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How an infantry soldier can use AI, task by task

O*NET 55-3016.00: Infantry15 common activities

Operate weapons and equipment in ground combat operations. Duties include operating and maintaining weapons, such as rifles, machine guns, mortars, and hand grenades; locating, constructing, and camouflaging infantry positions and equipment; evaluating terrain and recording topographical information; operating and maintaining field communications equipment; assessing need for and directing supporting fire; placing explosives and performing minesweeping activities on land; and participating in basic reconnaissance operations.

How this page is built: O*NET doesn't publish task data for military occupations. This playbook is built from the closest civilian jobs: the work activities most of them share, classified the same way as every other task on the site. For a full task list, see Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Firefighters.
Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: —.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 10%AI-assist 19%Stays human 70%

Share of the job's common activities across related occupations, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 3 AI-assist and 11 human-led tasks out of 15. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Prepare investigation or incident reports.Write it up · Weekly
  2. Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.Look into it · Daily
  3. Investigate accidents to determine causes.Look into it · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.Be there for people · Daily
  2. Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.Be there for people · Weekly
  3. Maintain public order or security.Hands-on work · Several times a day

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare investigation or incident reports.

WeeklyIn 2 related jobs

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to prepare investigation or incident reports.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Incident: [what happened, when, where; no names]
Findings: [facts, evidence, actions taken]

Draft a factual report with timeline, findings and recommendations. Mark assumptions with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Incident or investigation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare investigation or incident reports (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact and time against your notes and evidence.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare investigation or incident reports..

AI can help you prep these 3

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

Context: We use Crime mapping software and ESRI ArcView; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
What we've seen: [indicators, behaviour, logs, no personal data]
Our environment: [systems, sector]

Match these indicators to known tactics or schemes, suggest what else to look for, and list containment or reporting steps. Cite public frameworks or advisories I can verify.

10-minute exercise: Research a threat or suspicious activity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate illegal or suspicious activities (today).
Step 2Describe it in [What we've seen] and fill in [Our environment].
Step 3Verify each tactic it names against the public source before acting.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Investigate illegal or suspicious activities..

Investigate accidents to determine causes.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to investigate accidents to determine causes.

Context: We use Crime mapping software and ESRI ArcView; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Incident: [what happened, no names]
Information available: [reports, photos, statements]

Outline a root-cause investigation: timeline, evidence to gather, interview list, cause analysis method and report outline.

10-minute exercise: Accident investigation plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate accidents (today).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Information available] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the root-cause method on it and compare with the official finding.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Investigate accidents to determine causes..

Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Daily

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Situation: [evidence, incident]
Recipient: [lab, examiner, attorney]

Draft a concise notification with key facts. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Situation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you communicate situation details (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Recipient] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel..

These stay human 11

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.

DailyIn 2 related jobs

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to respond to emergencies to provide assistance.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Emergency type: [medical, alarm, threat]
Procedures: [summary]

Run a tabletop scenario with me, asking what I'd do at each step. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Emergency response rehearsal

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you respond to emergencies (today).
Step 2Fill in [Emergency type] and [Procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare your answers with your official procedures. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Respond to emergencies to provide assistance..

Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.

WeeklyIn 2 related jobs

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Incident: [fire, emergency]
Channel: [radio, phone]

Prepare a clear radio report format and practice lines. Then play dispatch. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Radio incident report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you relay information about incidents or emergencies (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Channel] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios..

Maintain public order or security.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to maintain public order or security.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Setting: [venue, patrol area, building]
Common problems: [crowds, disputes, theft]

List positioning, what to watch for, de-escalation phrases, and when to call for backup. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Order-keeping plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain public order or security.
Step 2Fill in [Setting] and [Common problems] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Practise two of the de-escalation phrases out loud before your next shift.

Importance 4.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain public order or security..

Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
What I watch: [cameras, sites, people of interest]
Rules: [legal limits, policy]

Make a surveillance checklist, what to note, and an objective log template. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Surveillance log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments (today).
Step 2Fill in [What I watch] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments..

Patrol properties to maintain safety.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to patrol properties to maintain safety.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Area: [property, park, premises]
Concerns: [intrusion, damage, safety]

Make a patrol route checklist, what to watch for, and a report template. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Patrol plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you patrol properties (today).
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Concerns] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Patrol properties to maintain safety..

Apprehend criminal suspects.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to apprehend criminal suspects.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Situation type: [trespasser, escapee, violator]
Policy: [your procedures]

Summarize safe approach, communication, legal limits and reporting as study notes with scenarios. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Apprehension procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apprehend criminal suspects (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Situation type] and [Policy] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every point against your agency policy and training before relying on it.

Importance 4.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Apprehend criminal suspects..

Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Location: [entrance, road, event]
Rules: [access policy, traffic rules]

List checks, warning signs and responses, and a log. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Access and flow control

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor access or flow of people (today).
Step 2Fill in [Location] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems..

Operate firefighting equipment.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to operate firefighting equipment.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Equipment: [engine, pumps, hoses, tools]
Crew role: [driver, leader]

Make a daily apparatus check and a quick refresher on operating procedures. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Apparatus check and refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate firefighting equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Crew role] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate firefighting equipment..

Locate fires or fire danger areas.

A few times a year

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to locate fires or fire danger areas.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Fire type: [structure, wildland, vehicle]
SOPs: [your department's guidance]

Make a size-up checklist and hot-spot search pattern to review before shifts. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Fire size-up refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you locate fires.
Step 2Fill in [Fire type] and [SOPs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Locate fires or fire danger areas..

Rescue people from hazardous situations.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to rescue people from hazardous situations.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Rescue type: [fire, water, height, confined space]
Team roles: [describe]

Walk me through a scenario with decision points and communication. Then play a victim or teammate.

10-minute exercise: Rescue scenario rehearsal

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you rescue people.
Step 2Fill in [Rescue type] and [Team roles] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Practise only within your training and SOPs. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Rescue people from hazardous situations..

Protect property from fire or water damage.

A few times a year

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an infantry soldier. Part of my job is to protect property from fire or water damage.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Scene type: [structure, chemical risk]
Resources: [tools, covers, pumps]

Make a salvage checklist to reduce property damage and contain hazards. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Salvage and overhaul checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you protect property.
Step 2Fill in [Scene type] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Protect property from fire or water damage..

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