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just the right answerThe ball is called a "truck". There is NOTHING in the ball. Anyone who thinks there is a bullet, a grain of wheat, a match, etc in that ball is having their leg pulled (see urban legends). The ball is to keep the flag from getting suck on top of the pole when the wind blows. Think about it.

Slight Correction:

Actually, it's properly called a "finial." A "truck" is the bolt that holds the finial to the pole, but has become commonly used to refer to the finial, especially in military communities.

As far of the myths of what they contain, I'm going to get a flagpole, and fill the finial with a razor, a match and a bullet. It's a great legend, though absurd.

From Experience:

I have the truck and ball that came off the top of a 68 foot high flagpole from a WWII military base. I was involved with removing the pole, so I know the ball is real.

It is copper and approximately 7.5 inch in diameter. And there are at least two things in the ball. Something light and something heavier. I would guess it to be a razor blade and a bullet.

The right ANSWER is:

The ball is usually called a finial. A truck is the stationary or revolving part that has a pulley that the halyard (rope) goes through. The finial ball or eagle is screwed into the top of the truck assembly. The finial is actually any thing mounted to the top of the truck such as a ball, eagle, cross or star or any other symbol. In the U.S. Army, an eagle atop a flagpole truck is called a sparrow.

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Q: What is the ball on the top of a flagpole called in military terms?
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Related questions

What is the ball called on top of a flagpole called in military terms?

A simple ball or plate on top of a flagpole is called a truck. More elaborate designs can be called a finial.


What is inside a military flagpole ball?

Nothing. It isn't hollow.


What is the ball atop a flagpole called?

The ball atop a flagpole is called a truck. Contrary to legend, it contains no bullets, matches, wheat, or other items.


What is the ball on the top of a flagpole called?

A Truck


What is in a military flag pole ball?

While I was in the military I was taught that three thing were in it all were symbolica bullet to defend the flag to the last mana grain of wheat to plant and start overa match to burn the flag rather than surrender itYou have been watching too many reruns of Mission Impossible or something. There is nothing in the finial of any flagpole that will destroy the flag.


What geometric shape represents a flagpole?

That would be 2 shapes counting the top ball... The actual pole would be a Cylinder The ball on top would be a Sphere


If the brass ball on top of the flagpole falls will it break?

Probably not, as it is metal, not glass. But it will be dented if landing on a hard surface.


Why is there a flagpole on some golf holes?

So if it is far away, you can see where you need to hit the ball instead of looking for a tiny hole.


Who was the first person to suggest a ball to be lowered on a flagpole?

When New York City banned the traditional fireworks display, Alfred Ochs, owner of " The New York Times" commissioned a large, illuminated seven hundred pound iron and wood ball attached to the flagpole on his building. It was lowered precisely at midnight to signal the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The first ball was dropped in 1908 going on to 1909.


Why is there a razor match and a bullet in the ball on top of a flagpole?

The razor is to cut the flag. The match is to burn the flag. And a bullet to kill yourself during a time of retreat.


What is the meaning of ball on in snooker terms?

It basically means is it possible? If a ball is pottable, the ball is on.


When you hit the ball its termed?

Just hitting the ball itself is called "contact." Any other terms depend on what happens after contact is made. A few terms are: base hit, infield fly, fly out, infield hit, bounce out, ground rule double, sacrifice fly.