branches of the

us military

Reading
Fluency &
Comprehension

task cards

A Note From The Seller:

I have found that integrating whenever and wherever possible is a great way to make sure
that I am addressing all of the Common Core Standards and giving my students enough
practice to reach mastery in each skill. My love of social studies concepts becomes a way to
enhance my teaching of other subjects also. These reading fluency comprehension task cards
can be cut out and taped around the room on Monday, and will provide a hands-free
independent student center for the entire week. The variety of activities are purposefully
unspecific and are meant to supplement the cards however you feel necessary. It could be
used during reading to support social studies & science curriculum or as an assessment at the
end of a unit. The possibilities are endless with this product!
Enjoy & Happy Teaching! Bowtie Guy

If you like this product, you will LOVE my differentiated

reading passages & vocabulary sorts for the entire
year! Visit my store for more information!

Army

Marines

The Army is the largest and oldest branch in the

United States Armed Forces. It consists of
highly trained soldiers and officers. The Army is
the main ground force for the United States. This
means that their main job is to protect and
defend United States grounds locally and
internationally. When a war is declared, Army
soldiers are often called to go to another
country to fight. The Army Reserves and the
Army National Guard are the two army reserves
that are used when more soldiers are needed.

The Marines (also known as the Marine Corps)

make up one of the smaller branches in the United
States Armed Forces. However, when there is an
sudden emergency, they are the branch called
upon, because their size allows them to respond
quickly to any situation. The Marines are also
known as the Infantry of the Navy, meaning
they specialize in land and sea operations. The
Marines Corps is backed up in times of need by
the Marine Corps Reserve.

Navy

Air Force

The Navy is a branch in the United States Armed

Forces, with the primary mission to protect the
waters surrounding our country and perform
military operation at seas. The Navy is constantly
patrolling the waters for safety. In times of need
they are ordered to attack enemy ships. The Navy
uses different equipment to perform duties, from
aircraft carriers to submarines. The Navy is also
called upon to transport supplies or when theres
trouble at sea that doesnt necessarily involve an
enemy. The Navy is backed by the Naval Reserves
when more soldiers are needed.

The Air Force is the youngest branch in the United

States Armed Forces, with the primary mission to
protect Americans from enemy attacks in the air
and space. The Air Force has many types of
aircraft. The fighter planes are used in combat,
because they fly at super fast speeds. The Air
Force also deploys spy planes to keep check on
enemy forces. By sending satellites into space,
the Air Force is able to monitor suspicious enemy
action at any time. The Air Force is backed up in
times of need by the Air Force Reserve and Air
National Guard.
Bowtie guy 2015

Coast Guard

Basic Training

The Coast Guard is one of the smaller

branches of military in the United States Armed
Forces. Their primary mission is to protect the
United States coastlines and military ports. They
specialize in law enforcement at sea, sea
rescues, and immigration control. The Coast
Guard also takes responsibility in guarding
natural resources. In times of conflict, the
Coast Guard is deployed to help the Navy when
needed. The Coast Guard is backed by the
Coast Guard Reserves.

Basic Training takes place after a person enlists

for one of the military branches. Basic training,
also referred to as boot camp, trains newly
enlisted recruits in basic military duties and
combat skills. The goal is to get the recruits
mentally and physically ready to serve and
defend our country. The recruits are given tests
to determine their speed and strength abilities.
At basic training, male recruits must shave their
hair off or really short. Female recruits must
wear their hair in a tight bun. Army posts all over
the United States host the basic training camps.

Loyalty

Patriotism

Loyalty is defined as being fully committed

and faithful to someone or something. In
the military, loyalty is held to a high standard.
United States soldiers are expected to
show loyalty to our country, the U.S.
Constitution, their leaders, and to other
soldiers. Soldiers are loyal by devoting
themselves to defend our country and
everything the country stands for. When a
soldier puts on his or her uniform, they are
expressing loyalty to our country.

Patriotism is the love, support, and devotion

people feel for their country. For U.S. soldiers,
patriotism usually plays a huge role in their
decision to enlist in service. Many Americans
believe that serving in the military is one of the
highest patriotic duties a person can fulfill. A
soldier shows patriotism through their
willingness to defend our country. In America,
there are patriotic holidays, like Independence
Day, designated to remember those who
fought and are still fighting for our country.
Bowtie guy 2015

Recruits

Army Technology

A recruit is a newly enlisted person in the

armed forces. Recruiting stations are set up
all over the United States. A new recruits
weight, height, and background history are all
checked out in the recruiting station. Some
recruits are given specific tests at the
stations depending on which branch they
are signing up for. Once a recruit enlists,
they are sent to basic training to train to
become a U.S. soldier. Recruits consist of
males and females over 18 years of age.

