Skills for the Infantryman of the 21st Century
A list of necessary skills taken from both my own experiences and observations from the Ukraine-Russian war
Some of the skills in this bullet-list are skills which infantrymen should already be trained in, but I included them if I have found them generally lacking within Western militaries.
“Hard” Skills
Private/Entry-level Skills
Rifle marksmanship, (particularly at longer ranges than normally emphasized.
Individual movement techniques, (in response to direct fire).
Movement techniques to avoid overhead observation, (the ability to take in to account not only cover from direct fire weapon systems but also drones. Soldiers must now constantly be aware of not only what is between them and the enemy, but also what is between them and the sky.
Mine avoidance and clearance.
Infiltration techniques, (these are in desperate need of updating: OPFOR will no longer be relying on the naked eye or flares to spot soldiers operating in low-light conditions.
Medical skills, (not only the basic CLS training, but also caring for casualties over longer periods where they may be isolated on a position.
Digging-in/fortification techniques, (the fact that any FTX does not include this is patently ridiculous.
Heavy weapon systems such as the Javelin and Stinger, (this must be taught to all soldiers, no private can afford to not understand how to use these systems at any given point. In fact, I’ve seen privates who aren’t even familiar with light AT systems like the AT-4, which is insanity).
Radio communication, (both the technology and brevity conduct).
Identifying OPFOR vehicles and weapon systems.
Vehicle techniques, (even in ‘light’ units).
Small-unit tactics, (not in the traditional “ranger tactics” way, these drills are outdated and most are completely impractical on the modern battlefield.
Operating in destroyed/UXO-filled terrain.
Thermal tactics, (both using and concealing from).
Hand grenade usage, (I cannot emphasize this point enough).
NCO Level
Artillery location and crater analysis, (techniques such as using sound to pinpoint a rough distance and direction can provide important information).
Independent action, (very junior NCOs will have to operate for prolonged periods without observation. These individuals must be capable of making decisions on their own).
Operational planning, (NCOs must be able to comprehend complex plans with greater depth in order to facilitate independent action).
Coordination with nearby units, (who may or may not be organic).
Drone usage, (this depends on unit organization, some may opt to locate observation drones in their own structure, but I know the U.S. in particular seems to prefer the idea of attaching them directly).
Calling for indirect fire.
Communicating with aerial assets.
Hand-to-hand combat ability: this may seem a bit harsh on its face, but NCOs must be able to win in a physical altercation with a private. Not having this ability costs respectability, which is the key ingredient in maintaining discipline on an isolated position.
Officer Level
Once again, operational planning at a higher level than previously required.
Coordinating dispersed units for long periods.
“Soft” Skills
Private Level
Discipline discipline discipline: armies cannot afford to have completely disobedient privates left on position with only their team leader for prolonged periods.
Physical fitness, (obviously).
Hardiness: soldiers will have to be capable of working on structures and fortifications, as well as surviving with even less luxury than previously thought. This means that even city boys have to be converted into a sort of “blue-collar” mentality.
NCO Level
Decision making: even at the Team-Leader level NCOs will have to make complex decisions with little guidance. This requires both competence and confidence.
Communication skills
Officer Level
Intelligence: platoon leaders still need to be physically fit, but the U.S. army has allowed its infantry Lieutenants to become a class of jocks who aren’t particularly bright. On the modern battlefield, LT’s may not even be in the same trenchline as their platoon. Intelligence will be the dominating trait required of the officer class.
Communication skills
Closing Thoughts
Nothing in this list is some brilliant original concept created by myself, but it creates a rough outline. A dedicated infantry commander should take a clear look at this list and see if the men of his unit are capable of executing all of the necessary “hard” skills on it, and remedy issues if they are not. Additionally, “soft” skills can be grown through good training, so whatever if found lacking in this area can be promoted through training of the right design.