PDG Quiz #1 : Enlisted History
Questions from the Enlisted History section of the PDG.
- 1.
Lack of success may have more to do with __________ than intellectual ability.
- A.
Poorly developed study skills
- B.
Lack of knowledge
- C.
Lack of preparedness
- D.
Time constraints
Correct Answer
A. Poorly developed study skillsExplanation
The correct answer suggests that the lack of success may be attributed to poorly developed study skills rather than intellectual ability. This implies that even if someone is intellectually capable, their lack of success could be due to their inability to effectively study and learn.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When was the Air Force (as we know it) established?
- A.
18 September 1947
- B.
20 June 1940
- C.
24 May 1918
- D.
1 March 1939
Correct Answer
A. 18 September 1947Explanation
The Air Force (as we know it) was established on 18 September 1947.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who recorded the first successful and useful balloon reconnaissance mission for the Army?
- A.
Edward Ward
- B.
Joseph Barrett
- C.
John La Mountain
- D.
General Benjamin Butler
Correct Answer
C. John La MountainExplanation
John La Mountain recorded the first successful and useful balloon reconnaissance mission for the Army.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who demonstrated that a balloon could effectively direct artillery fire by telegraph?
- A.
Thaddeus Lowe
- B.
John La Mountain
- C.
Frank P. Lahm
- D.
Gordon Bennett
Correct Answer
A. Thaddeus LoweExplanation
Thaddeus Lowe demonstrated that a balloon could effectively direct artillery fire by telegraph.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the name of the 14,000 cubic foot silk balloon that some historians believe was a determining factor in the victory of the battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War?
- A.
Santiago
- B.
El Doradoa
- C.
Sombrero
Correct Answer
A. SantiagoExplanation
Santiago is the correct answer because some historians believe that the silk balloon named Santiago played a crucial role in the victory of the battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. The balloon provided valuable aerial reconnaissance, allowing the American forces to gather information about the enemy's positions and movements. This intelligence helped the American troops to strategize effectively and ultimately secure victory in the battle.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the name of the man, who along with his wife, created a 14,000 cubic foot silk balloon for use in the Spanish-American War?
- A.
William Ivy Baldwin
- B.
John La Mountain
- C.
Gordon Bennett
- D.
Edward Ward
Correct Answer
A. William Ivy BaldwinExplanation
William Ivy Baldwin is the correct answer because he was the man who, along with his wife, created a 14,000 cubic foot silk balloon for use in the Spanish-American War.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the Army's first enlisted pilot?
- A.
Vernon Burge
- B.
Edward Ward
- C.
Joseph Barret
- D.
John La Mountain
Correct Answer
A. Vernon BurgeExplanation
Vernon Burge was the Army's first enlisted pilot.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who was the first enlisted person to die in an accident in a military aircraft?
- A.
Corporal Frank Scott
- B.
Private First Class Vernon Burge
- C.
Lieutenant Benjamin D. Foulois
- D.
Private Glenn Madole
Correct Answer
A. Corporal Frank ScottExplanation
Corporal Frank Scott was the first enlisted person to die in an accident in a military aircraft.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Select the 3 fundamentals that Edward Ward and Joseph E. Bennett were intitally trained in upon assignment to the Signal Corps Aeronautical Division in August of 1907.
- A.
Fundamentals of balloon fabric
- B.
Manufacture of buoyant gases
- C.
Sending telegraphs from the air
- D.
Inflation and control of balloons
- E.
Balloon operator safety
Correct Answer(s)
A. Fundamentals of balloon fabric
B. Manufacture of buoyant gases
D. Inflation and control of balloonsExplanation
Edward Ward and Joseph E. Bennett were initially trained in the fundamentals of balloon fabric, manufacture of buoyant gases, and inflation and control of balloons upon their assignment to the Signal Corps Aeronautical Division in August of 1907. These fundamentals would have provided them with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate and maintain balloons, including understanding the materials used for balloon fabric, the production of gases that make the balloons buoyant, and the techniques for inflating and controlling the balloons during flight.Rate this question:
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- 10.
When was the 1st Aero Squadron (Provisional) activated?
- A.
5 March 1912
- B.
1 Jan 1918
- C.
5 March 1913
- D.
11 June 1917
Correct Answer
C. 5 March 1913Explanation
The correct answer is 5 March 1913.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What authorized the Signal Corps to to establish an aviation section consisting of ___ officers and ___ enlisted men?
- A.
U.S. House Resolution 5304, 60 and 260
- B.
Air Activation Act, 260 and 60
- C.
U.S. House Resolution 53, 60 and 260
- D.
President Executive Oder 4305, 250 and 40
Correct Answer
A. U.S. House Resolution 5304, 60 and 260Explanation
U.S. House Resolution 5304 authorized the Signal Corps to establish an aviation section consisting of 60 officers and 260 enlisted men.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What bill created the military rating of aviation mechanician, and called for a 50% pay raise for enlisted men "instructed in the art of flying'?
- A.
U.S. House Resolution 4
- B.