Technology used by the Army includes the

computers used to track enemies, tanks that
transport soldiers, and weapons used in
combat. One special type of technology the
Army uses is called a Cryptologic Linguist
computer. The Army depends on this computer
to identify foreign (unfamiliar) communication.
The computer can translate other languages,
which informs the Army what is going on. The
Army trains people to work with computer
technology in order for them to successfully
carry out military operations.

Marine Technology

Navy Technology

With the possibility of being called on at any

time, the Marines have up-to-date technology,
from the tanks they drive to the weapons
they carry on their uniforms. One special type
of device they carry is night vision monoculars
(like binoculars, but with only one eye). These
help Marines navigate throughout the night
and can function even in the coldest or hottest
of temperatures. Marines also use a variety
of weapons, ships, aircraft, and tanks
depending on the mission they are a part of.

Since the Navy is responsible for patrolling

waters and launching attacks from underwater,
technology plays in a huge role in how they
perform their duty. One type of boat the Navy
uses that can completely submerge underwater
is a submarine. Inside the submarine is a vast
amount of technology used to detect enemies
and anything else underwater. The Navy also
uses special weather forecasting technologies
to navigate around huge storms that form over
oceans.
Bowtie guy 2015

Air Force Technology

Technology used in the Air Force range from

several types of planes to an advanced global
positioning systems (GPS). Three types of planes
are the F-22 Raptor Fighter plane, the B-2 Spirit
stealth bomber, and the U-2 spy plane. The planes
are designed to fly at super fast speeds and
carry military equipment for defense. Some
planes are so high-tech they dont require a pilot.
The Air Force relies on a GPS for directions while
traveling, even to secretive areas. They also send
satellites to space to receive information about
suspicious enemy activity.

Ports

A port is a place where boats and ships can

dock, or land, safely. Ports are also known as
naval bases. The Coast Guard is the main
military branch that guards the ports. Enemy
attacks have occured on U.S. ports before.
Ports are important to protect, because not
only do they house military equipment, `but
hundreds of soldiers can be located at a port
at one time. There are U.S. several military
ports found all across the United States and in
other countries.

Coast Guard Technology

The Coast Guard is equipped with different
types of technology to help monitor our
nations coastline, military ports, and to perform
search-and-rescue missions. When a ship or
person is lost at sea, the Coast Guard uses a
tracking device with a LCD screen that can
detect big objects or even a persons body heat.
They also use sonars to detect things
underwater or for communication. The sonar
uses sensors to capture pictures that are
useful for detecting unusual activity underwater.

Camouflage

Camouflage is the pattern used to disguise (or

hide) soldiers in the military. Camouflage is also
used to disguise military equipment. A soldiers
combat uniform is camouflaged, so that the
enemy has a difficult time spotting the solider.
Soldiers are able to blend in with their
surroundings by wearing camouflage. Green
camouflage is best for soldiers in the woods
and brown is better for those in the desert. It
is common for each branch in the military to
have a different design or color of camouflage.
Bowtie guy 2015

Uniforms

Commander in Chief

A military uniform is the proper clothing an United

States soldier is required to wear. A soldier is
mainly associated with wearing a camouflage
uniform, which is the required dress when the
soldier is in combat or active duty. However, there
are times when soldiers are required to wear
dress uniforms for ceremonies or formal
occasions. Different uniform designs help
distinguish between the different branches in
the military. Also, while a soldier is dressed in
uniform, they are suppose to represent the
United States properly.

The Commander in Chief is the President of the

United States. This is the highest ranking officer
role for the armed forces. Since the president is
the Commander in Chief, it is the presidents duty
to call on U.S. troops when needed. The president
also decides how military weapons are to be
used, where soldiers need to be stationed, and if
a ship needs to be sent somewhere. In a war, it
is up to the president if the military can bomb the
enemy. The president does have a group of
people to help him in the decision making, but it is
ultimately up to the president.

Security

Veteran

Proving security for the United States is one

of the militarys top missions. Security is the
feeling of being protected and safe from
potential harm. The military performs daily and
nightly routines to maintain our national
security. Since the military is on duty at all
times, our nation can quickly be alerted if an
enemy is threatening our nation. United States
civilians (people like us) are able depend on the
military for protection and security, so that
they can carry on with their normal lives.

