Top 10 Infantryman Certifications

Certifications are important for an infantryman in the job market because they provide a tangible proof of their knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers look for when considering potential candidates. Certifications demonstrate the individual's commitment to their career and show that they have taken the initiative to develop themselves beyond basic training and military service. Employers value certifications as they give them confidence that the individual is capable of performing the necessary tasks in their position. Additionally, certifications can help an infantryman stand out from other applicants as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and experience than those without any certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how the top certifications for infantrymen can contribute to their career growth.

What are Infantryman Certifications?

Infantryman certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective infantryman in the military. This certification provides soldiers with the necessary training and experience to work as a team member in combat situations. The certification covers topics such as physical fitness, marksmanship, land navigation, leadership, tactics, and operations. It also includes instruction on how to use various weapons systems and equipment.

By earning this certification, infantrymen can demonstrate their commitment to the military by demonstrating that they have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge required of them. Furthermore, having this certification can make infantrymen more competitive when applying for higher positions or promotions within the military. With this certification, infantrymen will have a better understanding of their role in combat situations and be able to act quickly and decisively when called upon to do so. Additionally, having this certification can help soldiers gain respect from their peers due to their increased level of expertise.

Pro Tip: When studying for infantryman certification, make sure to practice with the weapons that will be used in the exam. Familiarizing yourself with the feel of the weapon, its weight and balance, and operation will help you perform better during the practical portion of the test.

Related: What does an Infantryman do?

Top 10 Infantryman Certifications

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

1. Army Basic Combat Training

Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week, intensive training program for new recruits. It is designed to teach them the fundamentals of soldiering and instill in them the values of honor, duty, and respect. During BCT, soldiers will learn basic soldiering skills such as marksmanship, first aid, land navigation, physical fitness and tactics. They will also be taught about Army history and traditions.

BCT typically takes place at one of the Army’s training centers located throughout the United States. Depending on the location, BCT can take anywhere from eight to ten weeks to complete.

To get into BCT, you must first enlist in the United States Army. You can do this by visiting a local recruiting office or by visiting GoArmy.com. After you have enlisted in the Army, you will be assigned to a unit and sent to a training center for BCT.

The cost of BCT varies depending on your rank and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $3,000-$4,000 for basic combat training. This includes food, lodging and other expenses associated with attending BCT.

2. Army Infantryman Advanced Individual Training

Army Infantryman Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is a specialized training program designed to prepare Infantry Soldiers for service in the United States Army. The program consists of 10 weeks of instruction and hands-on training, which focuses on small unit tactics, weapons systems, land navigation, communications, and field operations.

The length of AIT depends on the specialty chosen by the Soldier. For an Infantryman, AIT typically takes 10 weeks to complete. During this time, Soldiers receive classroom instruction as well as hands-on training in their chosen specialty.

To get AIT, an individual must first enlist in the U.S. Army and attend Basic Combat Training (BCT). After completing BCT, they will be assigned to a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that requires further specialized training such as AIT.

The cost of AIT varies depending on the individual’s MOS and other factors such as housing allowance and travel expenses. Generally speaking, there is no cost associated with attending AIT since it is part of the enlistment process for all Soldiers who are assigned to a specific MOS requiring advanced individual training.

3. Army Reconnaissance Course

The Army Reconnaissance Course (ARC) is an advanced training program designed to develop and enhance the skills of reconnaissance personnel. The course is designed to provide Soldiers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to conduct reconnaissance operations in support of the mission. It is a two-week course that focuses on developing the ability to plan, execute, and assess reconnaissance missions.

The ARC consists of classroom instruction and field exercises. The classroom portion of the course covers topics such as mission planning, terrain analysis, navigation techniques, intelligence gathering, reporting procedures, communications systems, and other related topics. The field exercises are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in applying their newly acquired skills in a realistic environment.

To enroll in the ARC, Soldiers must have completed basic training and meet certain physical requirements. Additionally, they must have at least six months of service remaining after completing the course.

