ARMY OCS MIL. HIST. Exam Questions and
Answers (Solved& Verified By Expert)
Define "War" - ANSWER-A Violent conflict between organized groups with unknown
resolve, each seeking to impose its will upon the other.
What are the Principle of War? (MOSS, MOUSE + LRP) - ANSWER-1. Mass
2. Objective
3. Surprise
4. Simplicity
5. Maneuver
6. Offensive
7. Unity of Command
8. Security
9. Economy of Force
Modern Principles of War
10. Legitimacy
11. Restraint
Perseverance
What are the Levels of War? - ANSWER-1. Strategic Level: All of a nation's
armed/other forces efforts in all campaigns (The War) to meet the war aim.
2. Operational Level: In theater forces; large tactical units (Divisions and above)
operations that can have strategic results (The Campaign)
3. Tactical Level: Field Units (Divisions and below) (The Battle)
What was the good and bad about the Indian ways of war? - ANSWER-GOOD: Guerilla
style with raiding and use of stealth in wilderness terrain
BAD: Not well organized; individual emphasis; poor security; poor winter operations;
Ferocious, but colonists were not blameless
Would all European-style weapons, forces, and tactics work all the time in America? -
ANSWER-American rifle was good in the wilderness and guerilla tactics - smooth bore
Linear tactics good for open fields
Some weapons were suitable for the American wilderness, but not for linear tactics.
Explain - ANSWER-The American rifle had comparatively good range and accuracy, but
it also had a slower firing rate and was less user friendly than the smooth-bore muskets.
,Describe the Colonial Militia: - ANSWER-Colonial authorities usually called out the
Militia and they were only used for local affairs. The Militia often used their own
weapons and equipment. Militia styles and quality varied by colony and proximity
threats. Militia members could be volunteers or draftees. Militia members were used for
temporary duty by local civilian citizens (often elected their own officers). The Militia had
a perceived contractual obligation, although to no formal obligation existed. The Militia
typically had discipline problems.
Describe the term "Mixed Tactics" as it relates to the wars that occurred prior to the
Revolutionary War. - ANSWER-Mixed Tactics = Guerilla Style + Linear
Enemy and Terrain often determined use of guerilla style (American) tactics or
conventional linear (European) tactics
What Principles of War were misused by each side at the Battle of Bunker Hill? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Unity of Command
4. Security
What Principles of War did General Washington use to win the Battle of Trenton? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Offensive
What Principles of War did General Washington use to win the Battle of Princeton? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Offensive
4. Security
5. Economy of Force
What was the strategic impact of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton? - ANSWER-
Reinvigorated the American cause
Washington restrained the Army
Rallied American "Fence Sitters" and Militia
What Principles of War were violated by the British during the Saratoga Campaign? -
ANSWER-1. Simplicity
2. Unity of Command
3. Security
What were the results and impact of the Saratoga Campaign? - ANSWER-A failed
British operation as British General Burgoyne's surrendered
, Large Operational and strategic impact: stopped the serious threat to New York and
New England
Boosted Patriot Morale: France was confident the Colonials would win the war, so they
recognized the Colonials and formed a military alliance with the United States.
What Principle of War had the greatest impact during the Valley Forge Winter? Explain.
- ANSWER-Perseverance. Taught by Inspector General Wilhelm Von Steuben (Linear
Tactics). Colonials continued through freezing temperatures and little food and supplies.
Who was Inspector General Wilhelm Von Steuben and what changes did he effect in
the Continental Army? - ANSWER-He was a passionate Prussian Soldier with the "Blue
Book". He created discipline through drill and ceremony.
What was BAD about the battle of Monmouth for the U.S.? - ANSWER-Weak plan, poor
execution, British counterattack, crisis
What was GOOD about the battle of Monmouth for the U.S.? - ANSWER-Washington
rallied the troops who stopped the British counterattack
Battle ended in a draw, but it validated Valley Forge and saw improvement in linear
tactics
Regarding the Waxhaws Battle, how did Tarleton's troops handle the surrendering
Patriots and how did this impact popular support and the Patriot guerilla war? -
ANSWER-Tarleton's troops slaughtered most of Buford's men after the surrender. This
brutality shocked America and motivated the Militia forces to take the field in ever
increasing numbers.
What were the early victories for the British in the Southern Campaign? - ANSWER-1.
Charleston
2. Waxhaws
3. Camden
What problems did the U.S. have in the north between 1780 and 1781? - ANSWER-
Financial and Perseverance Challenge
Morale problems in Washington's Army
Arnold's treason (1780)
Who was the most noted Patriot Militia who utilized guerilla warfare in the Southern
Theater? Explain the meaning of his nickname. - ANSWER-Francis Marion who was
known as the "Swamp Fox"
He attacked weak spots via raids/ambushes
He had support from the locals
Patriot Guerillas - they used resources, shelter, food, and local intelligence
Answers (Solved& Verified By Expert)
Define "War" - ANSWER-A Violent conflict between organized groups with unknown
resolve, each seeking to impose its will upon the other.
