Branches of the Military: The Infantry?

Hi all! I'm a high school junior trying to plan out my future a little. I've been looking into various career paths and the military seems like a respectable option. I've heard the term 'infantry' quite often, but what exactly is that? Which branches of the military include an infantry, and what would serving in this role involve? Thanks for any info!

Hello there! Your enquiry on the 'infantry' role within the military branches suggests a serious consideration of your options, so I'll do my best to break it down for you.

To start, 'infantry' is a term used to denote ground-based combat troops that engage with the enemy face-to-face, and are often on the frontline in combat operations. These are typically soldiers who are trained for tactical and combat situations on the ground.

All branches of the military have some type of ground-force component, but the roles can vary slightly. Here's a brief overview:

- In the Army, the infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. They're responsible for closing with and destroying the enemy.

- The Marine Corps also has infantry, but Marines tend to work in smaller teams and might conduct amphibious (land and sea) and expeditionary warfare.

- The Navy doesn't have traditional 'infantry', but they have what's called 'Sea, Air, and Land' Teams, commonly known as SEALs, trained to operate in all environments. They are the Navy's primary special operations force.

- The Air Force has a special force called Pararescuemen, also known as PJs, that are tasked with the recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments.

- The Coast Guard doesn't have a traditional infantry force, but they do board and engage with other vessels and conduct law enforcement.

- And finally, the Space Force, which does not have a traditional infantry, and instead operates satellites and focuses on cyber warfare.

Serving in the infantry involves demanding physical and mental challenges, intensive training, and potential deployment domestically or internationally. The role revolves around combat readiness and may involve various responsibilities like conducting patrols, securing and defending positions, or participating in peace-keeping missions.

Do remember to thoroughly research and possibly speak to a recruitment officer before making decisions, as joining the military is a significant commitment with long-term implications. All the best!