8 Out Of 10 Americans Fail This Military Quiz. Can You Pass It?

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What are Marines not allowed to do while in uniform?

Think about a discipline-related rule in the United States Marine Corps involving the proper conduct of hands while wearing a uniform.
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United States Marines are not permitted to place their hands in their pockets while in uniform. This rule reflects respect, professionalism, and their commitment to maintaining a sharp, disciplined appearance.

What is the name of a place where an operation is set up?

Consider a term used both in military operations and by civilians to describe a location where people or resources gather before beginning an activity or mission.
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A staging area is a location where U.S. military officers and troops gather, store supplies, and carry out essential tasks for an operation. The term has become so widely recognized that it is now commonly used by civilians as well.

Where is the headquarters for the Department of National Defense located?

Think of the five-sided building that serves as the headquarters for the United States' Department of Defense, located in Virginia.
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The Department of Defense, commonly referred to as the Pentagon, is headquartered in Virginia. Its name is derived from the unique five-sided shape of the building.

What term describes a specific assignment with a goal?

Consider the term used for a military assignment with a defined objective, often followed by a well-known phrase signaling its successful completion.
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Military experts understand that a mission is a specialized assignment with a clear objective. Once the task is completed, troops often declare "mission accomplished.

What did the military invent to prevent noisy clothing?

Think of a fastener commonly used on military uniforms, which the military modified to eliminate the noise it typically makes when being removed.
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Velcro can be quite loud when pulled apart, so the military developed a silent version that makes no noise when used. This silent Velcro is now featured on all military uniforms.

What is military action on a larger, ongoing scale?

Consider the term for a significant military action that may occur over an extended period and can be associated with war, though not all are classified as such.
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An operation is a military action that occurs on a larger, ongoing scale. Although it is sometimes called "war," not all military operations fall under a declared war.

Why was the year 1973 important for the U.S. military?

Think about the significant change in U.S. military recruitment that occurred in 1973, which ended the practice of drafting individuals for service due to the implications of a specific conflict.
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As a result of the Vietnam War, conscription in the U.S. military was abolished in 1973. This change meant that individuals would no longer be drafted or legally required to join the military.

What is an attack from the side called?

Consider the tactical term for a side attack by a squad, and what it means when they allow the enemy to exploit a weakness in their formation.
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A maneuver in which a squad attacks from the side is known as a flank. If a squad is outflanked, it means they have allowed the enemy to gain an advantageous position on their vulnerable side.

Which film caused more people to enlist in the US Navy?

Think of a famous 1980s movie featuring Tom Cruise as a skilled fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, centered around competition and training at a prestigious school.
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One of the most iconic movies about the U.S. Navy is Top Gun. In this 1980s film, Tom Cruise plays a talented fighter pilot who strives to be the best at his training school.

Whatā€™s the term for removing troops from an area?

Consider the military term used to describe the strategic removal of troops from a location, often made when that area loses significance to a mission.
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The correct military term for the removal of troops from an area is called a withdrawal. This action is typically a tactical decision made when a specific location is no longer deemed essential to the mission.

There are over two thousand of these in the military.

Think about the role of animals in the military, particularly the type of canine that assists troops with tasks like bomb detection and providing emotional support.
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Dogs play a vital role in the military, with over two thousand working alongside troops every day. These dogs are utilized for various tasks, including detecting bombs and providing comfort to

What's a bivouac?

Consider the military term for a temporary and simple campsite where troops typically stay for a short duration, usually just one night.
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Individuals familiar with the military term "bivouac" understand it to mean a basic and temporary camp. Troops typically stay at a bivouac for only one night.

Which country captured the USS Pueblo?

Think of the significant 1968 event involving North Korea and a U.S. naval vessel, which is notable for being the only instance of its kind in military history.
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In 1968, North Korea captured the USS Pueblo, marking a significant historical event. This incident remains the only time in military history that another country has seized a U.S. ship.

What's the name of a broad line of troops facing the enemy shoulder-to-shoulder?

Consider the military term used to describe a formation of troops standing side by side against an enemy, which is also applicable to police actions during civil disturbances.
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The military term for a wide line of troops standing shoulder-to-shoulder against the enemy is called a skirmish line. This phrase is also utilized by domestic police during instances of civil unrest.

How many times has the United States officially declared war?

Think about the historical instances in which the United States has formally declared war, including the number of declarations, the countries involved, and the major conflicts primarily during the World Wars.
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Throughout history, the United States has officially declared war 11 times, targeting 10 different countries across five distinct conflicts, with the majority occurring during World Wars I and II.

The military uses this French term when talking about supplies.

