Only Someone Who Has Served In The Military Can Pass This Quiz

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Joining the United States military is no easy task. Soldiers must do a lot of training, build trust with their fellow troops, and put the safety of their country first. There are certain rules and terms that only someone in the military would know, so test your knowledge with this difficult quiz!

What are Marines not allowed to do while in uniform?

0%

Retry Correct Incorrect United States Marines are not allowed to put their hands in their pockets while they are in uniform. Keeping hands out of their pockets is a sign of respect and dedication.

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What are Marines not allowed to do while in uniform?

Go out to eat
Put their hands in their pockets
Walk on the sidewalk
Travel

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

3%

U.S. Army soldiers salute during a memorial service

Retry Correct Incorrect A staging area is where United States military officers and troops will assemble, stash their supplies, and fulfill other duties for an operation. The term became so popular that it’s actually used by civilians.

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

work space
battle zone
central location
staging area

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

5%

Retry Correct Incorrect The Department of National Defense, also known as the Pentagon, is headquartered in the state of Virginia. The name comes from the shape of the building, which is a five-sided structure.

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

New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Florida

What term describes a specific assignment with a goal?

8%

Retry Correct Incorrect Those who are experts in military life know that a mission is a special assignment with a specific goal. When troops are finished, they will usually utter the terms “mission accomplished.”

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What term describes a specific assignment with a goal?

duty
order
mission
command

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

10%

Retry Correct Incorrect The correct term for sinking a ship to prevent it from being captured by the enemy is scuttling. This can also be done to other military vehicles such as helicopters and planes.

HBO

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

scuttling
commo
deflating
cranking

What did the military invent to prevent noisy clothing?

13%

A U.S. Army armored vehicle flies an American flag

Retry Correct Incorrect Velcro can be a bit noisy when it’s being ripped off, so the military invented a silent version. This does not make a sound when in use and can be found on all uniforms.

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What did the military invent to prevent noisy clothing?

silent socks
silent buttons
silent zippers
silent Velcro

What is military action on a larger, ongoing scale?

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Retry Correct Incorrect An operation is a military action that’s on a larger and ongoing scale. While this is sometimes referred to as “war,” not all military operations are part of a declared war.

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What is military action on a larger, ongoing scale?

battle
operation
combat
defense

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

18%

Retry Correct Incorrect As a result of the Vietnam War, conscription to the U.S. military changed in 1973. This meant people would no longer be drafted or forced by law to join the military.

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

The uniforms were redesigned.
Leadership roles were reversed.
The age of enlisting went down.
Conscription to the U.S. military changed.

What is an attack from the side called?

20%

Retry Correct Incorrect A maneuver where a squad attacks from the side is called a flank. When a squad is outflanked, it means they let the enemy gain a position on their vulnerable side.

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What is an attack from the side called?

bolo
flank
dittybopper
boot

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

23%

An F-16C Fighting Falcon flies by during a U.S. Air Force firepower demonstration

Retry Correct Incorrect One of the most popular movies about the US Navywas Top Gun. Tom Cruise starred in this ’80s film about a hotshot fighter pilot trying to compete to be the best at his school.

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

The Right Stuff
Top Gun
Iron Eagle
Dunkirk

What’s the term for removing troops from an area?

25%

Army soldiers walk to their C-17 cargo plane for departure

Retry Correct Incorrect The appropriate military term for removing troops from an area is called a withdrawal. This is usually a tactical decision when a certain area no longer is important in a mission.

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What’s the term for removing troops from an area?

discharge
retreat
departure
withdrawal

There are over two thousand of these in the military.

28%

Retry Correct Incorrect Dogs are a very important part of the military and over two thousand of them work with troops everyday. The dogs are used for sniffing out bombs, bringing comfort to the soldiers, and more.

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There are over two thousand of these in the military.

weapons
dogs
soldiers
uniforms

What’s a bivouac?

30%

U.S. Army soldiers prepare to go out on patrol

Retry Correct Incorrect Those who are familiar with the military term “bivouac” will know that it’s a basic and rough, short-term camp. Troops will usually stay at a bivouac for only one night.

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What’s a bivouac?

an underground look out
an immediate order from a commanding officer
a rough, short-term camp
a high point for surveillance

Which country captured the USS Pueblo?

33%

Retry Correct Incorrect North Korea captured the USS Pueblo ship in 1968, which was a historic moment. This was the only time another country captured a U.S. ship in the history of the military.

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Which country captured the USS Pueblo?