The cost for attending the ARC varies depending on where it is being held and who is providing it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 per student for tuition and materials.

4. Airborne School

Airborne School is a three-week course offered by the United States Army to teach soldiers how to parachute out of aircraft. The school is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia, and is open to all branches of the military.

The course consists of five phases: Ground Week, Tower Week, Jump Week, Advanced Airborne Techniques (AAT), and Refresher Training. During Ground Week, students learn basic parachuting skills such as proper landing techniques and emergency procedures. During Tower Week, students practice exiting an aircraft mockup from a 34-foot tower and perform several jumps from the tower. Jump Week consists of five jumps from an actual aircraft flying at 1,250 feet above ground level. AAT teaches advanced parachuting techniques such as night jumps and high altitude low opening (HALO) jumps. Finally, Refresher Training is designed for those who have previously completed Airborne School but need to brush up on their skills before jumping again.

To get into Airborne School you must be in good physical condition and have a valid security clearance. You will also need to pass a medical exam prior to attending the course. Additionally, you must be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

The cost of Airborne School varies depending on your branch of service; however it typically costs around $1,500 for tuition and equipment rental fees.

5. Sniper School

Sniper School is a specialized training course designed to teach soldiers how to become proficient in the use of sniper weapons. It typically takes four weeks to complete and is offered at various military bases around the world. The course covers topics such as marksmanship, camouflage and concealment, fieldcraft, stalking, range estimation, and target detection.

To get into Sniper School, applicants must first meet certain physical requirements including having 20/20 vision or better with corrective lenses if necessary. Additionally, applicants must also have a minimum score of 250 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

The cost of Sniper School varies depending on the location and type of school attended. Generally speaking, it costs anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 per student for a four-week course. This cost includes tuition fees as well as lodging and meals during the duration of the course.

6. Pathfinder School

Pathfinder School is a wilderness education program that focuses on teaching outdoor skills, leadership, and self-reliance. It was founded by Tom Brown Jr., an expert tracker, outdoorsman, and author. The program consists of two levels: the Tracker Program and the Advanced Tracker Program.

The Tracker Program is designed to teach basic wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, tracking animals, edible plant identification, primitive weapons use, and more. It takes 8 days to complete the program and costs $1,400 USD.

The Advanced Tracker Program builds on the skills learned in the Tracker Program and teaches advanced tracking techniques such as tracking humans in urban environments or in difficult terrain. It also covers topics such as camouflage techniques, animal behavior analysis, wildlife observation methods, navigation by stars and other natural signs. This program takes 16 days to complete and costs $2,800 USD.

Both programs are offered at various locations around the world including North America (USA & Canada), Europe (England & Ireland), South America (Brazil & Argentina), Africa (South Africa & Zimbabwe) and Australia/New Zealand.

7. Light Leader Course

Light Leader Course (LLC) is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to help individuals become more effective leaders in their organizations. It is based on the principles of servant leadership and focuses on developing the skills needed to lead with integrity, compassion, and respect for others. The course consists of four modules that cover topics such as understanding the role of a leader, developing communication skills, building trust and relationships, and creating a culture of collaboration and innovation.

The Light Leader Course can be completed in as little as three months, depending on the individual's availability. To get started, individuals must register for the course online or contact their local training provider. Once registered, participants will receive access to an online portal where they can view the course materials and complete assignments.

The cost of the Light Leader Course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per person. This cost covers all materials needed to complete the course including books, videos, webinars, and other resources. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts for groups or organizations that sign up multiple participants at once.

8. Combat Lifesaver Course

The Combat Lifesaver Course (CLC) is a two-day course designed to teach military personnel basic life saving skills. It is intended to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide emergency medical treatment on the battlefield. The CLC focuses on providing immediate care for casualties in a combat environment, including controlling bleeding, administering oxygen, and other lifesaving measures.

The CLC takes approximately 16 hours to complete and includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. The course is typically taught by medical personnel who are experienced in treating battlefield injuries.

To obtain certification in the CLC, students must successfully complete all course requirements and pass a written exam at the end of the course. After successful completion of the CLC, students will receive a certificate of completion from their instructor.