President Executive Oder 4305
- C.
Congress Act of 1914
- D.
U.S. House Resolution 5304
Correct Answer
D. U.S. House Resolution 5304Explanation
Army aviation
finally received official status with the 18 July 1914 passage of U.S. House Resolution 5304, which authorized the
Signal Corps to establish an aviation section consisting of 60 officers and 260 enlisted men. The bill created the
military rating of aviation mechanician, which called for a 50 percent pay increase for enlisted men “instructed in the
art of flying” while they were on flying status. The number of such personnel was limited to 40, and the law specified
that no more than a dozen enlisted men could be trained as aviators.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How many Aero Squadrons were fully equipped when the US declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917?
- A.
One
- B.
Two
- C.
Three
- D.
Four
Correct Answer
A. OneExplanation
2.5.2. By 1916, a second aero squadron was added, assigned to duty in the Philippine Islands, and new training
facilities were added. In October 1916, plans were laid for 24 squadrons: 7 to serve with the regular Army, 12 with the
National Guard, and 5 for coastal defense, supplementing balloon units for the field and coast artillery. Each squadron
was to muster a dozen aircraft. The regular Army squadrons were either organized or in the process of being
organized by the end of 1916, and all 24 squadrons were formed by early 1917, but only the 1st Aero Squadron was
fully equipped, manned, and organized when the United States declared war on Germany 6 April 1917.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The two largest (1917) special schools/instituitons that trained mechanics were in St Paul, MN and Kelly Field, TX.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Later, mechanics and other enlisted specialists were also trained at fields and factories in Great Britain and France.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who is referred to as the "Father of Blind Flight"?
- A.
Sergeant William C. Ocker
- B.
Private First Class Vernon Burge
- C.
General Billy Mitchell
Correct Answer
A. Sergeant William C. OckerExplanation
Sergeant William C. Ocker, an enlisted pilot inspired to fly by watching Vernon Burge, was commissioned in January 1917 and commanded a flight school in Pennsylvania. Ocker flight-tested modified aircraft, served as a flight instructor, and was hand-picked by General Billy Mitchell to scout land parcels near the Potomac River to serve as future airfields. One of the tracts he selected became Bolling Field, Washington DC.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who was the only African- American, referred to as the "Black Swallow of Death" to serve as a pilot during WWI?
- A.
Corporal Eugene Bullard
- B.
General Billy Mitchell
- C.
Edward Ward
- D.
Sergeant William C. Ocker
Correct Answer
A. Corporal Eugene BullardExplanation
The son of a Georgia former slave. As a member of the French Foreign Legion, he earned the Croix de Guerre (one of 15 decorations from the French government). He completed training and joined the Lafayette Escadrille. Despite his record of daring and dedication, he was grounded at the request of American officers attached to the escadrille. When the escadrille pilots were reorganized and incorporated into the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), Bullard was denied the commission accorded to other escadrille aviators and to most of the handful of white enlisted men who had earned their wings in regular U.S. Army outfits.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What Act(s) effectively reserved the cockpit for the commissioned?
- A.
Public Law 99, Flight Officer Act (Public Law 658)
- B.
Flight Officer Act (Public Law 658), Congress Act of 1914
- C.
President Executive Oder 4305, Public Law 99
Correct Answer
A. Public Law 99, Flight Officer Act (Public Law 658)Explanation
Congress enacted Public Law 99 in 1941, which provided for training enlisted “aviation students,” who were “awarded the rating of pilot and warranted as a staff sergeant.” Late in 1942, however, Congress passed the Flight Officer Act (Public Law 658), which automatically promoted sergeant pilots produced by the Staff Sergeant Pilot
Program to flight officers. Thus, the cockpit was effectively reserved “for the commissioned.”Rate this question:
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- 18.
What made the air service an official comabat arm of the Army?
- A.
Army Reorganization Act of 1920
- B.
Public Law 99
- C.
U.S. House Resolution 5304
Correct Answer
A. Army Reorganization Act of 1920Explanation
The Army Reorganization Act of 1920 made the air service an official combat arm of the Army. This act restructured the organization of the U.S. Army and recognized the importance of air power in modern warfare. It established the Air Service as a separate branch of the Army, equal in status to the Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery. This act marked a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. military and demonstrated the recognition of the strategic value of air power in military operations.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The mid 1920's say air activites limited to what three things?
- A.
Garnering headlines
- B.
Testing equipment
- C.
Establishing records
- D.
Repairing aircraft
- E.
Training personnel
Correct Answer(s)
A. Garnering headlines
B. Testing equipment
C. Establishing recordsExplanation
During the mid 1920s, air activities were primarily focused on garnering headlines, testing equipment, and establishing records. This suggests that aviation during this time was more focused on gaining attention and publicity, as well as advancing technology and pushing the limits of what was possible in terms of aviation records. Repairing aircraft and training personnel were not mentioned as activities that were limited during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Air Corps Act of 2 July 1926 changed the name of the Air Service to the Air Corps.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Congress enacted the Air Corps Act 2 July 1926. The legislation changed the name of the Air Service to the Air Corps
“thereby strengthening the conception of military aviation as an offensive, striking arm rather than an auxiliary service.” The act created an additional assistant secretary of war to help foster military aeronautics, and it established an air section in each division of the general staff for a period of 3 years. Other provisions required that rated personnel command all flying units and that flight pay be continued. The position of the air arm within the Department of War remained essentially the same as before, and once more the hopes of air force officers to have an independent air force had to be deferred.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Who was the first Security Forces Airman to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom?