Japan
Cuba
North Korea
Germany

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

35%

Members of the U.S. Naval Academy Freshman class perform exercises

Retry Correct Incorrect The military name for a broad line of troops facing the enemy shoulder-to-shoulder is a skirmish line. This phrase is also used by domestic police in times of civil unrest.

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

forlorn line
zoomie
skirmish line
twidget

How many times has the United States officially declared war?

38%

U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Task Force 3-7 soldiers ride atop an armored vehicle

Retry Correct Incorrect There have been 11 times throughout history where the United States has officially declared war. This has been done against 10 countries over five separate conflicts with most happening during World Wars I and II.

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How many times has the United States officially declared war?

4
20
8
11

The military uses this French term when talking about supplies.

40%

Close-up photograph of US Special Operations commander Raymond A Thomas III

Retry Correct Incorrect When referring to supplies, troops will often call them by the French term of materiel. Material is their inventory, so it can range from weapons, provisions, food rations, and more.

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The military uses this French term when talking about supplies.

sous-marin
materiel
armature
coup de canon

Semper Paratus is the motto for which department?

43%

Close-up of an unidentified US Army recruit as she stands at ease in formation

Retry Correct Incorrect If you hear the words “Semper Paratus,” then they will be said by the United States Coast Guard. The motto means “always ready” and it’s included in their coat of arms.

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Semper Paratus is the motto for which department?

Coast Guard
Navy
Army
Air Force

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

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Retry Correct Incorrect The scorched earth strategy involves destroying civilian resources and infrastructure to prevent the enemy from using them. The term is derived from ancient warfare when scorched earth couldn’t be sown with new seed for a while.

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

scorched earth
trench monkey
shock and awe
joint operation planning

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

48%

Retry Correct Incorrect If you are buying something at a store that’s located on a military base, you are not allowed to use pennies. This is because pennies cost more than they are worth.

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

nickels
dimes
pennies
quarters

Which branch of military has the most personnel?

50%

Retry Correct Incorrect There are several branches within the United States military, but the branch with the most personnel is the Army. There are currently 481,254 active members in the United States Army.

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Which branch of military has the most personnel?

Army
Marines
Coast Guard
Air Force

What is “recon” short for?

53%

U.S. and Afghan Army soldiers maneuver on patrol

Retry Correct Incorrect The military term “recon” is short for reconnaissance. This is the act of patrolling an area in secret in order to gain intel about a territory or the enemy. It’s derived from the French term “connaissance.”

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What is “recon” short for?

reconstruction
reconcile
reconvene
reconnaissance

Which military department handles calls about Santa Clause on Christmas?

55%

soldier placing gifts around a small tree

Retry Correct Incorrect Those looking to get in touch with Santa Clause on Christmas will first have to call the U.S. Air Defense Command. They are better known as NORAD and have a website that tracks Santa on Christmas Eve.

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Which military department handles calls about Santa Clause on Christmas?

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
U.S. Fleet Forces Command
U.S. Air Defense Command
U.S. Army Space and Missile Command

What does “rank and file” refer to?

58%

Retry Correct Incorrect In the military the terms “rank and file” will be used to tell soldiers how to line up properly. Rank is when troops are lined up abreast and file is when they’re lined up behind the other.

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What does “rank and file” refer to?

gender
height
lining up
weight

When is Veteran’s Day?

60%

Retry Correct Incorrect Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11 in the United States. It’s a day to commemorate all the veterans who are fighting or have previously fought in the United States military.

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When is Veteran’s Day?

June 15
May 29
November 11
September 1

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

63%

Retry Correct Incorrect When the military surrounds a city or camp with the hopes of choking off supplies, it is called a siege warfare. This is an ancient tactic that can negatively affect civilians when food and medical supplies run low.

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

voluntold
fast mover
air picket
siege warfare

What is the mascot for the US Navy?

65%

Members of the United States Navy participate in a re-enlistment and promotions ceremony

Retry Correct Incorrect Those who are familiar with the United States Navy will know that their official mascot is Bill the Goat. Bill has been around for quite some time and dates back to the 1800s.

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What is the mascot for the US Navy?

shark
seal
eagle
goat

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

68%

Retry Correct Incorrect A garrison is a long-term post where soldiers are stationed. These are often in captured territory. Garrisons date back to the Roman empire when Romans would keep garrisons almost everywhere after conquering land.

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

pollywog
quay
shellback
garrison

What is the largest U.S. military base?

70%

Retry Correct Incorrect Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the United States and across the globe. The military base is located in North Carolina and covers over 100,000 acres of land.