A veteran is a former member of the armed

forces, who served for a long time or had
experience serving. Most veterans served our
country in a war and fought for our protection. A
person who serves in the armed forces for 20 or
more years is able to retire and is still labeled as a
veteran. It is important to honor and support
veterans. In the United States, Veterans Day is a
national holiday in place to show appreciation to
veterans. On this day, its important to reflect on
how our countrys freedoms and those who
sacrificed to defend, support, and protect the USA.
Bowtie guy 2015

Military Leadership

Weapons

There are many leaders in the military

assigned to lead soldiers and give orders.
One type of leader is a drill sergeant, who is
the person responsible for training new
recruits in the Army. Two types of officers
are an admiral and major. The admiral is the
top officer in the Coast Guard or Navy. A
major is an officer in the Army, Marine Corps,
or Air Force. The top leadership of the
military is the Commander in Chief, which is
held by the president.

A weapon is any device used for defense or

to fight with. The military has a wide variety
of weapons they use in combat or war.
Examples of weapons used include a rifle,
cannon, or missile. The military uses these
weapons to increase security and to attack
harmful enemies. When a person enters the
military, they must go through a lot of training
on how to handle and operate the different
types of weapons.

United Nations

War

The United Nations is an organization that

consists of a group of countries that have
ag reed to work toget her to p romote
i nte r n a t i o n a l p e a c e , p r ote ct i o n , a n d
cooperation. The countries work together to
help each other and to prevent or end wars.
There are over 190 country members in the
organizations. Some of the countries include
the United States, France, England, Australia,
and Brazil. The United Nations was established
October 24, 1945, after World War ll.

War is defined as a period of conflict that

involves armed fighting between countries or
groups of people. Wars can occur when two
or more countries disagree over economic
issues or resources. During war, the people
fighting are armed with weapons with the
intent to harm and weaken the opposing side.
When the United States is in war, all of the
military branches are on high alert and are
ready to defend at any moment.
Bowtie guy 2015

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________ Directions: Generate your own question for each task card that
someone will have to answer.
Branches of the Military: Asking Questions I
Army

Marines

Navy

Air Force

Coast Guard

Basic Training

Loyalty

Patriotism

Recruits

Army Technology

Marine Technology

Navy Technology

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________ Directions: Generate your own question for each task card that
someone will have to answer.
Branches of the Military: Asking Questions II
Air Force Technology

Coast Guard Technology

Ports

Camouflage

Uniforms

Commander in Chief

Security

Veteran

Military Leadership

Weapons

United Nations

War

Directions: Summarize the two most important ideas

from each task card in your own words.

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________

Branches of the Military: Summarizing I
Army

Marines

Navy

Air Force

Coast Guard

Basic Training

Loyalty

Patriotism

Recruits

Army Technology

Marine Technology

Navy Technology

Directions: Summarize the two most important ideas

from each task card in your own words.

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________

Branches of the Military: Summarizing II
Air Force Technology

Coast Guard Technology

Ports

Camouflage

Uniforms

Commander in Chief

Security

Veteran

Military Leadership

Weapons

United Nations

War

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________ Directions: Use the appropriate task card to answer the questions below.
Branches of the Military: Answering Questions I
Army
Describe what the Army is.

Marines
Whats another name for the Marines?

What is the Armys main job?

Why are the Marines called upon in a

sudden emergency?

Navy
What is the Navys primary mission?

Air Force
What is the primary mission of the Air
Force?

Name two types of equipment the

Navy uses to carry out their duties?

What are fighter planes used for and

why?

What are the Army Reserve and Army

National Guard and when are they
used?

Why are the Marines referred to as

the Infantry of the Navy?

When else is the Navy called upon?

Why does the Air Force send satellites

into space?

Coast Guard
What is the Coast Guards primary
mission?

Basic Training
When does basic training take place?

Loyalty
Define loyalty.

Patriotism
What is patriotism?

Name three things the Coast Guard

specialize in?

What are newly enlisted recruits

trained in?

To who or what are soldiers expected

to show loyalty to?

How does a soldier demonstrate

patriotism?

Describe how males and females

recruits must style their hair at basic
training.

When a solider puts on his or her

uniform, what are they expressing?

Why are there patriotic holidays in

America?

Recruits
What is a recruit?

Army Technology
What type of technology is used by
the Army?

Marine Technology
Name one special type of device
Marines use.

Navy Technology
Name one type of boat used by the
Navy.

