FMF Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FMF facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In the MAGTF structure, who commands the Ground Combat Element (GCE)? → Commanding Officer of the infantry regiment or division
2. Under the UCMJ, what article prohibits absence without leave (AWOL)? → Article 86
3. What does the term 'METT-TC' stand for in Marine Corps planning? → Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain, Time, Civilians
4. What is the importance of supply chain visibility in logistics management? → To improve decision-making by providing real-time information on the supply chain
5. During which war did Marines famously fight at the Battle of Belleau Wood? → World War I
6. What is the highest level of court-martial, capable of imposing the death penalty for certain offenses? → General Court-Martial
7. What is the significance of amphibious assault in Marine Corps operations? → To establish a beachhead for further ground operations
8. What is the maximum score attainable on the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT)? → 300 points
9. In the context of the Marine Corps, what does 'operational control' (OPCON) authorize a commander to do? → Organize, employ, and direct forces for missions within a specific geographic area
10. What action should a radio operator take if they suspect an enemy is attempting to 'spoof' their net? → Challenge the unknown station using authentication procedures
11. Which of the following is NOT a primary task of a combat patrol? → Conduct a detailed map reconnaissance of a route
12. What was the name of the first Commandant of the Marine Corps? → William Ward Burrows
13. What is the primary role of a commanding officer in the Fleet Marine Force? → To oversee the operational readiness and welfare of personnel
14. During night navigation, what technique compensates for the tendency to veer off course in the dark? → Using an aiming stake method — aligning two distant objects on the azimuth before moving
15. What was the outcome of the Marine Corps' role in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, and how many Marines were killed? → 241 Marines killed; contributed to withdrawal of U.S. forces from Lebanon
16. In a deliberate breach of an obstacle, which element provides suppressive fire to protect the breach element? → Support element
17. Which of the following best describes the function of the M203 grenade launcher? → Under-barrel single-shot 40mm grenade launcher
18. What is the primary purpose of the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (CFT) compared to the PFT? → To assess combat-specific physical tasks rather than general aerobic fitness
19. Which condition of the Marine Corps weapons condition system indicates the weapon is at its safest state? → Condition 4 — no magazine, no round chambered, bolt forward, safety on
20. What is the purpose of the Marine Corps’ rapid deployment capability? → To respond quickly to crises and provide rapid military support
21. Which of the following correctly describes 'dead space' in radio communications? → An area where terrain features prevent satisfactory radio communications
22. What document implements the UCMJ and provides rules for courts-martial procedures? → Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)
23. Which CBRN warning and reporting system is used by Marine Corps units to disseminate CBRN attack information? → CBRN Spot Report (CBRN-1 through CBRN-6)
24. In combat communications, what does the acronym 'MSE' refer to? → Mobile Subscriber Equipment, a mobile digital communications system
25. What volume of Hextend (6% Hetastarch) is the recommended initial bolus for a hypotensive trauma casualty in TCCC? → 500 mL
26. What attack technique is used when the commander has sufficient time and intelligence to fully coordinate an attack? → Deliberate attack
27. In the context of CBRN reconnaissance, what does the term 'hazard area' refer to? → The geographic area where CBRN hazards pose a risk to personnel and equipment
28. During the Care Under Fire (CUF) phase of TCCC, what is the primary medical priority if tactically feasible? → Applying a hasty tourniquet to control massive extremity hemorrhage.
29. A TCCC casualty card (DD Form 1380) must be completed for every casualty. What information is NOT required on this card? → Casualty's home address
30. What is the primary purpose of camouflage and concealment in combat? → To reduce the Marines' visual, thermal, and noise signatures