Top 12 Infantry Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today’s competitive job market, leveraging your military experience can give you a significant advantage, especially for veterans transitioning to civilian roles. Highlighting the top infantry skills on your resume not only showcases your unique capabilities but also demonstrates how your military training and discipline can be an asset in various professional environments.

Infantry Skills

1. Marksmanship
2. Navigation
3. First Aid
4. Radio Communication
5. Tactical Awareness
6. Physical Fitness
7. Survival Skills
8. Team Leadership
9. Stress Management
10. Defensive Tactics
11. Equipment Maintenance
12. Reconnaissance Operations

1. Marksmanship

Marksmanship in the context of infantry refers to the skill and precision in operating firearms or ranged weapons effectively to hit specific targets accurately.

Why It's Important

Marksmanship is vital for an infantry because it ensures accurate and effective use of firearms, which is essential for mission success, self-defense, and minimizing collateral damage.

How to Improve Marksmanship Skills

Improving marksmanship, particularly for infantry, involves a combination of physical conditioning, mastering fundamentals, and consistent practice. Here's a concise guide:

1. Stance and Grip: Adopt a stable, balanced stance and ensure a firm, consistent grip on your weapon. US Army FM 3-22.9 provides detailed guidance on rifle marksmanship, including stance and grip.

2. Breath Control: Learn to control your breathing to minimize movement. Pause after exhaling to shoot. NRA Basics offers insights into fundamental shooting techniques, including breath control.

3. Sight Alignment and Sight Picture: Master aligning your sights and focusing on your target correctly. The Marine Corps Shooting Team shares tips on achieving proper sight alignment and picture.

4. Trigger Control: Practice pulling the trigger without disturbing your aim. Slow, steady pressure until the shot surprises you. The NSSF provides resources on shooting fundamentals, including trigger discipline.

5. Follow Through and Recovery: Stay focused on your sights through the shot and be ready to realign for subsequent shots. Shooting Illustrated offers advanced tips on follow-through and recovery.

6. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Engage in dry fire practice to refine your technique and live fire exercises to apply your skills under different conditions.

7. Physical Fitness: A strong, fit body supports better shooting posture and endurance. The Army Physical Fitness Guide outlines exercises for overall physical preparedness.

8. Mental Preparation: Develop focus and mental resilience. Techniques can be found through Competitive Shooting Sports which emphasizes mental training alongside physical.

By incorporating these strategies and seeking continuous improvement, you can significantly enhance your marksmanship skills.

How to Display Marksmanship Skills on Your Resume

2. Navigation

Navigation, in the context of infantry, refers to the process and techniques used by soldiers to determine their position, plan routes, and move effectively from one location to another on foot, often in challenging or unfamiliar terrain.

Why It's Important

Navigation is crucial for infantry to accurately move and position themselves on the battlefield, maintain orientation, execute missions effectively, and ensure safety by avoiding hazards and enemy positions.

How to Improve Navigation Skills

To improve navigation for infantry units, focus on enhancing skills and integrating technology:

1. Enhance Basic Skills: Strengthen basic land navigation skills, including map reading, compass use, and terrain association. Land Navigation Training

2. GPS Technology: Incorporate GPS devices for real-time positioning. Ensure all personnel are trained in using these devices. GPS.gov: Military Applications

3. Use of Apps: Utilize navigation apps that are designed for military use, offering offline maps and encrypted communication. Tactical NAV

4. Regular Training: Conduct regular training exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, focusing on both day and night navigation. US Army Training and Doctrine Command

5. After Action Reviews (AAR): After each exercise, conduct AARs to identify areas for improvement and reinforce successful navigation strategies. Center for Army Lessons Learned

By focusing on these areas, infantry units can significantly improve their navigational capabilities.

How to Display Navigation Skills on Your Resume

3. First Aid

First aid for an infantry involves immediate and temporary care given to an individual who has suffered an injury or illness on the battlefield, aiming to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery until professional medical help can be obtained.