What is checked out on a recruit in the

recruiting station?

Name a special type of technology

used by the Army.

How does that device help Marines?

What is inside a submarine?

What does the Army depend on that

computer to do?

What else do the Marines use?

What happens after a recruit enlists?

Why does the Navy use special

weather forecasting technologies?

In times of conflict, the Coast Guard is

called in to help what other military
branch?

Name: _______________________ Date: _________________ Directions: Use the appropriate task card to answer the questions below.
Branches of the Military: Answering Questions II
Air Force Technology
Name two types of planes used by
the Air Force

Coast Guard Technology

What type of technology does the
Coast Guard use when a ship or
person is lost at sea?

What are the planes designed to do?

Ports
What is a port?

Camouflage
What is camouflage defined as?
Why is a soldiers combat uniform
camouflaged?

What do they use sonars for?

Which military branch mainly guards the

ports?

What is a GPS and why does the Air

Force use it?

How sonars useful?

Why is it important to protect ports?

What type of camouflage is best for

the woods and desert?

Uniforms
When is a soldier required to wear a
camouflage uniform?

Commander in Chief
Who is the Commander in Chief?

Security
What is one of the militarys top
missions?

Veteran
What is a veteran?

Name at least two duties of the

president as the Commander in Chief?

Define what security means.

When is a person able to retire from

the military?

What is the rule of thumb for a soldier

in uniform?

In a war, what decision is made by the

president?

How does the military work to maintain

our national security?

What is Veterans Day?

Military Leadership
What is a drill sergeant responsible
for?

Weapons
What is a weapon?

United Nations
What is the United Nations?

War
Define war.

What is an admiral and major?

Name three examples of weapons.

What do the countries work together

to do?

How do some wars occur?

Why does the military use weapons?

List at least two countries in the United

Nations.

The people fighting in the war are

armed and whats their intent?

When do soldiers wear dress

uniforms?

What is the top leadership of the

military and who holds it?

Directions: Use the appropriate task card to answer the questions below.
ANSWER KEY
Branches of the Military: Answering Questions I
Army
Describe what the Army is.
Largest and oldest branch in the U.S.
Armed Forces. It consists of highly
trained soldiers and officers.
What is the Armys main job?
To protect and defend the U.S. grounds
locally and internationally.
What are the Army Reserve and Army
National Guard and when are they
used?
The two army reserves that are used
when more soldiers are needed.

Marines
Whats another name for the Marines?
Marine Corps.
Why are the Marines called upon in a
sudden emergency?
Because their size allows them to
respond quickly to any situation.
Why are the Marines referred to as
the Infantry of the Navy?
They specialize in land and sea
operations.

Navy
What is the Navys primary mission?
To protect the waters surrounding our
country and to perform military
operations at sea.
Name two types of equipment the
Navy uses to carry out their duties?
Aircraft carriers and submarines.
When else is the Navy called upon?
To transport supplies or when theres
trouble at sea that doesnt necessarily
involve an enemy.

Air Force
What is the primary mission of the Air
Force?
To protect Americans from enemy
attacks in the air and space.
What are fighter planes used for and
why?
For combat, because they fly at super
fast speeds.
Why does the Air Force send satellites
into space?
To monitor suspicious enemy action at
any time.

Coast Guard
What is the Coast Guards primary
mission?
To protect the United States coastlines
and military ports.
Name three things the Coast Guard
specialize in?
Law enforcement at sea, sea rescues,
and immigration control.
In times of conflict, the Coast Guard is
called in to help what other military
branch?
The Navy.

Basic Training
When does basic training take place?
After a person enlists for one of the
military branches.
What are newly enlisted recruits
trained in?
Basic military duties and combat skills.
Describe how males and females
recruits must style their hair at basic
training.
Males must shave their hair off or
really short. Females must wear their
hair in a tight bun.

Loyalty
Define loyalty.
Being fully committed and faithful to
someone or something.
To who or what are soldiers expected
to show loyalty to?
To our country, the U.S. Constitution,
their leaders and to other soldiers.
When a solider puts on his or her
uniform, what are they expressing?
Their loyalty to our country.

Patriotism
What is patriotism?
The love, support, and devotion people
feel for their country.
How does a soldier demonstrate
patriotism?
Through their willingness to defend our
country.
Why are there patriotic holidays in
America?
To remember those who fought and
are still fighting for our country.

