Mountaineer Grit. Battlefield Ready. Infantry.
Lead the Fight in the Infantry — Build Skills, Gain Leadership, and Serve Part-Time as Infantryman in the Mountain State.
WVARNG 11B Infantryman (MOS) Recruiter FAQ Sheet
What is the 11B MOS? The 11B Infantryman is the Army's primary ground combat force—the "tip of the spear." Their main mission is to close with and destroy the enemy. They are experts in small-unit tactics, land navigation, and a wide array of weapons systems.
Why is the WVARNG getting 11B now? This is part of a major force structure change (FSC) to enhance the WVARNG's overall combat readiness and capabilities. We are realigning, allowing West Virginia Soldiers to fill critical combat roles that were previously unavailable in our state.
Is this MOS physically demanding? Yes, it is one of the most physically and mentally demanding MOS in the Army. Recruits must meet and maintain rigorous physical standards throughout their career. Recruiters should emphasize the need for outstanding physical fitness before shipping to training.
How long is the training for 11B? All 11B recruits attend One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which is 22 weeks long. This combines Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) into one continuous, intense cycle.
Where does 11B OSUT take place? The most common locations for Infantry OSUT are Fort Benning in Georgia or Fort Jackson in South Carolina. The specific location will be determined by the Army’s training schedule.
What is the focus of 11B OSUT? Weapons Mastery (M4, M249, M240B, etc.), Combat First Aid (TCCC), Land Navigation, Small-Unit Tactics (Fire Team/Squad), Patrolling, and Physical Endurance/Ruck Marches.
What happens after OSUT? The Soldier returns to their home unit in West Virginia. They will immediately begin preparing for field exercises, collective training, and potential future deployments as a fully qualified Infantryman.
What transferable skills do I gain? The most valuable skills are Leadership Under Pressure, Discipline, Strategic Decision-Making, Small-Unit Management, and Advanced First Aid. These are highly sought after by police departments, security firms, and management teams across West Virginia.
How does this affect college/civilian employment? The WVARNG's mission remains "Soldiers first." We offer Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill benefits. We work with employers (through ESGR) to ensure your military commitments are understood and protected. The skills learned as 11B will actually make you more valuable in the civilian sector.