Army MOS 11X

Army MOS 11X is a broad term that refers to infantry specialties within the military branch.

The Army classifies jobs as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Some military specialties are combat-related while others do not experience direct conflict with an enemy force.

Army MOS 11X are soldiers that are literally on the front lines of combat engaging with an adversary.

Learn more about two of the most important military careers you can serve as part of MOS 11X.

1. What is Army MOS 11X?

Army MOS 11X is a general term that describes the primary combat-related Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the military branch.

The two most common infantry specialties are:

• Army Infantryman (MOS 11B)
• Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C)

MOS 11X serves as the quintessential “backbone” of the U.S. Army.

When you think of the Army, probably the first thoughts that come to your mind are ground soldiers like MOS 11B and MOS 11C.

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Secondly, Army MOS 11X designates the starting point for several advanced schools of the Army, including:

• Army Special Forces
• Airborne School
• Ranger School
• Sniper School
• Pathfinder School

Overall, the job duties of MOS 11X entail:

• Defend the country against any threat by land
• Capture, destroy, and repel enemy ground forces during combat

There are various requirements and training required to serve the military in the job field MOS 11X.

Thanks to there being more than one infantry-related military specialty in the Army, soldiers have the option to determine which one is best suited for their goals and ambitions.

2. What Jobs Fall Under the 11X MOS?

The two primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) of Army MOS 11X are Infantryman (MOS 11B) and Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C).

While both military specialties are on the front lines of the Army and an excellent selection for soldiers looking to see combat, there are a few primary differences between the two jobs.

3. What is MOS 11B?

Army Infantrymen (MOS 11B) serve as the primary land combat force in the military branch.

The military specialty goes by the nickname “Eleven Bravo.”

An Army Infantryman defends the country using weapons like M230 machine guns and M249 automatic rifles.

Land navigation is also a priority for MOS 11B soldiers, along with reconnaissance missions.

The Army merges Advanced Individual Training with boot camp for MOS 11B.

Together, the two types of training require 22 weeks of dedication before you’ll officially be recognized as Army Infantryman MOS 11B.

You need to score a minimum of Combat (CO): 87 on the ASVAB to qualify for MOS 11B.

Read the full job description of Army Infantryman – MOS 11B.

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4. What is MOS 11C?

Army Indirect Fire Infantrymen (MOS 11C) serve on the mortar squad as opposed to MOS 11B, which are more riflemen.

An Indirect Fire Infantryman supports the squad or platoon by preparing, loading, and launching mortars at enemy targets.

Mortar support allows other ground troops like Infantrymen (MOS 11B) to advance on enemy forces.

Indirect Fire Infantrymen safely clear obstacles and threats from a distance to protect human lives and machinery.

Army MOS 11C also scout enemy forces and neutralize land mines.

Soldiers receive their training through boot camp (10 weeks) and OSUT training (12 weeks).

Their Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) take place at Fort Moore in Georgia.

Aspiring MOS 11C also need to score a minimum of Combat (CO): 87 on the ASVAB, like Infantrymen – MOS 11B.

Read the full job description of Army Indirect Fire Infantryman – MOS 11C.

Frequently Asked Questions About MOS 11X

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Army MOS 11X:

5. What’s the difference between 11X and 11B?

Army MOS 11X is the overall term for the infantry job field.

It involves multiple Military Occupational Specialties including MOS 11B and MOS 11C.

Meanwhile, each is an actual military job title with a specific list of duties and responsibilities.

6. Duty Stations

Those serving in the Army in MOS 11X can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:

Inside the Continental US (CONUS)

• Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
• Fort Bliss, TX
• Fort Campbell, KY
• Fort Carson, CO
• Fort Cavazos, TX
• Fort Drum, NY
• Fort Huachuca, AZ 
• Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
• Fort Irwin, CA
• Fort Johnson, LA
• Fort Liberty, NC
• Fort Moore, GA
• Fort Riley, KS
• Fort Stewart, GA
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
• Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, VA

Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)

• Fort Wainwright, AK
• USAG Bavaria, Germany
• USAG Hawaii
• USAG Italy
• USAG Yongsan-Casey, South Korea

7. What’s the necessary ASVAB score for 11X?

Those that are interested in joining the infantry division of the U.S. Army need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

The ASVAB is a series of tests like what you would take in high school which helps determine what your strengths and weaknesses are in terms of knowledge.

For example, someone that is more mechanically inclined will perform way better on certain parts of the ASVAB compared to another individual that is more “right-brain” and might excel in other Military Occupational Specialties.

In order to qualify for MOS 11B or MOS 11C, you must score a minimum of Combat (CO): 87 on the ASVAB.

Speaking with a local recruiter provides you with more details about the ASAB, and how to perform well on the test.

8. What is ‘Option 40’?

Option 40 is an enlistment option that new recruits have the option of selecting.

It slots you into the 75th Ranger Regiment as an Army Infantryman (MOS 11B) or Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C).

The military track begins at One Station Unit Training (OSUT) after completing the initial boot camp.

OSUT training focuses on the different specialties between soldiers becoming MOS 11B compared to 11C.

Option 40 also gives recruits the option of attending Airborne School and The Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP 1) if they seek to join an elite force.

Option 40 is an exciting option, yet many recruits do not make it through all the demanding training.

Failure to complete the training allows the Army to remove you from the track and assign you wherever the military branch has needs for service.

However, it is an exciting way to join the Airbourne School or become a Ranger if you have the right mindset and dedication.

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9. What is OSUT?

Army One Station Unit Training, or OSUT, is a training program that combines boot camp (Basic Combat Training) with Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

For example, an MOS 11B soldier receives boot camp training along with AIT training in the same location.

Meanwhile, a more advanced Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) would require a soldier to go through boot camp before leaving a BCT training compound to focus on AIT training at another facility.

As a result, your Drill Sergeants also remain with you through both types of training.

Since soldiers do not need to relocate for OSUT, the purpose is to foster more camaraderie within the ranks.

One Station Unit Training is for six different Military Occupational Specialties within MOS 11X.

10. What determines which route you will go in the Army?

First, you need to qualify for a MOS 11X specialty like Indirect Fire Infantryman by scoring high enough on the ASVAB and meeting other basic requirements.

Then you need to survive One Station Unit Training to remain in the Army.

Your performance at OSUT will determine your job placement for your first permanent assignment.

Those that choose Option 40 have the freedom of considering specialty training programs like the Army Airborne School as well.

Therefore, you could end up serving the Army in a non-combat MOS, field MOS 11X specialty, or advanced specialty like Army Ranger depending on your performance.

11. How much do Infantrymen make in the Army?

The Army pays personnel according to their rank and time in service. A new recruit can currently expect a monthly base pay of about $1,900 after BCT and AIT.

12. Does the Army Infantry get a signing bonus?

As of June 2023, the Army is offering a signing bonus of up to $40K for infantryman jobs. This may require an extended contract time, but you’ll need to talk to a recruiter for the details.

13. What branch of the service offers the highest signing bonus?

Currently, the U.S. Army is offering a large number of signing bonuses for positions in the infantry, rocket launching systems, fire control specialists, and more.

14. What MOS should I enlist under to join Army Special Forces?

Army MOS 11X serves as a starting point for several elite Army organizations, including Airborne, Rangers, Sniper School, and Pathfinder School.

MOS 11X Conclusion

Army MOS 11X refers to the job field of infantry specialties in the military branch.

The two primarily MOX 11X job titles are Army Infantryman (MOS 11B) and Army Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C).

Learning about the different MOS 11X job roles can help you decide which combat military specialty is best suited for your desires and ambitions.

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