Patrick Robert/Corbis via Getty Images

What is the largest U.S. military base?

Fort Benning
Fort Bragg
Fort Hood
Fort Campbell

What’s the name for a safe spot for a soldier under fire?

73%

Soldiers stand saluting during the national anthem

Retry Correct Incorrect If a solider finds themselves actively under fire, then they will need to retreat to a foxhole. Foxholes are dug into the ground and provide a safe place for soldiers to hide.

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What’s the name for a safe spot for a soldier under fire?

first light
Charlie Foxtrot
chicken plate
foxhole

What’s the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the president?

75%

Retry Correct Incorrect There always needs to be a secret code when the president of the United States is being transported. This is because the president needs guaranteed safety. The call sign for a president is Marine One.

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What’s the call sign of any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the president?

Marine One
One Star
Marine Zero
Marine Star

Which war ended after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords?

78%

men gathered to sign the paris peace accords

Retry Correct Incorrect The signing of the Paris Peace Accords officially ended the direct United States involvement in the Vietnam War. Representatives from South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Vietcong, and the United States were present.

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Which war ended after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords?

Vietnam War
Korean War
World War I
World War II

What was the U.S. Air Force studying for Project Blue Book?

80%

Retry Correct Incorrect Project Blue Book was created in 1952 by the United States Air Force in order for them to study unidentified flying objects, also known as UFOs. The study ended 17 years later.

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What was the U.S. Air Force studying for Project Blue Book?

Space travel
cybersecurity
unidentified flying objects (UFOs)
terrorism

Where is the U.S. Army post, Fort Benning, located?

83%

Retry Correct Incorrect One of the top United States Army posts is Fort Benning, which happens to be located in Georgia. The post supports more than 120,000 active-duty and retired military members and their families.

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Where is the U.S. Army post, Fort Benning, located?

Georgia
Indiana
North Carolina
Alabama

What does the military acronym NCO stand for?

85%

Retry Correct Incorrect The United States military has a special acronym NCO that stands for non-commissioned officer. This is a military officer who has not pursued a commission and has earned their position by promotion through enlisted ranks.

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What does the military acronym NCO stand for?

next commanding officer
never cover over
new country official
non-commissioned officer

What is ASVAB when it comes to the U.S. military entrance exam?

88%

Retry Correct Incorrect When referring to the test taken for entrance into the United States military, there will be an acronym ASVAB. This stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. It’s a multiple choice test to determine qualification for enlistment.

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What is ASVAB when it comes to the U.S. military entrance exam?

Artillery Sack Vedette Ambush Battalia
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Armed Sack Vocational Ambush Battery
Artillery Services Vedette Aptitude Battalia

Who commanded the Confederate Army during the Battle of Gettysburg?

90%

battle of gettysburg men gathered in 1865

Retry Correct Incorrect The Battle of Gettysburg was fought between July 1 and July 3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. While George G. Meade led the Union forces, General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate Army.

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Who commanded the Confederate Army during the Battle of Gettysburg?

Abraham Lincoln
Joseph Hooker
George G. Meade
Robert E. Lee

Which president appears on the Purple Heart?

93%

Retry Correct Incorrect The profile of the nation’s first president, George Washington, appears on the United States military decoration of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart goes to those wounded or who lost their lives while serving.

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Which president appears on the Purple Heart?

Abraham Lincoln
John F. Kennedy
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson

Which war is associated with Florence Nightingale?

95%

florence nightingale holding a lamp in a painting

Retry Correct Incorrect Florence Nightgale was a social reformer, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing who is best known for her work during the Crimean War. She organized care for wounded soldiers at Constantinople.

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Which war is associated with Florence Nightingale?

The War of 1812
The Civil War
The Crimean War
World War I

What did the Air Force study when looking into aerodynamics?

98%

f-117 nighthawk flying over sierra nevada mountains

Retry Correct Incorrect The Air Force needed to study aerodynamics while they were building the F-117 fighter jet. They actually used bumblebees to look at aerodynamics and watched how they would typically fly.

Thomas J. Pitsor/USAF/Getty Images

What did the Air Force study when looking into aerodynamics?

eagles
bats
hawks
bumblebees

Congrats, you finished! Here are your results:

100%

Congrats, you finished! Here are your results:

Retry Oh no! You’re out of luck. Brush up on your military knowledge and try again. Not looking good. This quiz totally stumped you. You need some help learning these important military facts. Nice try! You have a basic understanding of the military, but we wouldn’t call you an expert. Amazing job! When it comes to the military, you really know how things work!

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