An infantry officer is a high-ranking member of the ground forces in the military. This individual holds a position of responsibility and leadership, often leading a division of other soldiers during combat. Infantry officers can be found in various military divisions.
Responsibilities are shared in almost all areas of ground combat. He receives and gives orders, also ensuring that command instructions are passed on and followed by the men on the front lines of ground combat. In addition to working with regular infantry, the infantry officer must also be able to work with other officers of similar rank and position in charge of other infantry divisions. In this role, he coordinates with other groups to ensure everything runs smoothly and that different units work together across distances.
For the infantry officer, there is usually a ranking system that you can scale. This varies by country and branch of the military, but the responsibilities and privileges increase as a person rises through the ranks. In organizations like the US Army, there are a number of specialized groups that an infantry officer can opt into, including Ranger or Airborne divisions.
A high-ranking officer may also be assigned a number of tasks outside of active combat. This may include advising other units on the responsibilities and capabilities of infantry units, teaching the next generation of officers, overseeing the daily operations of companies, and even working in areas that deal with civilians. Some civilian duties may include becoming a recruiter or overseeing logistical issues between civilian and military institutions.
Duties can vary depending on which branch of the military the officer is in, but always involve a leadership position. In the US Marine Corps, an infantry officer goes through a period of specialized training that enables him or her to be effective in developing strategies and battle plans. Just as important as the ability to develop effective battle plans is forming coherent and successful defensive strategies. An infantry officer must be familiar with each element of the command in order to use it efficiently to the best of everyone’s abilities.
An individual who is poised to be a successful infantry officer is one who is comfortable in a leadership role, and one who can act under pressure knowing his company life may depend on the decisions he makes. Military establishments look for an individual who is loyal to his country and his superiors, who is seen by others as trustworthy, and who can think quickly under pressure.