Why It's Important

First Aid is crucial for an infantry as it provides immediate and essential care for injuries or illnesses on the battlefield, potentially saving lives and preventing conditions from worsening until professional medical help can be accessed.

How to Improve First Aid Skills

Improving first aid in an infantry context involves enhancing skills, equipment, and protocols to ensure immediate and effective medical response on the battlefield. Follow these steps for improvement:

1. Regular Training: Conduct frequent and comprehensive first aid training sessions, including trauma management, CPR, and use of tourniquets. The American Red Cross offers guidelines and courses that can be adapted for military use.

2. Simulation Drills: Implement realistic simulation drills that mimic battlefield injuries to improve response times and procedural accuracy under pressure. The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) provides resources on tactical combat casualty care that can be incorporated into training.

3. Advanced Equipment: Equip infantry units with advanced first aid kits, including tourniquets, hemostatic agents, and chest seals. The Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines outline essential gear and its application.

4. Telemedicine: Utilize telemedicine for remote diagnostics and guidance from medical professionals during critical situations. The Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) explores innovative health technologies that can support field operations.

5. Mental Health First Aid: Incorporate mental health first aid to address psychological trauma and stress on the battlefield. Mental Health First Aid offers training that can be tailored to military contexts.

Improving first aid in the infantry requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on continuous learning, realistic practice, advanced tools, and support for both physical and mental health.

How to Display First Aid Skills on Your Resume

4. Radio Communication

Radio communication, in the context of infantry, refers to the use of radio waves to transmit voice and data messages between units and command centers, enabling coordinated operations and situational awareness on the battlefield.

Why It's Important

Radio communication is crucial for infantry as it enables instant, secure, and effective coordination and command across dispersed units, enhancing operational efficiency and safety on the battlefield.

How to Improve Radio Communication Skills

Improving radio communication for infantry involves enhancing clarity, range, and security. Here are concise strategies:

1. Use of Advanced Equipment: Upgrade to radios with better frequency range, noise reduction capabilities, and encryption for secure communication. Harris Corporation is known for advanced military radios.

2. Effective Training: Regular training on radio operation, communication protocols, and encryption ensures proficient use. The U.S. Army's Signal Corps provides specialized training.

3. Signal Optimization: Utilize repeaters and signal boosters to extend communication range, especially in challenging terrains. Motorola Solutions offers equipment for signal enhancement.

4. Encryption and Security: Implement advanced encryption standards (AES) for secure communications to prevent eavesdropping. The National Institute of Standards and Technology guides on encryption standards.

5. Regular Maintenance: Ensure radios and related equipment are regularly checked and maintained for optimal performance. Manufacturer guidelines, such as those from Kenwood, offer maintenance advice.

6. Antenna Optimization: Use the right antenna for the terrain; longer antennas can enhance range in open areas, while shorter ones may be better in urban settings. Antenna Theory provides insights on optimal antenna use.

By focusing on these areas, infantry units can significantly improve their radio communication capabilities.

How to Display Radio Communication Skills on Your Resume

5. Tactical Awareness

Tactical Awareness for an infantry involves the understanding and anticipation of the battlefield environment, enemy positions, and movements, as well as the ability to make quick decisions and adjustments to tactics, positioning, and actions to achieve strategic advantages and objectives.

Why It's Important

Tactical awareness is crucial for infantry as it enables soldiers to understand their surroundings, anticipate enemy actions, assess risks, and make informed decisions quickly, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in combat and survival on the battlefield.

How to Improve Tactical Awareness Skills

Improving tactical awareness, especially for infantry, involves a combination of training, experience, and continuous learning. Here are concise steps to enhance tactical awareness:

1. Continuous Training: Engage in regular and varied training exercises that simulate real-life scenarios. This includes drills, map reading, and navigation exercises to sharpen situational awareness. Tactical Training Strategies

2. Mental Simulation: Regularly visualize different combat scenarios and your responses to them. This mental practice can improve decision-making under stress. Mental Simulation in Training

3. Physical Fitness: Maintain a high level of physical fitness. A physically fit soldier can better handle the demands of the battlefield, making it easier to maintain awareness. Physical Training Guide

