National Infantry Association

By Sgt. Jeff Harris

Fort Benning — Once an Infantryman, always an Infantryman.

So many drill sergeants in our command are part of a rich and deep culture serving in the oldest branch of our Army, the Infantry. The Infantry is pridefully known as the Queen of Battle, dating in history back to 1775. Ten companies of riflemen were authorized by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. However, the oldest Regular Army infantry regiment, the 3rd Infantry Regiment, was constituted on June 3, 1784, as the First American Regiment. In the Army Reserve, a Soldier may serve in a different capacity than the Infantry, but there is a way they can still stay involved.

The National Infantry Association (NIA) was started by Infantry leadership in 1994 with a mission to share the camaraderie of like-minded Soldiers and citizens who believe in maintaining the Infantry spirit. The 98th Training Division takes pride in their Soldiers with the Infantry spirit and encourages them to teach and mentor future Soldiers coming into today’s Army. However, just like all leaders, Infantryman surround themselves with likeminded individuals of resiliency, honor, determination, and courage. Reserve Soldiers, like in the 108th Training Command, have the opportunity to submerge themselves into an association that gives just that, while also still being able to serve.

The NIA is always welcoming new members to join. In many ways the NIA is a non-gender specific fraternity, where Soldiers can reach out to one another, past or present, to be counseled and mentored not only in their military career, but in life outside the Army as well.

“It’s a support network from top to bottom. Even today, a Medal of Honor recipient, as high as you can get, if he needs something, he calls. We’re there to support even a private. We stop and talk to him downstairs. He’s fixing to go to a Guard unit, Reserve unit, or active duty; He needs something. We stop what we’re doing, and we go help.” explains Brian Nelson, Chapter Liaison of the NIA.

The association consist of many prominent members, Ret. Col. Ralph Puckett and General Hayden, as well as the 98th Training Division’s own Order of Saint Maurice recipient, Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Kaim.

The NIA recognizes, through awards programs, outstanding Infantrymen and Infantry supporters to preserve the Infantry heritage through support of the National Infantry Museum and

Soldier Center at Patriot Park located right outside of Fort Benning, Georgia. The Order of Saint Maurice is given to Soldiers and civilians who have served the Infantry community with distinction. Made a significant contribution in support of the Infantry, and represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty.

The National Infantry Association encourages Soldiers in the Army Reserve and National Guard to join their association so they can be of assistance to further elevate Soldiers careers through mentorship and networking opportunities. “So our citizenSoldiers have a great opportunity because inside of their units, there’s a huge mentorship opportunity, right? So I tell Soldiers that are in Guard units all the time; Hey, when you get in there, remember to find one of the guys that you know, first sergeant, staff sergeant, you know, whoever is a member of the NIA,“ says Nelson.

NIA membership strengthens the Infantry’s voice to be heard by decision makers and is not difficult to join. Chapters are the core element of the NIA and can help the Infantry Soldier on a local level. Various activities may include meetings, picnics, and sponsored events. If Soldiers are interested in joining a great organization, they should visit the upstairs of National Infantry Museum located outside of Fort Benning, Georgia or join online at https://infantryassn.com/ membership/.