1
The Basic School TBS Exam II Actual
Exam 2026/2027 | Questions with
Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Pass
Guaranteed
SECTION 1: Leadership & Ethics
Q1: During a night patrol, your point-man inadvertently
discharges his weapon. No one is injured, but the patrol is now
compromised. As the patrol leader, what is your FIRST priority
according to the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP)?
A. Immediately radio the company CP and report the ND
(negligent discharge).
B. Establish local security and rapidly reposition the patrol
to avoid enemy contact.
C. Conduct an on-the-spot correction of the point-man.
D. Begin after-action review (AAR) while still on objective.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Principle – “Security” is the first principle of war
and the first priority when compromise occurs. MCDP 1-0 states
that “security is essential to the preservation of combat
power.” Establishing security preserves the force and allows
you to retain the initiative. Distractor Analysis: (A) Reporting
is important but secondary to immediate tactical security. (C)
P a g e 1 | 44
, 2
Corrective action is necessary but not the first step when the
enemy may now know your location. (D) An AAR is conducted
once you are in a secure location.
Q2: A squad leader routinely finishes tasks ahead of timeline but
is abrasive and dismissive of junior Marines’ questions. Which
leadership trait is he failing to demonstrate?
A. Decisiveness
B. Tact
C. Initiative
D. Bearing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leadership Trait – “Tact” is the ability to deal with
others without creating offense. MCDP 7, Leading Marines, lists
14 leadership traits; tact ensures respectful communication and
maintains morale. Distractor Analysis: (A) He shows
decisiveness by finishing early. (C) Initiative is clearly present.
(D) Bearing refers to demeanor and discipline, not interpersonal
diplomacy.
Q3: While counseling a problem Marine, you discover the
misconduct stems from undiagnosed depression. Which ethical
principle most directly supports referring him to medical before
imposing non-judicial punishment?
A. Beneficence – acting in the Marine’s best interest to
restore readiness
B. Justice – treating everyone the same
P a g e 2 | 44
, 3
C. Loyalty – to the chain of command
D. Selflessness – putting the unit first
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethical Principle: The Ethics Reference Card for
Marines identifies Beneficence as the duty to do good and
prevent harm. Addressing a medical root cause restores the
Marine and enhances unit readiness more than punishment
alone. Distractor Analysis: (B) Justice would demand equal
treatment, but circumstances differ. (C) Loyalty does not
override care. (D) Selflessness is admirable but secondary to the
Marine’s welfare in this context.
Q4: You overhear a senior NCO belittling a junior Marine using
profanity and personal insults. Which leadership principle
requires you to intervene immediately?
A. Know your Marines and look out for their welfare
B. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities
C. Keep your Marines informed
D. Develop a sense of responsibility among subordinates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Principle – “Know your Marines and look out for
their welfare” demands leaders protect subordinates from toxic
behavior that undermines morale and cohesion. Immediate
intervention stops harm and reinforces standards. Distractor
Analysis: (B) relates to tactical employment. (C) addresses
communication. (D) is about delegation, not protection.
P a g e 3 | 44
, 4
Q5: During field exercises, a fellow 2ndLt repeatedly tasks his
squad beyond their training level, causing repeated failures.
Which leadership principle is he violating?
A. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities
B. Make sound and timely decisions
C. Set the example
D. Ensure the task is understood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Principle – “Employ your command in
accordance with its capabilities” prevents setting subordinates
up for failure. Tasks must align with current proficiency to build
confidence and competence. Distractor Analysis: (B) is about
decision speed, not matching task to ability. (C) refers to
personal example. (D) is about clarity, though related, but the
core violation is mis-employment.
Q6: A Marine under your command is consistently late and
argues when corrected. After progressive counseling,
performance does not improve. Which action best reflects “Seek
responsibility and take responsibility for your actions”?
A. Document shortcomings and recommend administrative
separation.
B. Initiate non-judicial punishment and continue mentorship
to restore standards.