4. Study Tactics: Continuously study and analyze past and current military tactics and strategies. Learning from historical battles and current conflicts can provide insight into effective tactics. Military Tactics

5. Technology Familiarization: Stay updated with the latest military technology and equipment. Understanding the tools and resources available can greatly enhance your tactical capabilities. Military Technology

6. Communication Skills: Develop clear and effective communication skills. Being able to quickly and accurately convey information is crucial in a tactical environment. Military Communication

7. Teamwork and Leadership: Work on leadership and teamwork skills. A cohesive unit with strong leadership can significantly improve overall tactical awareness. Teamwork in the Military

By focusing on these areas, infantry members can significantly improve their tactical awareness and effectiveness on the battlefield.

How to Display Tactical Awareness Skills on Your Resume

6. Physical Fitness

Physical fitness for an infantry member refers to the optimal condition of strength, endurance, agility, and mental resilience required to effectively perform combat tasks and endure the physical demands of military operations.

Why It's Important

Physical fitness is crucial for infantry personnel as it directly impacts their ability to perform physically demanding tasks, endure harsh conditions, maintain operational readiness, and reduce injury risks in combat situations.

How to Improve Physical Fitness Skills

Improving physical fitness, especially for an infantry role, requires a balanced approach focusing on endurance, strength, agility, and flexibility. Here are concise tips:

1. Endurance Training: Incorporate running, swimming, or cycling into your routine 3-5 times a week to improve cardiovascular endurance. Mayo Clinic's guide to aerobic exercise provides useful insights.

2. Strength Training: Focus on bodyweight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups) and weightlifting 2-3 times a week to build muscle strength. The American Council on Exercise offers a list of effective at-home exercises.

3. Flexibility and Mobility Work: Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching into your routine to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. Harvard Health Publishing highlights the importance of stretching.

4. Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and stay hydrated. ChooseMyPlate by the USDA offers nutrition guidance.

5. Adequate Rest: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly and incorporate rest days into your training schedule to allow for recovery. Sleep Foundation explains sleep’s role in physical performance.

For a more tailored approach, consult a fitness professional who can design a program specific to the demands of infantry duties.

How to Display Physical Fitness Skills on Your Resume

7. Survival Skills

Survival skills for an infantry involve techniques and strategies used to sustain life, navigate, find shelter, secure food and water, and protect oneself against hazards in a variety of environments, especially during combat or in wilderness areas. These skills enhance an infantry soldier's resilience and capability to survive in adverse conditions.

Why It's Important

Survival skills are crucial for infantry because they prepare soldiers to sustain themselves in hostile environments, ensure they can navigate safely, procure food and water, and protect themselves from hazards. These skills enhance resilience, increase mission success rates, and improve chances of survival behind enemy lines or in wilderness scenarios.

How to Improve Survival Skills Skills

Improving survival skills, especially for infantry personnel, involves a combination of physical preparation, knowledge acquisition, and practical experience. Here's a concise guide:

1. Physical Fitness: Enhance endurance, strength, and flexibility through regular exercise. Military.com's Fitness Center offers tailored workouts.

2. Navigation Skills: Master the use of maps, compasses, and GPS devices. REI's navigation basics is a good starting point.

3. First Aid Training: Acquire comprehensive first aid skills, including trauma care. The American Red Cross provides essential courses.

4. Survival Techniques: Learn to find water, build shelters, and signal for help. The Survival Doctor offers practical tips and advice.

5. Tactical Skills: Enhance combat skills, including camouflage, silent movement, and ambush tactics. Consult resources like Tactical Life for advanced techniques.

6. Mental Resilience: Develop mental toughness through stress management exercises and resilience training. The Art of Manliness has useful resources.

7. Wilderness Survival Courses: Participate in hands-on survival training courses. Organizations like NOLS offer courses in wilderness skills.

8. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about new survival strategies and gear. Websites like SurvivalCache keep you updated on the latest in survival trends.

