U.S. Military Acronyms & Abbreviations Quiz

Answer: Fuel-Air Explosive

A Fuel-Air Explosive bomb disperses fuel as a vapor into the atmosphere and then ignites it, using the ambient oxygen to greatly enhance the shock wave of the blast. FAE weapons are particularly effective in enclosed areas, such as bunkers or buildings.

Answer: Special Operations Command

U.S. Special Operations Command is based at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL and coordinates multi-service operations globally. SOCOM specializes in covert and clandestine operations using such forces as the Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Navy Special Warfare Combatant Craft, Air Force Pararescuemen and the Marine Special Operations Regiment. Even the U.S. Coast Guard contributes a few Coasties to Navy SEAL Teams.

Answer: Bend Over, Here It Comes Again

"Bend Over, Here it Comes Again" MAY have originated aboard sailing vessels as a warning to those on deck as the ship tacks and the boom sweeps across the deck at head-level. However, it is more likely to be advice to a service member to simply acquiesce and endure an unpleasant situation that repeats itself.

Answer: COMINCH - Commander in Chief

COMINCH, for "Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet", was a title held only by Admiral Ernest King from 1941-1945, when the title and command was disestablished. CINCUS/COMINCH served as operational commander of the combined Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

Answer: Absent Without Leave

A service member becomes Absent Without Leave (AWOL) when they don't show up for an assignment or duty and don't have proper permission ("leave") to be away. AWOL (or UA - Unauthorized Absence) can be a minor offense, punishable with Non-Judicial Punishment or, in more serious cases (Desertion), by courts-martial.

Answer: Mobile Army Surgical Hospital

Popularized by a novel, movie and TV show, Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals actually did exist from 1945 to 2006. When the last MASH in South Korea was deactivated in 1997, many actors from the "M*A*S*H" television series attended the ceremony.

Answer: Anti-Submarine Rocket

Anti-Submarine Rockets (ASROC) are fired by surface ships at submerged targets. The rocket propels a homing torpedo or nuclear depth bomb that can be detected by the submarine only when it enters the water. ASROC allows ships to attack submarines at much greater range and without alerting the submarine to the attack.

Answer: Shore Patrol

Shore Patrol is usually performed by military members whose primary duties are not law enforcement. SPs help ensure that Sailors, Marines and Coasties on liberty do not get too rowdy. SPs remain in uniform, are usually armed with only a baton and radio, and have authority to apprehend a military member that is acting "to the prejudice of good order and discipline".

Answer: General Purpose

"General Purpose" is used to describe military vehicles, munitions, clothing, tools, just about anything. Following the usual military practice of pronouncing acronyms as words, you can see how a "GP Vehicle" could become known as a "Jeep".

Answer: USMC / USNA

Regular U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) officers graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). The Marine Corps, founded in 1775, has been a part of the Navy Department since 1834. The Navy/Marine team provides the U.S. world-wide mobility (Navy) to project combat power ashore (Marines).