapons training.

The IOBC takes 10 weeks to complete, with an additional two weeks for field exercises. During this time, students will learn about mission planning, patrolling techniques, land navigation, battle drills, and other infantry-related topics. They will also participate in various field exercises such as live fire ranges and simulated combat scenarios.

To get into IOBC, you must be a newly commissioned officer in the Army and have completed Officer Candidate School or the Reserve Officers Training Corps program. You can apply for IOBC through your local recruiting office or online through the Army’s Human Resources Command website.

The cost of IOBC varies depending on your rank and whether you are attending as an active duty member or a reservist. For active duty members, the cost can range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on rank; for reservists it can range from $1,500-$3,000 depending on rank.

2. Infantry Advanced Leaders Course

Infantry Advanced Leaders Course (IALC) is a two-week course designed to provide infantry leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead their squads in combat. The IALC focuses on leadership, tactics, operations, and battle drills. It also covers topics such as land navigation, rappelling, patrolling, and weapons handling.

The IALC typically takes 14 days to complete and is open to all enlisted soldiers in the Infantry MOS who have completed Basic Leaders Course (BLC). To get into the course, soldiers must first submit an application packet that includes a letter of recommendation from their current commander. Once accepted into the course, soldiers will be required to attend pre-course training prior to attending the IALC.

The cost of the IALC varies depending on where it is being held. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 per student for tuition and other associated expenses such as lodging and meals.

3. Airborne School

Airborne School is a three-week training program conducted by the United States Army. It is designed to teach Soldiers the basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop. The course is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia, and consists of five phases: Ground Week, Tower Week, Jump Week, Day Combat Equipment (CE) Week and Night CE Week.

Ground Week focuses on teaching Soldiers how to properly prepare for a parachute jump through physical conditioning and classroom instruction. During Tower Week, Soldiers learn how to exit an aircraft correctly and safely practice parachute landings in a simulator. During Jump Week, Soldiers make five jumps from an airplane using round parachutes and practice landing techniques. During Day CE week, Soldiers practice day combat equipment jumps with full battle gear. Finally during Night CE week, Soldiers make two night jumps with full battle gear in order to become qualified as an Airborne Soldier.

In order to attend Airborne School, applicants must be active duty or reserve component enlisted personnel in the U.S. Army or Army National Guard who are assigned or attached to an airborne unit or are scheduled for assignment or attachment upon completion of the course. Applicants must also meet certain physical requirements such as being able to run 2 miles in under 15 minutes and do at least 42 push-ups in two minutes and 52 sit-ups in two minutes without rest breaks between exercises.

The cost of attending Airborne School is approximately $2,000 per person for tuition fees and other associated costs such as lodging and meals during the course of instruction.

4. Ranger School

Ranger School is an intense and demanding combat leadership course conducted by the United States Army. It is designed to train officers and enlisted personnel in small unit tactics, leadership, and battle skills. The school is open to both men and women of all branches of service.

The Ranger School course lasts 62 days, divided into three phases: Benning (mountain), Mountain, and Florida (swamp). During each phase, students are tested mentally and physically in a variety of scenarios. These include land navigation, patrolling techniques, rappelling, river crossings, ambushes, medical care under fire, marksmanship training with weapons systems ranging from the M4 carbine to the M249 squad automatic weapon.

To get into Ranger School you must be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a foreign military ally who has been approved for attendance by their own government. You must also pass a physical fitness test as well as meet other prerequisites such as being airborne qualified or having completed certain schools like Air Assault or Pathfinder School.

The cost of attending Ranger School depends on your branch of service but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include travel expenses for those attending from out-of-state locations as well as uniforms and equipment needed for the course itself.

5. Pathfinder School

Pathfinder School is a wilderness survival and primitive living skills training program. It focuses on teaching students the skills necessary to survive in the wilderness, such as shelter building, fire making, water procurement, navigation, and food gathering. The school also teaches students about primitive tools and weapons, tracking animals, and edible plants.

