Infantry Branch (United States)

Infantry Branch (United States). The Infantry Branch is the oldest and largest combat arms branch of the United States Army, responsible for engaging the enemy in close-quarters combat and seizing ground. Its soldiers, known as infantrymen, form the primary maneuver force of the Army, operating on foot or from armored vehicles to close with and destroy opposing forces. The branch's history is inextricably linked to the formation and campaigns of the American military, with its motto "Follow Me!" encapsulating its leadership ethos.

History

The branch traces its origins to the Continental Army authorized by the Second Continental Congress on 14 June 1775, with its first regiments formed from militia units around Boston. Infantry units were decisive in key battles of the American Revolutionary War, such as Saratoga and the Siege of Yorktown. Throughout the 19th century, infantry forces expanded westward, fought in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and were the central component of both the Union Army and Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The 20th century saw the branch evolve through trench warfare in World War I, massive combined arms operations in World War II across theaters like the European Theater of Operations and the Pacific War, and protracted counterinsurgency conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and later Afghanistan.

Organization

The Infantry Branch is organized under the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command for training and doctrinal development, while operational units fall under the United States Army Forces Command and global combantant commands. The principal tactical unit is the infantry brigade combat team, which exists in three types: light infantry, Stryker, and armored (mechanized). These brigades are composed of maneuver battalions, such as the 1st Infantry Regiment or the 75th Ranger Regiment, which are further divided into companies and platoons. Specialized infantry organizations include the United States Army Special Forces and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Training and doctrine

All infantrymen begin with One Station Unit Training at Fort Moore, home of the United States Army Infantry School. The core doctrine focuses on decentralized operations, mission command, and combined arms warfare, as codified in publications like ADP 3-21. Advanced training is conducted at schools such as the Ranger School, the United States Army Sniper School, and the United States Army Airborne School. The Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson provides the premier collective training environment for light infantry and airborne units, emphasizing realistic force-on-force and live-fire exercises.

Equipment

Modern infantry equipment varies by brigade type. Light infantry relies on individual weapons like the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun, supported by the M224 mortar and FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile. Stryker brigades are built around the Stryker armored personnel carrier, while armored brigades employ the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. All infantrymen utilize advanced night vision devices, tactical communications gear like the AN/PRC-163, and are increasingly equipped with small unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance.

Notable infantry units

The branch includes many historically significant units with storied lineages. The 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One," fought in major operations from Normandy to Operation Desert Storm. The 10th Mountain Division specializes in light infantry and mountain warfare. The 82nd Airborne Division is the Army's strategic airborne response force. Elite special operations units within the branch include the 75th Ranger Regiment, a premier direct-action force, and the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets), experts in unconventional warfare. Historic regiments like the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) perform ceremonial duties in Washington, D.C..

Traditions and insignia

The branch color is infantry blue, seen on the shoulder cord for enlisted dress uniforms and unit insignia. The distinctive branch insignia is a pair of crossed Model 1795 muskets, adopted in the 19th century. The Combat Infantryman Badge, instituted during World War II, is a prestigious award denoting service under fire in an infantry role. The Expert Infantryman Badge is a sought-after test of individual proficiency. The song "The Infantry Song" (aka "Dogface Soldier") serves as an unofficial anthem, and the Infantry Ball is a formal tradition celebrating the branch's heritage.