The cost of the CLC varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD per student.

9. Combatives Level 1 & 2

Combatives Level 1 & 2 is a two-level training program designed to teach self-defense techniques and tactics. It is based on the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

Level 1 focuses on teaching basic combative skills such as striking, grappling, and weapons retention. Students learn how to defend against strikes, chokes, grabs, and other common attacks. The course also covers ground fighting and weapon disarming techniques. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete Level 1 training.

Level 2 builds on the skills learned in Level 1 by introducing more advanced techniques such as joint locks, throws, submissions, and counters. This level also teaches students how to use improvised weapons and how to defend against multiple attackers. It takes approximately 16-20 hours to complete Level 2 training.

To get certified in Combatives Levels 1 & 2 you must attend a course taught by an authorized instructor at an approved facility or through a military organization like the Marine Corps or Army. The cost of the courses vary depending on where they are taken but typically range from $200-$500 for both levels combined.

10. Army Ranger School

Army Ranger School is a 61-day course designed to develop and assess the leadership, physical, and mental abilities of small unit leaders. It is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia by the U.S. Army Infantry School. The course is divided into three phases: Darby (mountain), Mountain (mountain/jungle), and Florida (swamp).

The first phase of Ranger School focuses on small unit tactics in a mountain environment. Students learn infantry battle drills, land navigation, patrolling techniques, rappelling, and basic mountaineering skills.

The second phase takes place in a jungle environment and focuses on squad tactics and operations in an austere environment. Students learn to operate in a jungle environment while conducting ambushes, raids, reconnaissance patrols, and river crossings.

The third phase takes place in a swamp environment where students conduct operations in an austere environment while learning how to navigate through swamps and marshes. They also learn amphibious operations such as boat handling and river crossings.

To attend Ranger School you must be an active duty soldier or selected reserve soldier with at least two years of service remaining after completion of the course. You must also have completed Airborne training or be approved for Airborne training prior to attending Ranger School. You must also pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with a minimum score of 240 points or higher before attending Ranger School.

The cost for attending Ranger School depends on your rank and status within the military. For Active Duty personnel it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 depending on your rank and other factors such as whether you are attending as part of an organized group or as an individual student. For Selected Reserve personnel it can range from $1,500 - $3,000 depending on your rank and other factors such as whether you are attending as part of an organized group or as an individual student.

Do You Really Need a Infantryman Certificate?

No, you do not need an Infantryman Certificate in order to serve in the military. The infantry is just one of many branches that make up the armed forces, and there are plenty of other career paths available. That said, having a certificate can be beneficial if you want to specialize in this particular field. It can help demonstrate your proficiency with weapons and tactics, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment when completing the training. Additionally, it can open doors for higher-level positions or even civilian jobs that require knowledge and skills related to the infantry. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue an Infantryman Certificate is up to you and should be based on your individual goals and aspirations.

Related: Infantryman Resume Examples

FAQs About Infantryman Certifications

1. What certifications are available for infantrymen?

Answer: Infantrymen can be certified in a variety of areas, including weapons qualifications, basic rifle marksmanship, combat lifesaving, land navigation and map reading, mountaineering and rappelling, small-unit tactics and operations, communication and radios, patrol base operations, and military decision making process.

2. How long does it take to become certified as an infantryman?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified as an infantryman will vary depending on the specific certification being sought. Generally speaking, most certifications require completion of a course or program lasting several weeks or months.

3. Are there any prerequisites for infantryman certifications?

Answer: Yes. Prerequisites for each certification will vary depending on the type of certification being sought but often include basic training or other military courses that must be completed prior to qualification.

4. Are there any special requirements for certain infantryman certifications?

Answer: Yes. Some certifications may require additional physical fitness tests or other evaluations prior to qualification. Additionally, some certifications may have age requirements or other restrictions based on rank or experience level.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining an infantryman certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining an infantryman certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and the institution offering the course or program necessary for qualification.