The course typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. During this time, students will learn the basics of wilderness survival and gain hands-on experience with primitive tools and techniques.

To get into the Pathfinder School program you must first submit an application form that includes a statement of interest in learning these skills. After your application is accepted you will be required to attend an orientation session before beginning the course.

The cost of attending Pathfinder School varies depending on the length of the program chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$3000 USD for a two-week program or $1000-$6000 USD for a four-week program.

6. Combat Lifesaver Course

The Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC) is a three-day training program designed to provide service members with the skills and knowledge necessary to save lives on the battlefield. The course focuses on providing basic medical care for wounded personnel in a combat environment, including triage, first aid, and evacuation procedures. The goal of the CLC is to reduce preventable deaths by having trained personnel available to provide immediate medical attention during times of conflict or disaster.

The CLC is open to all military personnel, regardless of their rank or branch. It typically takes three days to complete the course and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. During the course, students will learn how to assess casualties, apply tourniquets and bandages, perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). They will also learn how to treat common battlefield injuries such as gunshot wounds, burns, fractures and head injuries.

To obtain a Combat Lifesaver Course certificate, individuals must successfully complete all required course material. Upon completion of the course, students are awarded a certificate that is valid for five years.

The cost of the CLC varies depending on location and availability; however it typically ranges from $100-$200 per person.

7. Small Unit Tactics Course

Small Unit Tactics (SUT) is a course designed to teach military personnel the fundamentals of small unit tactics. It typically lasts five days and covers topics such as patrolling, ambushes, raids, reconnaissance, and other combat operations. The course is usually taught by experienced instructors from the Army or Marine Corps.

The length of the course depends on the particular branch of service offering it and can range from three to five days in duration. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is being taken, but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 per student.

In order to attend a Small Unit Tactics Course, individuals must meet certain criteria set by their respective branch of service. Generally speaking, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed basic training in their branch of service. Additionally, they may need to pass certain physical fitness tests before being accepted into the program.

The cost of attending a Small Unit Tactics Course can vary depending on where it is taking place and who is teaching it. Generally speaking, tuition fees for the course range from $500 to $2,000 per student.

8. Close Quarters Battle Course

Close Quarters Battle Course (CQB) is a tactical training course designed to teach participants how to effectively and efficiently fight in close quarters combat situations. The course typically consists of classroom instruction, live-fire drills, and force-on-force scenarios. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a variety of close quarters battle environments.

The length of the CQB course varies depending on the provider, but most courses last between one and three days. During this time, students will learn about tactics such as room clearing, movement techniques, target identification, shooting positions, and more. The course may also include live-fire exercises with simulated or real firearms.

To get a CQB course, you should contact local law enforcement or military training providers for availability and cost information. Many private companies also offer CQB courses that are open to civilians who meet certain requirements. The cost of these courses can vary greatly depending on the provider and type of instruction offered.

Overall, Close Quarters Battle Course is an important tool for those who want to be prepared for close quarters combat situations. With proper instruction and practice, it can help ensure your safety in these types of dangerous environments.

9. Sniper School

Sniper School is a specialized training program designed to teach snipers the skills they need to be successful in their job. It typically lasts between eight and twelve weeks and is conducted by qualified instructors from the military or law enforcement agencies. The course covers topics such as marksmanship, fieldcraft, camouflage, surveillance, target detection, and more.

To get into Sniper School, you must first meet certain physical requirements. You must also be able to pass a background check and drug test. After passing these tests, you will then have to take an aptitude test that measures your mental abilities and skills related to sniper work.

The cost of Sniper School varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for the entire program.

10. Mountain Warfare Training Center Course

The Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) Course is a specialized training course designed to prepare military personnel for operations in mountainous terrain. The course is conducted at the MWTC facility located in Bridgeport, California and lasts approximately two weeks.

