FMF Marine Corps Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what approximate distance should a Marine initiate a hand salute to an approaching officer?
- 3 paces
- 6 paces (Correct answer)
- 10 paces
- 15 paces
Correct answer: 6 paces
Marines render the hand salute when the senior is approximately 6 paces away, or as soon as recognition is made.
Question 2: When indoors, under which circumstance is a Marine required to render a hand salute?
- Whenever a senior officer enters the room
- When reporting to an officer or at an indoor ceremony (Correct answer)
- During all formations regardless of location
- Whenever the National Anthem is played indoors
Correct answer: When reporting to an officer or at an indoor ceremony
Salutes are generally not rendered indoors except when reporting to an officer or during specified indoor ceremonies.
Question 3: What is the proper greeting when a Marine passes a senior officer outdoors?
- A nod of acknowledgment with eye contact
- A hand salute accompanied by a verbal greeting such as 'Good morning, Sir/Ma'am' (Correct answer)
- Stop, stand at attention, and wait to be dismissed
- State 'At ease, Sir/Ma'am' and continue moving
Correct answer: A hand salute accompanied by a verbal greeting such as 'Good morning, Sir/Ma'am'
Outdoors, Marines render a hand salute accompanied by a verbal greeting to acknowledge senior officers properly.
Question 4: What term describes the collective spirit of pride, camaraderie, and devotion shared among members of the Marine Corps?
- Fidelity
- Esprit de Corps (Correct answer)
- Semper Fidelis
- Morale Readiness
Correct answer: Esprit de Corps
'Esprit de Corps' is the French term referring to the collective enthusiasm, pride, and devotion to the unit shared by Marines.
Question 5: When a Marine enters an officer's office to formally report, what is the correct first action upon entering?
- Call 'Attention on deck' before entering
- Knock, request permission to enter, march to within two paces of the desk, and render a salute (Correct answer)
- Enter, stand at parade rest, and wait to be acknowledged
- Knock and salute simultaneously from the doorway
Correct answer: Knock, request permission to enter, march to within two paces of the desk, and render a salute
The proper reporting procedure requires knocking, requesting permission, approaching the desk, rendering a salute, and stating the purpose of the report.
Question 6: What is the correct English translation of the Marine Corps motto 'Semper Fidelis'?
- Always Ready
- Ever Faithful
- Always Faithful (Correct answer)
- Strength and Honor
Correct answer: Always Faithful
'Semper Fidelis' is Latin for 'Always Faithful,' representing the Marine Corps' unwavering commitment to duty, Corps, and country.
Question 7: When walking alongside or escorting a senior officer, where should a junior Marine position themselves?
- One step ahead and to the left of the senior
- One step behind and to the right of the senior
- To the left of the senior officer (Correct answer)
- Directly behind the senior officer
Correct answer: To the left of the senior officer
By military custom, the junior walks to the left of the senior, yielding the position of honor (right side) to the senior.
FMF Marine Corps Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions 1
At what approximate distance should a Marine initiate a hand salute to an approaching officer?