An Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) is part of the mortar squad.
The Army still uses mortars in conflicts because of its rare combination of power and range.
An Indirect Fire Infantryman assists the squad, section, or platoon in launching and firing mortars for infantry support.
Learn what it takes to become an Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) including education and training requirements.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
The U.S. Army requires every service member in the military branch to select a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), or job.
There are different educational, qualifications, and training required for the various Army MOS.
Here are the requirements of an Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C):
Related Article – Army Infantryman (MOS 11B): Career Details
Education
The Army requires that new recruits join the Army with a high school diploma.
The other alternative is to complete a General Educational Diploma (GED).
There are other basic requirements for joining the Army including physical fitness standards and passing a drug test.
Recruits also take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine job strengths and requirements.
To qualify for Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) you need to score at least Combat (CO): 87 on the ASVAB.
You can speak to a local Army recruiter for more details on how to prepare and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery tests.
Qualifications
The qualifications needed to become an Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) are straightforward.
You need to be a U.S. citizen and between the ages of 17-34.
The Army requires all recruits to pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam.
No additional security clearance is needed for MOS 11C which saves you from having to undergo a more detailed background check, like some Army MOS.
The Army recommends that aspiring MOS 11C have an interest in ammunition and weaponry.
You also need to be open to new challenges, comfortable with facing combat, physically and mentally prepared, and able to work as part of a larger team.
Training
Army Basic Combat Training (BCT), or boot camp, is your introduction to the military branch.
Army boot camp lasts ten weeks and serves as an introduction to military life and determines if you have what it takes to make it.
An Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) receive additional training after the completion of boot camp.
Job training for MOS 11C lasts 14 weeks and combines classroom learning with field practice.
The Army simulates combat scenarios to prepare you for dangerous situations.
There is a focus not only on shooting mortars but also squad maneuvers, target practice, and different war games.
Aspiring MOS 11C learn how to use M203 grenade launchers and machine guns.
Anti-armor techniques and landmine warfare are other points of emphasis through One Station Unit (OSUT) training.
The advanced training takes place at Fort Benning in Georgia.
What does an Army Indirect Fire Infantryman Do?
Army Indirect Fire Infantrymen (MOS 11C) are members of the mortar squad or platoon.
An Indirect Fire Infantryman has the important duty of preparing and launching mortars toward enemy targets.
Mortars are still effective and highly used for ground combat of infantry units.
The powerful weapon is incredibly destructive and offers a terrific range for soldiers.
Infantry advances are often not made possible outside the hard work of an Indirect Fire Infantryman who safely clears obstacles and targets from a distance.
MOS 11C soldiers have responsibilities both on and away from the battlefield.
An Indirect Fire Infantryman may also scout enemy troop and weapons locations.
Soldiers are challenged with not only firing and deploying land mines but also neutralize and recover enemy explosives.
Indirect Fire Infantrymen (MOS 11C) may engage in ground combat, both offensive and defensive strategies, using automatic weapons when assigned the duties by commanding officers.
MOS 11C Job Description
The official job description of an Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) include:
- Setting up, loading, and firing different types of mortars.
- Using 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortars.
- Operating, cleaning, and storing automatic weapons.
- Using anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
- Locating and neutralizing enemy mines.
- Employing weapons and crew in various ground combat strategies (offensive, defensive, etc).
- Conducting scout missions to spot enemy troops and weapon locations.
Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) often use two-way radios and other signal equipment to communicate with officers, including relaying battle orders or sending in scouting information regarding the enemy.
Related Article – Army Fire Control Specialist (MOS 13J): Career Details
What does an Army Indirect Fire Infantryman make?
Indirect Fire Infantrymen (MOS 11C) are paid based on Army rank and years of service, not Military Occupational Speciality (MOS).
The Army not only covers a monthly salary for soldiers but also housing, food, and medical while on assignment.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Your benefits package (more information, below) includes several other parks like PTO (paid time off) and retirement.
Additionally, you can earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses for enlisting in certain Military Occupational Specialities (MOS) that are considered dangerous or badly needed.
Benefits
The U.S. Army has countless benefits included with a salary:
- Medical Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Retirement
- Affordable Life Insurance
- Education: Soldiers can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Job Reviews
There isn’t anything specific about serving the Army as an Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) on job sites like GlassDoor.com.
However, you can find some general job reviews about what it is like to serve the Army on sites like Indeed.com:
A frequent theme with job posters is that the Army is a fantastic way to start a career if you don’t have the funds to go to college, or are still unsure of what you want to do in life.
You have to prepare for some downsides of the Army, including plenty of time spent away from family and friends.
An Army recruiting office can provide more information as well as help answer questions about serving the military branch or enlisting as an Indirect Fire Infantryman.
Related Article – Army Horizontal Construction Engineer (MOS 12N): Career Details
Civilian Job Opportunities
An Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) largely deals with mortars and mines, two things that are not commonly found in the civilian world (and for good reason!).
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find relevant work after leaving the military.
Several former MOS 11C make careers out of law enforcement following their time in the Army.
Law enforcement is always happy to hire former military given some of the crossovers between the two career paths.
You can find plenty of work at the federal, state, and local level depending on personal preference and career objectives.
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in federal, state and local law enforcement.
Summary
An Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C) has the important job duties of setting up and firing mortars during combat.
Indirect Fire Infantrymen also deal with enemy land mines with the dangerous yet necessary duty of neutralizing and recovering explosives.
The Army MOS will give you an opportunity to see combat and assist important ground forces of the military branch.
Resources:
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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