Infantry is the backbone of military service, fighting on the ground with small arms. They establish control over enemy territory and provide ground defense. Infantry units engage in patrols and provide critical services such as pursuing fleeing enemy troops and constructing necessary structures. Today’s infantry is transported by aircraft and supported by artillery, aircraft, and armored vehicles.
Infantry refers to infantrymen who fight on the ground using small arms. Foot soldiers are sometimes referred to as grunts due to the difficulties associated with carrying heavy fighting gear across the field. This group is considered the backbone of military service, constituting the Army’s critical hand-to-hand combat division. It is considered by some to be the most dangerous and labor intensive branch of standard military service.
Throughout history, entire empires have been won and lost thanks to the blood and bravery of the infantry. From swords and spears to longbows and spears, from the Roman legion through the Middle Ages when cavalry or mounted soldiers commanded units of soldiers, it has been synonymous with military strength.
When militaries advance into enemy territory through airstrikes or other overt means of attack, it is the infantry that must establish hold and control over the terrain. This is accomplished by strategically advancing into enemy territory under fire. Many lives are commonly lost on both sides when opposing infantry engages in battle, making service in the division highly dangerous, if not patriotic and heroic. Once land is conquered, it is the job of these soldiers to maintain control of the territory and provide ground defense if needed for friendly forces.
Smaller infantry units often engage in patrols. In some cases, patrols are sent forward behind enemy lines to gather intelligence on troop movement or to capture enemy patrols. In other cases, patrols could be sent to the rear to protect against infiltration or attack by local rebels. The pursuit of fleeing enemy troops, the escort of friendly armored vehicles, and the construction of the necessary shelters, roads, bridges or other structures are all additional and critical services provided by these units.
Today’s infantry is commonly transported to the battlefield by aircraft or helicopters and is often supported by artillery, aircraft and armored vehicles. Basic equipment includes protective gear, weapons, survival gear, and specialized gear such as communications gear. Of the weapons, rifles, machine guns, shoulder-fired rocket launchers and grenade launchers could all be used in conjunction with mortars and other weapons.
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