Combining these elements will significantly enhance an infantry soldier's survival skills, preparing them for a wide range of scenarios.

How to Display Survival Skills Skills on Your Resume

8. Team Leadership

Team leadership in an infantry context refers to the process of guiding and directing a small military unit towards achieving specific operational goals through effective decision-making, communication, and motivation, while ensuring the welfare and cohesion of the team members.

Why It's Important

Team leadership is crucial in an infantry context because it ensures effective coordination, quick decision-making, and high morale among soldiers, directly impacting mission success and survival in high-stakes environments.

How to Improve Team Leadership Skills

Improving team leadership, especially in an infantry context, requires a focus on communication, trust-building, teamwork, and decision-making. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Communication: Clear, concise, and constant communication ensures everyone is on the same page. Army Leadership and the Communication Process outlines the importance of effective communication in military leadership.

2. Build Trust: Trust is fundamental. Leaders should demonstrate integrity, competence, and consistency. The Center for the Army Profession and Ethic provides resources on building trust within military teams.

3. Foster Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and mutual support. The Infantry School’s Teamwork Guide offers practical advice on enhancing teamwork in infantry settings.

4. Improve Decision-Making: Quick, effective decisions are crucial. The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) Manual can guide leaders in making better decisions under pressure.

5. Continuous Training and Development: Ongoing skill and leadership development ensure readiness and adaptability. The Infantry Leader’s Guide provides resources for continuous improvement.

By focusing on these key areas, infantry leaders can significantly enhance their team leadership capabilities.

How to Display Team Leadership Skills on Your Resume

9. Stress Management

Stress management for an infantry soldier involves techniques and strategies to control and reduce the physical, emotional, and psychological pressure experienced in combat and military operations. It aims to enhance resilience, performance, and overall well-being in high-stress environments.

Why It's Important

Stress management is crucial for an infantry soldier as it enhances mental resilience, decision-making, and performance under pressure, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall mission effectiveness.

How to Improve Stress Management Skills

Improving stress management, especially in high-pressure roles like the Infantry, involves adopting strategies that enhance resilience and coping mechanisms. Here are succinct tips for better stress management:

1. Physical Fitness: Regular physical exercise improves mental health and stress resilience. Training programs should include both cardiovascular and strength exercises.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress levels. Incorporating these practices into daily routines can help in managing stress effectively.

3. Adequate Sleep: Ensuring sufficient sleep is crucial for stress management. It helps in cognitive function and emotional regulation.

4. Healthy Nutrition: A balanced diet plays a significant role in managing stress. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support mental health.

5. Social Support: Building strong relationships and having a good support system can provide emotional support and aid in stress reduction.

6. Professional Help: Seeking professional help when necessary is crucial. Therapists and counselors can offer strategies and support for managing stress.

7. Time Management: Effective time management can help in reducing stress by prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals. Techniques can include making schedules or lists to manage time more efficiently.

Remember, it's important to tailor stress management techniques to what works best for you, as individual needs can vary.

How to Display Stress Management Skills on Your Resume

10. Defensive Tactics

Defensive tactics in the context of infantry involve strategies and maneuvers designed to protect and hold positions against enemy forces, minimize casualties, and maintain control of strategic locations. These tactics include fortifying positions, creating obstacles, employing ambushes, and using concealment and cover effectively to counteract enemy attacks.

Why It's Important

Defensive tactics are crucial for an infantry as they ensure survival, enable soldiers to hold strategic positions, and buy time for reinforcements or counterattacks, ultimately preserving forces and maintaining territorial integrity.

How to Improve Defensive Tactics Skills

Improving defensive tactics for infantry involves a combination of training, strategic planning, and the use of technology. Below are concise strategies to enhance defensive capabilities:

1. Continuous Training: Regularly conduct scenario-based training exercises to improve soldiers' readiness and responsiveness to various threats. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command offers insights into current training methodologies.

2. Terrain Utilization: Learn and apply techniques for using the terrain to your advantage. Understanding how to use natural and man-made features for cover and concealment is essential. Small Unit Tactics in the Ranger Handbook provides insights on terrain utilization.