Consider the French term used by troops to describe their supplies and inventory, which encompasses various items including weapons and food rations.
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When discussing supplies, troops often use the French term "materiel." This term refers to their inventory, which can include a variety of items such as weapons, provisions, food rations, and more.

Semper Paratus is the motto for which department?

Think of the motto used by the United States Coast Guard, which translates to "always ready" and is prominently displayed on their coat of arms.
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If you hear the phrase "Semper Paratus," it will be spoken by the United States Coast Guard. This motto means "always ready" and is featured on their coat of arms.

What's the policy for destroying civilian resources to keep the enemy from using them?

Consider the military strategy that focuses on destroying resources to hinder the enemy's use of them, and think about its historical roots in ancient warfare where such destruction rendered land unusable for planting crops.
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The scorched earth strategy entails destroying civilian resources and infrastructure to deny their use to the enemy. The term originates from ancient warfare, where land that had been scorched could not be sown with new seeds for an extended period.

What form of currency isn't allowed on a military base?

Think about the currency restrictions at military base stores, particularly the reason behind not being able to use a specific coin that is considered less valuable than its production cost.
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When purchasing items at a store located on a military base, you are prohibited from using pennies. This policy is in place because the cost of producing pennies exceeds their actual value.

Name the term for sinking a ship to prevent its capture.

Consider the military term used to describe the act of sinking a ship or other vehicles to prevent enemy capture, which applies not only to ships but also to helicopters and planes.
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The proper term for intentionally sinking a ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands is called scuttling. This action can also be applied to other military vehicles, including helicopters and planes.

Which branch of military has the most personnel?

Think about the branch of the U.S. military that has the highest number of active personnel and consider the current figure of members serving in that branch.
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The United States military consists of several branches, with the Army having the largest number of personnel. Currently, there are 481,254 active members in the United States Army.

What is "recon" short for?

Consider the abbreviated military term for secretly patrolling an area to gather intelligence, which has its origins in a French word meaning "knowledge."
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The military term "recon" is an abbreviation for reconnaissance. It refers to the practice of secretly patrolling an area to gather intelligence about a location or the enemy. The term is derived from the French word "connaissance."

Which military department handles calls about Santa Clause on Christmas?

Think about the organization responsible for tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, which is part of the U.S. military and provides updates through a dedicated website.
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Anyone hoping to contact Santa Claus on Christmas must first reach out to the U.S. Air Defense Command, commonly known as NORAD. They operate a website that tracks Santa's journey on Christmas Eve.

What does "rank and file" refer to?

Consider the military terminology that describes how soldiers should arrange themselves, specifying the formation where they stand side by side and the one where they line up behind each other.
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In the military, the phrase "rank and file" is used to instruct soldiers on how to line up correctly. "Rank" refers to troops being arranged side by side, while "file" indicates that they are lined up one behind the other.

When is Veteran's Day?

Think about the U.S. holiday that falls on November 11, which is dedicated to honoring those who have served in the military, both past and present.
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Veterans Day is observed on November 11 in the United States. It is a day dedicated to honoring all veterans who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. military.

What is the term for surrounding an area and cutting off supplies?

Consider the military tactic that involves surrounding a location to cut off its supplies, which has historical roots and often impacts the civilian population when resources dwindle.
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When the military encircles a city or camp in an attempt to cut off supplies, it is referred to as siege warfare. This ancient tactic can have detrimental effects on civilians, particularly when food and medical supplies become scarce.

What is the mascot for the US Navy?

Think about the official mascot of the United States Navy, which is an animal known for its resilience and has been associated with the Navy since the 1800s.
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Those familiar with the United States Navy know that their official mascot is Bill the Goat. Bill has a long history, dating back to the 1800s.

If a soldier is stationed in a long-term post in captured territory, then they are in a what?

Consider the term used to describe a long-term military station for soldiers, particularly in territories taken over during conquests, with historical roots tracing back to the Roman Empire.
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A garrison is a long-term military post where soldiers are stationed, often located in captured territory. The concept of garrisons dates back to the Roman Empire, when Romans established them in various locations following their conquests.

What is the largest U.S. military base?

Think about the largest military installation in the U.S. and worldwide, located in North Carolina and encompassing a vast area exceeding 100,000 acres.
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Fort Bragg is the largest military base in both the United States and the world. Located in North Carolina, it spans over 100,000 acres of land.

Whatā€™s the name for a safe spot for a soldier under fire?

Consider the protective structures that soldiers retreat to when under fire, which are dug into the ground to offer concealment and safety.
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If a soldier is under active fire, they need to retreat to a foxhole. Foxholes are dug into the ground and offer a safe space for soldiers to take cover.

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