What are the Principle of War? (MOSS, MOUSE + LRP) - ANSWER-1. Mass
2. Objective
3. Surprise
4. Simplicity
5. Maneuver
6. Offensive
7. Unity of Command
8. Security
9. Economy of Force
Modern Principles of War
10. Legitimacy
11. Restraint
Perseverance
What are the Levels of War? - ANSWER-1. Strategic Level: All of a nation's
armed/other forces efforts in all campaigns (The War) to meet the war aim.
2. Operational Level: In theater forces; large tactical units (Divisions and above)
operations that can have strategic results (The Campaign)
3. Tactical Level: Field Units (Divisions and below) (The Battle)
What was the good and bad about the Indian ways of war? - ANSWER-GOOD: Guerilla
style with raiding and use of stealth in wilderness terrain
BAD: Not well organized; individual emphasis; poor security; poor winter operations;
Ferocious, but colonists were not blameless
Would all European-style weapons, forces, and tactics work all the time in America? -
ANSWER-American rifle was good in the wilderness and guerilla tactics - smooth bore
Linear tactics good for open fields
Some weapons were suitable for the American wilderness, but not for linear tactics.
Explain - ANSWER-The American rifle had comparatively good range and accuracy, but
it also had a slower firing rate and was less user friendly than the smooth-bore muskets.
,Describe the Colonial Militia: - ANSWER-Colonial authorities usually called out the
Militia and they were only used for local affairs. The Militia often used their own
weapons and equipment. Militia styles and quality varied by colony and proximity
threats. Militia members could be volunteers or draftees. Militia members were used for
temporary duty by local civilian citizens (often elected their own officers). The Militia had
a perceived contractual obligation, although to no formal obligation existed. The Militia
typically had discipline problems.
Describe the term "Mixed Tactics" as it relates to the wars that occurred prior to the
Revolutionary War. - ANSWER-Mixed Tactics = Guerilla Style + Linear
Enemy and Terrain often determined use of guerilla style (American) tactics or
conventional linear (European) tactics
What Principles of War were misused by each side at the Battle of Bunker Hill? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Unity of Command
4. Security
What Principles of War did General Washington use to win the Battle of Trenton? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Offensive
What Principles of War did General Washington use to win the Battle of Princeton? -
ANSWER-1. Surprise
2. Maneuver
3. Offensive
4. Security
5. Economy of Force
What was the strategic impact of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton? - ANSWER-
Reinvigorated the American cause
Washington restrained the Army
Rallied American "Fence Sitters" and Militia
What Principles of War were violated by the British during the Saratoga Campaign? -
ANSWER-1. Simplicity
2. Unity of Command
3. Security
What were the results and impact of the Saratoga Campaign? - ANSWER-A failed
British operation as British General Burgoyne's surrendered
, Large Operational and strategic impact: stopped the serious threat to New York and
New England
Boosted Patriot Morale: France was confident the Colonials would win the war, so they
recognized the Colonials and formed a military alliance with the United States.
What Principle of War had the greatest impact during the Valley Forge Winter? Explain.
- ANSWER-Perseverance. Taught by Inspector General Wilhelm Von Steuben (Linear
Tactics). Colonials continued through freezing temperatures and little food and supplies.
Who was Inspector General Wilhelm Von Steuben and what changes did he effect in
the Continental Army? - ANSWER-He was a passionate Prussian Soldier with the "Blue
Book". He created discipline through drill and ceremony.
What was BAD about the battle of Monmouth for the U.S.? - ANSWER-Weak plan, poor
execution, British counterattack, crisis
What was GOOD about the battle of Monmouth for the U.S.? - ANSWER-Washington
rallied the troops who stopped the British counterattack
Battle ended in a draw, but it validated Valley Forge and saw improvement in linear
tactics
Regarding the Waxhaws Battle, how did Tarleton's troops handle the surrendering
Patriots and how did this impact popular support and the Patriot guerilla war? -
ANSWER-Tarleton's troops slaughtered most of Buford's men after the surrender. This
brutality shocked America and motivated the Militia forces to take the field in ever
increasing numbers.
What were the early victories for the British in the Southern Campaign? - ANSWER-1.
Charleston
2. Waxhaws
3. Camden
What problems did the U.S. have in the north between 1780 and 1781? - ANSWER-
Financial and Perseverance Challenge
Morale problems in Washington's Army
Arnold's treason (1780)
Who was the most noted Patriot Militia who utilized guerilla warfare in the Southern
Theater? Explain the meaning of his nickname. - ANSWER-Francis Marion who was
known as the "Swamp Fox"
He attacked weak spots via raids/ambushes
He had support from the locals
Patriot Guerillas - they used resources, shelter, food, and local intelligence