The course consists of three phases: an introduction to mountain operations, a field exercise, and a mountain skills assessment. During the introduction phase, students receive instruction on topics such as mountain weather, navigation, survival skills, and risk management. The field exercise involves practical application of the material covered in the classroom with a focus on tactical movement through mountainous terrain. The final phase assesses each student’s ability to apply their training in a realistic environment.

To enroll in the MWTC Course, applicants must be physically fit and have prior experience with mountaineering or climbing. Applicants should also be familiar with basic land navigation techniques. The cost of the course varies depending on whether you are enrolled as an active duty service member or civilian; however, tuition assistance may be available for active duty personnel.

11. Joint Firepower Control Course

Joint Firepower Control (JFC) is a course of instruction that provides personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to coordinate, integrate, and control joint fires in support of operational objectives. The course is designed for officers and enlisted personnel from all branches of service who are assigned to staffs at the operational level. This includes those in positions such as fire support coordinators, fire direction officers, joint targeting officers, and other related positions.

The JFC course is a two-week resident program that focuses on the integration of joint fires into the operational plan. It covers topics such as target development and analysis, weapons systems capabilities and limitations, coordination procedures, rules of engagement (ROE), legal considerations, collateral damage estimation (CDE), mission planning/execution tools, and command/control systems. During the course students will participate in practical exercises using computer simulations and live-fire ranges.

To attend the JFC Course an individual must be recommended by their chain of command or have been selected by their Service's Command & General Staff College or equivalent school. The cost for attending the JFC Course varies depending on the Service branch; however it is typically free for Active Duty military members or funded through their respective Service's tuition assistance program.

Do You Really Need a Infantry Certificate?

The decision of whether or not to pursue an Infantry Certificate is a difficult one. On the one hand, having an Infantry Certificate may provide you with greater opportunities in terms of career advancement and job security. On the other hand, it is important to consider your own goals and whether or not this certificate is necessary for you to achieve them.

If your goal is to become an infantryman in the United States Armed Forces, then obtaining an Infantry Certificate may be essential. An Infantry Certificate demonstrates that you have completed all the required training and possess the skills necessary to serve as an infantryman. It also serves as proof that you understand the responsibilities, duties, and expectations associated with being a member of the infantry. The certificate provides evidence that you are capable of performing at a high level in this demanding role.

However, if your goal does not involve becoming an infantryman but instead involves pursuing another career within the military or civilian sector, then obtaining an Infantry Certificate may not be necessary for you to reach your goals. In these cases, it is important to consider what other skills and experiences will be most beneficial for achieving success in your desired field. You should also think about how much time and money would be involved in completing the requirements needed to obtain the certificate.

Ultimately, while having an Infantry Certificate can certainly open up more opportunities within certain fields, it is important to consider whether or not this certificate is actually needed for you to achieve your own personal goals before making any decisions about pursuing it.

Related: Infantry Resume Examples

FAQs About Infantry Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for infantry personnel?

A1. Infantry personnel can obtain certifications in various areas, such as marksmanship, weapons handling and maintenance, fieldcraft, physical fitness, and leadership development.

Q2. How long does it take to become certified in infantry?

A2. The length of time required to become certified in infantry depends on the certification being sought and the individual's experience level. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within one to two years.

Q3. What type of training is required for infantry certification?

A3. Training requirements vary depending on the certification being sought but may include classroom instruction, hands-on practice with weapons and equipment, physical conditioning activities, and other related activities that help prepare an individual for service in the infantry.

Q4. Do I need a security clearance to become certified in infantry?

A4. Depending on the certification being sought and the type of work you will be doing in the infantry, you may need to obtain a security clearance prior to becoming certified.

Q5. Are there any special qualifications or requirements needed to become certified in infantry?

A5. Yes, certain certifications may require additional qualifications or specific requirements such as age or military experience before they can be obtained by an individual seeking them out. It is important to research any additional qualifications that may be needed prior to beginning a certification process in order to ensure eligibility for obtaining it later on down the line.