Recruits
What is a recruit?
A newly enlisted person in the armed
forces.
What is checked out on a recruit in the
recruiting station?
Weight, height, and background history.
What happens after a recruit enlists?
They are sent to basic training to train
to become a U.S. soldier.

Army Technology
What type of technology is used by
the Army?
Computers used to track enemies,
tanks that transport soldiers, and
weapons used in combat.
Name a special type of technology
used by the Army.
The Cryptologic Linguist computer.
What does the Army depend on that
computer to do?
To identify foreign communication and
to translate other languages.

Marine Technology
Name one special type of device
Marines use.
Night vision monoculars.
How does that device help Marines?
It helps Marines navigate throughout
the night and can function even in the
coldest of hottest of temperatures.
What else do the Marines use?
A variety of weapons, ships, aircrafts,
and tanks.

Navy Technology
Name one type of boat used by the
Navy.
A submarine.
What is inside a submarine?
A vast amount of technology used to
detect enemies and anything else
underwater.
Why does the Navy use special
weather forecasting technologies?
To know how to avoid huge storms that
form over oceans.

Directions: Use the appropriate task card to answer the questions below.
ANSWER KEY
Branches of the Military: Answering Questions II
Air Force Technology
Name two types of planes used by
the Air Force
F-22 Raptor fighter plane, B-2 Spirit
stealth bomber, or the U-2 spy plane.
What are the planes designed to do?
To fly at super fast speeds and to
carry military equipment used for
defense.
What is a GPS and why does the Air
Force use it?
A global positioning system. For
directions while traveling, even to
secretive areas.

Coast Guard Technology

What type of technology does the
Coast Guard use when a ship or
person is lost at sea?
A tracking device with a LCD screen.
What do they use sonars for?
To detect things underwater or for
communication.
How sonars useful?
They use sensors to capture pictures
that are useful for detecting unusual
activity underwater or to find remains.

Ports
What is a port?
A place where boats and ships can
dock, or land, safely.
Which military branch mainly guards the
ports?
The Coast Guard.
Why is it important to protect ports?
Because they house military equipment
and hundreds of soldiers can be
located on a port at one time.

Camouflage
What is camouflage defined as?
The pattern used to disguise soldiers in
the military.
Why is a soldiers combat uniform
camouflaged?
So the enemy has a difficult time
spotting the soldier.
What type of camouflage is best for
the woods and desert?
Green camouflage is best for soldiers
in the woods and brown is better for
the desert.

Uniforms
When is a soldier required to wear a
camouflage uniform?
When the soldier is in combat or active
duty.
When do soldiers wear dress
uniforms?
For ceremonies or formal occasions.
What is the rule of thumb for a soldier
in uniform?
They are suppose to represent the
United States properly.

Commander in Chief
Who is the Commander in Chief?
The President of the United States.
Name at least two duties of the
president as the Commander in Chief?
To call on troops when needed, how
military weapons are to be used,
where soldiers are stationed, or if a
ship needs to sent somewhere.
In a war, what decision is made by the
president?
If the military can bomb the enemy.

Security
What is one of the militarys top
missions?
To provide security for the United
States.
Define what security means.
The feeling of being protected and
safe from potential harm.
How does the military work to maintain
our national security?
They perform daily and nightly
routines.

Veteran
What is a veteran?
A former member of the armed
forces, who served for a long time or
had experience serving.
When is a person able to retire from
the military?
After 20 or more years of service.
What is Veterans Day?
A national holiday in place to show
appreciation to veteran.

Military Leadership
What is a drill sergeant responsible
for?
For training new recruits in the Army.
What is an admiral and major?
An admiral is the top officer in the
Coast Guard or Navy. A major is an
officer in the Army, Marine Corps, or
Air Force.
What is the top leadership of the
military and who holds it?
Commander in Chief and it is held by
the President of the United States.

Weapons
What is a weapon?
Any device used in defense or to fight
with.
Name three examples of weapons.
A rifle, cannon, or missile.
Why does the military use weapons?
To increase security and to attack
harmful enemies.

United Nations
What is the United Nations?
An organization that consists of a
group of countries that have agreed
to work together to promote
international peace, protection, and
cooperation.
What do the countries work together
to do?
To help each other and to prevent or
end wars.
List at least two countries in the United
Nations.
The United States, France, Australia, or
Brazil.

War
Define war.
A period of conflict that involves
armed fighting between countries or
groups of people.
How do some wars occur?
When two or more countries disagree
over economic issues or resources.
The people fighting in the war are
armed and whats their intent?
To harm or weaken the opposing side.