- A.
Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson
- B.
Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner
- C.
Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman
Correct Answer
A. Airman First Class Elizabeth JacobsonExplanation
Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson was the first Security Forces Airman to die during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What percent of pilots flying in support of Operation Noble Eagle belonged to the ANG?
- A.
80
- B.
100
- C.
75
- D.
50
Correct Answer
A. 80Explanation
80 percent of pilots flying in support of Operation Noble Eagle belonged to the ANG.Rate this question:
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- 23.
When did US, British, and French aircraft began a sustained campaign against terrorist targets in Afghanistan?
- A.
Provide humanitarian airlift to the oppressed 7 October 2001
- B.
9 September 2001
- C.
20 December 2001
Correct Answer
A. Provide humanitarian airlift to the oppressed 7 October 2001 -
- 24.
What were the US's two main purposes when arriving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom?
- A.
Provide humanitarian airlift
- B.
Reconnaissance
- C.
Conduct miliatary action to root out terrorism
- D.
Rescue POW's
Correct Answer(s)
A. Provide humanitarian airlift
C. Conduct miliatary action to root out terrorismExplanation
In addition to strike operations, the Air Force flew humanitarian relief, dropping nearly 2.5 million humanitarian rations.Rate this question:
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- 25.
When did the Taliban abandon Kandahar, the last major town under it's control?
- A.
December 2001
- B.
November 2001
- C.
January 2002
- D.
October 2001
Correct Answer
A. December 2001Explanation
In December 2001, the Taliban abandoned Kandahar, the last major town under its control. This suggests that by this time, the Taliban had lost their stronghold and influence in the region, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What Operation took place in the Takur Shar mountaintops, and is also referred to as the battle of Robert's ridge?
- A.
Operation Anaconda
- B.
Operation Enduring Freedom
- C.
Operation Python
- D.
Operation Shah-I-Kot
Correct Answer
A. Operation AnacondaExplanation
Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham was one of the seven killed. Cunningham earned the Air Force Cross, presented
posthumously, for giving his life heroically. Despite mortal wounds, he saved 10 people, and made it possible for seven others who were killed to come home.
Secretary of the Air Force posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross to Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman (Figure 2.40). It was only the third time since the end of the Vietnam conflict that an enlisted Airman received the Air Force Cross, and the second Air Force Cross presented to one of the enlisted Airmen who died in during the 17-hour ordeal atop Takur Ghar mountain, Afghanistan. Chapman’s helicopter came under enemy fire, causing a Navy SEAL to fall out of an MH-47 helicopter during an insertion. The helicopter landed 4.5 miles away from where the SEAL was killed. Once on the ground, Chapman provided directions to another helicopter to pick them up. Chapman killed two enemy soldiers and, without regard for his own life,advanced toward a dug-in machinegun nest. The team came under fire from three directions. Chapman exchanged fire from minimum personal cover and succumbed to multiple wounds. His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement to the second enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact. He is credited with saving the lives of the entire rescue teamRate this question:
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- 27.
When did Operation Iraqi Freedom officially begin?
- A.
20 March 2003
- B.
17 March 2003
- C.
11 Septembet 2001
- D.
20 April 2003
Correct Answer
A. 20 March 2003Explanation
On 17 March 2003, President George W. Bush gave Saddam and his sons a 48-hour ultimatum to leave Iraq or face conflict. Saddam rejected President Bush’s option to flee. On 20 March 2003 a salvo of missiles and laser-guided bombs hit targets where coalition forces believed Saddam and his sons and other leaders gathered. The war began. Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ended 1 May 2003.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The combat strategy that focuses on the psychological destruction of the enemy’s will to fight rather than the physical destruction of the opposing military force is termed "Shock and Awe".
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Pentagon unleashed air strikes so devastating they would leave Saddam’s soldiers unable or unwilling to fight. The first day, coalition forces fired between 300 and 400 cruise missiles; more than the number launched during the entire first Gulf War. On the second day, the plan called for another 300 to 400 missiles. The battle plan was based on a concept developed at the National Defense University. Called “Shock and Awe" . Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ended 1 May 2003.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Who was the first Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom?
- A.
Staff Sergeant Scott Sather
- B.
Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham
- C.
A1C Elizabeth Jacobson
- D.
Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner
Correct Answer
A. Staff Sergeant Scott SatherExplanation
A combat controller, the 29-year-old Michigan native earned seven medals, including the bronze star, during his Air Force career.Rate this question:
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Nov 29, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Sep 14, 2011Quiz Created by
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