C. Transfer the Marine to another squad to avoid further conflict.
D. Ignore the behavior to maintain unit harmony.
P a g e 4 | 44
The Basic School TBS Exam II Actual
Exam 2026/2027 | Questions with
Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Pass
Guaranteed
SECTION 1: Leadership & Ethics
Q1: During a night patrol, your point-man inadvertently
discharges his weapon. No one is injured, but the patrol is now
compromised. As the patrol leader, what is your FIRST priority
according to the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP)?
A. Immediately radio the company CP and report the ND
(negligent discharge).
B. Establish local security and rapidly reposition the patrol
to avoid enemy contact.
C. Conduct an on-the-spot correction of the point-man.
D. Begin after-action review (AAR) while still on objective.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Principle – “Security” is the first principle of war
and the first priority when compromise occurs. MCDP 1-0 states
that “security is essential to the preservation of combat
power.” Establishing security preserves the force and allows
you to retain the initiative. Distractor Analysis: (A) Reporting
is important but secondary to immediate tactical security. (C)
P a g e 1 | 44
, 2
Corrective action is necessary but not the first step when the
enemy may now know your location. (D) An AAR is conducted
once you are in a secure location.
Q2: A squad leader routinely finishes tasks ahead of timeline but
is abrasive and dismissive of junior Marines’ questions. Which
leadership trait is he failing to demonstrate?
A. Decisiveness
B. Tact
C. Initiative
D. Bearing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leadership Trait – “Tact” is the ability to deal with
others without creating offense. MCDP 7, Leading Marines, lists
14 leadership traits; tact ensures respectful communication and
maintains morale. Distractor Analysis: (A) He shows
decisiveness by finishing early. (C) Initiative is clearly present.
(D) Bearing refers to demeanor and discipline, not interpersonal
diplomacy.
Q3: While counseling a problem Marine, you discover the
misconduct stems from undiagnosed depression. Which ethical
principle most directly supports referring him to medical before
imposing non-judicial punishment?
A. Beneficence – acting in the Marine’s best interest to
restore readiness
B. Justice – treating everyone the same
P a g e 2 | 44
, 3
C. Loyalty – to the chain of command
D. Selflessness – putting the unit first
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethical Principle: The Ethics Reference Card for
Marines identifies Beneficence as the duty to do good and
prevent harm. Addressing a medical root cause restores the
Marine and enhances unit readiness more than punishment
alone. Distractor Analysis: (B) Justice would demand equal
treatment, but circumstances differ. (C) Loyalty does not
override care. (D) Selflessness is admirable but secondary to the
Marine’s welfare in this context.
Q4: You overhear a senior NCO belittling a junior Marine using
profanity and personal insults. Which leadership principle
requires you to intervene immediately?
A. Know your Marines and look out for their welfare
B. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities
C. Keep your Marines informed
D. Develop a sense of responsibility among subordinates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Principle – “Know your Marines and look out for
their welfare” demands leaders protect subordinates from toxic
behavior that undermines morale and cohesion. Immediate
intervention stops harm and reinforces standards. Distractor
Analysis: (B) relates to tactical employment. (C) addresses
communication. (D) is about delegation, not protection.
P a g e 3 | 44
, 4
Q5: During field exercises, a fellow 2ndLt repeatedly tasks his
squad beyond their training level, causing repeated failures.
Which leadership principle is he violating?
A. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities
B. Make sound and timely decisions
C. Set the example
D. Ensure the task is understood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Principle – “Employ your command in
accordance with its capabilities” prevents setting subordinates
up for failure. Tasks must align with current proficiency to build
confidence and competence. Distractor Analysis: (B) is about
decision speed, not matching task to ability. (C) refers to
personal example. (D) is about clarity, though related, but the
core violation is mis-employment.
Q6: A Marine under your command is consistently late and
argues when corrected. After progressive counseling,
performance does not improve. Which action best reflects “Seek
responsibility and take responsibility for your actions”?
A. Document shortcomings and recommend administrative
separation.
B. Initiate non-judicial punishment and continue mentorship
to restore standards.
C. Transfer the Marine to another squad to avoid further conflict.
D. Ignore the behavior to maintain unit harmony.
P a g e 4 | 44
