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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons that armies historically favored younger soldiers?
(a) They do not question the war's irrationality.
(b) They are obedient.
(c) They are physically fit.
(d) They are aggressive.

2. When did heavy drinking begin for most conscripts?
(a) On the transports.
(b) On their first leave while in Europe.
(c) In France.
(d) Stateside training.

3. Americans believed that heavy bombers had what quality?
(a) Unlimited mobility.
(b) Stealth.
(c) Invincibility.
(d) Perfect accuracy.

4. How was the self-image of an individual soldier treated?
(a) As a nuisance.
(b) As being totally irrelevant.
(c) With contempt.
(d) With interest only from his squad mates.

5. The author suggests that most people prefer to feel that their lives have what?
(a) Contentment.
(b) Purpose.
(c) Excitement.
(d) Happiness.

6. At the beginning of World War II, aerial combat was regarded as exemplifying what obsolescent ideal?
(a) Dueling.
(b) Honor.
(c) Chivalry.
(d) Single combat.

7. According to the author, what was the unstated purpose of the use of inveterate profanity?
(a) To create camaraderie between officers and enlisted men.
(b) To set officers apart since only they could use it.
(c) To differentiate officers and enlisted men.
(d) To demean enlisted men.

8. The frequency of prostitution and ephemeral romantic relationships would best be described as which of the following?
(a) Almost non-existent.
(b) Rare.
(c) Constant.
(d) Infrequent.

9. How did most Americans regard Pearl Harbor?
(a) As the typical type of battle to be expected.
(b) As an aberration.
(c) As a normal combat engagement.
(d) As a well-executed attack.

10. What is one reason given for why rumors were started?
(a) Ignorance.
(b) Boredom.
(c) Stupidity.
(d) Malice.

11. Most hazing would best be described as what?
(a) Dangerous.
(b) Creative.
(c) Doctrinal.
(d) Tedious.

12. Most proponents of precision bombing suggested that it be used to destroy what enemy targets?
(a) Ground troops.
(b) Civilian populations.
(c) Fortifications.
(d) Industry.

13. How did the American media react to the image of many conscripts being drunkards?
(a) They tried to cover it up.
(b) They reported it gleefully.
(c) They tried to counter it.
(d) They ignored it.

14. What was one of the most routine ways that enlisted men dealt with the hazing they received from officers?
(a) By sabotaging the officers' interests.
(b) By insulting officers openly.
(c) By complaining to higher ranking officers.
(d) By fighting amongst themselves.

15. How did the military handle blunders that resulted in casualties?
(a) By attributing them to enemy action.
(b) By ignoring them.
(c) By paying double insurance to grieving families.
(d) By covering them up.

Short Answer Questions

1. What factor does the author cite as being the most important in causing one force to misidentify another?

2. According to the rumor about servicemen's food, why was a certain substance added to their food?

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that most contemporaneous war histories depicted military blunders?

4. What drink did German troops generally prefer?

5. The author suggests that in warfare, blunders are how common?

(see the answer keys)

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