3. Fortification: Improve skills in constructing defensive positions and fortifications, tailoring them to the threat and environment. The U.S. Army Field Manual on Engineer Operations is a valuable resource.

4. Technological Integration: Integrate modern surveillance and reconnaissance technology to enhance situational awareness. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) showcases the latest in military technology advancements.

5. Combined Arms Operations: Utilize a combined arms approach, integrating infantry with armor, artillery, and air support to create a synergistic defensive capability. Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate (CADD) provides doctrines on combined arms operations.

6. Cyber Defense: Educate and equip units with knowledge and tools for cyber defense to protect communications and information systems. U.S. Cyber Command offers resources and guidance.

7. Adaptability and Innovation: Encourage adaptability and innovation within the ranks to develop new defensive tactics that address evolving threats. Army Futures Command focuses on modernizing the force and developing innovative strategies.

By focusing on these areas, infantry units can significantly enhance their defensive tactics and overall combat effectiveness.

How to Display Defensive Tactics Skills on Your Resume

11. Equipment Maintenance

Equipment maintenance in the context of an infantry involves the regular inspection, servicing, and repair of gear, weapons, and vehicles to ensure they are in optimal condition for reliable and efficient operation during military missions.

Why It's Important

Equipment maintenance is crucial for an infantry as it ensures operational readiness, enhances safety, extends equipment lifespan, and minimizes the risk of malfunctions or failures during critical missions.

How to Improve Equipment Maintenance Skills

Improving equipment maintenance in an infantry unit involves a combination of regular checks, training, and resource management. Here's a concise guide:

1. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedules: Schedule routine inspections and maintenance tasks to prevent equipment failure. U.S. Army Maintenance provides guidelines on regular maintenance practices.

2. Train Personnel: Ensure all infantry members are trained in basic maintenance of their equipment. The Army Learning Management System (ALMS) offers courses that can be beneficial.

3. Utilize Condition-Based Maintenance: Use sensors and diagnostics to monitor equipment condition in real-time, intervening only when necessary. Information on such technologies can be found in Defense Maintenance and Logistics.

4. Keep Maintenance Records: Document all maintenance work to track the equipment's health over time and predict future failures. The Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-Army) is a tool that helps in managing these records efficiently.

5. Ensure Adequate Resources: Ensure there are always enough spare parts and maintenance tools available. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is a key resource for acquiring military equipment parts.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, an infantry unit can significantly improve its equipment maintenance operations.

How to Display Equipment Maintenance Skills on Your Resume

12. Reconnaissance Operations

Reconnaissance operations are military missions conducted by infantry units to gather or confirm information about the enemy, terrain, or resources in a specific area, without engaging in direct combat.

Why It's Important

Reconnaissance operations are crucial for infantry as they provide critical information about the enemy's location, strength, and movements, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning to ensure mission success and minimize casualties.

How to Improve Reconnaissance Operations Skills

Improving reconnaissance operations for infantry involves enhancing situational awareness, stealth, communication, and decision-making skills. Focus on:

1. Training: Regular, realistic exercises that simulate various environments and scenarios. Military Training

2. Technology Integration: Utilize advanced reconnaissance drones, thermal imaging, and surveillance systems for better intelligence gathering. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

3. Stealth Techniques: Improve methods to move silently and remain undetected. Training in camouflage and noise discipline is crucial. Camouflage Techniques

4. Enhanced Communication: Secure, real-time communication systems to relay information without compromising position. Secure Communication Systems

5. Decision Making: Develop rapid, effective decision-making skills through scenario-based training and the use of decision-making frameworks. Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)

6. Physical Fitness: Ensure troops are in peak physical condition to endure the demands of reconnaissance missions. Physical Training Guide

7. Intelligence Fusion: Combine intelligence from multiple sources (HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT) for a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment. Intelligence Fusion Centers

Implementing these strategies will enhance the effectiveness and safety of reconnaissance operations for infantry units.

How to Display Reconnaissance Operations Skills on Your Resume