Poli 007 Spring 2015: Quiz #5
This one is about the DoD/military establishment and its role in foreign policy-making.
- 1.
What does it mean to say that after the Second World War, the U.S. established "civilian control over the military?"
- A.
A conscript system was introduced
- B.
The military became mostly made up of citizen militias
- C.
A politically-appointed Secretary of Defense position was created
- D.
None of these
Correct Answer
C. A politically-appointed Secretary of Defense position was createdExplanation
After the Second World War, the U.S. established "civilian control over the military" by creating a politically-appointed Secretary of Defense position. This means that a civilian, rather than a military official, was given the authority to oversee and make decisions regarding the military. This was done to ensure that the military was subordinate to the elected civilian government and to prevent the military from becoming too powerful or autonomous. The Secretary of Defense acts as a civilian leader and serves as a bridge between the military and the President, providing civilian oversight and control over military operations and policies.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
The first Gulf War ("Operation Desert Storm") was critical for all of the following reasons except:
- A.
It restored credibility and prestige to a demoralized military
- B.
It showed the power of modern military technology
- C.
It helped shape the Powell doctrine
- D.
It showed the importance of counterinsurgency tactics (COIN)
Correct Answer
D. It showed the importance of counterinsurgency tactics (COIN)Explanation
The first Gulf War, also known as "Operation Desert Storm," was critical for several reasons. Firstly, it restored credibility and prestige to a demoralized military. Secondly, it demonstrated the power of modern military technology. Additionally, it played a significant role in shaping the Powell doctrine, which emphasized the use of overwhelming force to achieve military objectives. However, the first Gulf War did not specifically highlight the importance of counterinsurgency tactics (COIN). Instead, it focused more on conventional warfare against the Iraqi forces. Therefore, the correct answer is that it showed the importance of counterinsurgency tactics (COIN).Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Why do many of the generals in the documentary "The War Generals" express frustration with Donald Rumsfeld?
- A.
They feel that he made decisions as a civilian leader that set the U.S. military up for failure in Iraq
- B.
They are angry that he lied about the presence of WMD in Iraq
- C.
They are generally predisposed to dislike Republican political leaders
- D.
None of these are true
Correct Answer
A. They feel that he made decisions as a civilian leader that set the U.S. military up for failure in IraqExplanation
Many of the generals in the documentary "The War Generals" express frustration with Donald Rumsfeld because they feel that he made decisions as a civilian leader that set the U.S. military up for failure in Iraq.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Based on readings, films, and lectures identify which of the following is not a reason that the U.S. military failed to stabilize Iraq between 2003-2007?
- A.
The U.S. military was not well equipped to handle tasks like policing
- B.
The U.S. military was not prepared to fight an insurgency
- C.
The U.S. military did not have the cultural and linguistic knowledge necessary to understand and work with Iraqis
- D.
The U.S. military was undermined in Iraq by other agencies, such as the State Department
Correct Answer
D. The U.S. military was undermined in Iraq by other agencies, such as the State DepartmentExplanation
The correct answer is that the U.S. military was undermined in Iraq by other agencies, such as the State Department. This means that the failure to stabilize Iraq between 2003-2007 cannot be attributed to the military being undermined by other agencies. It suggests that there were other factors at play that contributed to the military's inability to stabilize the country during that time period.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
What might Colin Powell say about the current fight against ISIS, based on his doctrine?
- A.
Have we clearly defined our objectives? Do we have a strategy in Iraq and Syria after ISIS is defeated?
- B.
The U.S. should have acted alone rather than trying to build a coalition--the delay allowed ISIS to grow in strength.
- C.
We should make sure that the ISIS fight reflects American ideals, as well as interests.
- D.
He wouldn't say any of these based on his doctrine.
Correct Answer
A. Have we clearly defined our objectives? Do we have a strategy in Iraq and Syria after ISIS is defeated?Explanation
Colin Powell's doctrine emphasizes the importance of clearly defining objectives and having a strategy in place. Therefore, it is likely that he would agree with the statement about the need to clearly define objectives and have a strategy in Iraq and Syria after ISIS is defeated.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Bacevich and Eugene Jarecki (the director of "Why We Fight") might say all of the following about what this photo and its depicts except:
- A.
It reminds us that U.S.-based manufacturers of military equipment have a vested interest in keeping military spending high because they profit from it.
- B.
It shows one key part of the military-industrial complex
- C.
It shows why congress members of both parties support the military
- D.
It shows all of these things
Correct Answer
D. It shows all of these thingsExplanation
Bacevich and Eugene Jarecki might say that the photo and its depiction remind us that U.S.-based manufacturers of military equipment have a vested interest in keeping military spending high because they profit from it. They might also say that it shows one key part of the military-industrial complex. Additionally, they might argue that it shows why congress members of both parties support the military. Therefore, the correct answer is that it shows all of these things.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Bacevich and Fallows highlight all of the following aspects of militarism except:
- A.
High military spending
- B.
Outsized reverence for the military
- C.
Bipartisan support for military spending
- D.
Support by top US generals for additional wars, such as Libya
Correct Answer
D. Support by top US generals for additional wars, such as LibyaExplanation
Bacevich and Fallows discuss various aspects of militarism, including high military spending, an outsized reverence for the military, and bipartisan support for military spending. However, they do not specifically highlight the support by top US generals for additional wars, such as Libya.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What function of the U.S. military does this photo most likely depict?
- A.
AFRICOM military-to-military cooperation
- B.
AFRICOM enaging in stability and reconstruction operations (SRO)
- C.
AFRICOM engaging in counterterrorism training
- D.
It could be any of the above
Correct Answer
D. It could be any of the aboveExplanation
The photo does not provide enough information to determine the specific function of the U.S. military. It could potentially depict any of the options listed, including AFRICOM military-to-military cooperation, stability and reconstruction operations (SRO), or counterterrorism training. Without further context or details, it is impossible to determine the exact function being depicted in the photo.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Which of the following statements about the U.S. military not true?
- A.
Military officers care a lot about promotion and career advancement
- B.
The top military brass tends to act in an insubordinate manner to their political bosses when it comes to foreign policy matters
- C.
The military is cautious about entering foreign wars but when it is asked to enter them it wants to make sure that it can succeed and finish the job
- D.
The military does not always look at issues through the lens of broad diplomatic goals
Correct Answer
B. The top military brass tends to act in an insubordinate manner to their political bosses when it comes to foreign policy matters -
- 10.
Which of the following is an example of a combatant command?
- A.
AFRICOM
- B.
JSOC
- C.
DoD
- D.
CIA
Correct Answer
A. AFRICOMExplanation
AFRICOM is an example of a combatant command because it is one of the six geographic combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). AFRICOM is responsible for military operations and coordination in Africa, ensuring the security and stability of the region. It works in partnership with African nations and other international organizations to address security challenges and support regional stability. AFRICOM's mission includes conducting military operations, building partner capacity, and providing humanitarian assistance when necessary.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 05, 2014Quiz Created by
Mietek
Back to top