1.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Granger tells his students. "Whenever you deliver your message, you must ensure your communication is effective. You do this by determining the purpose of the communication, preparing the communication, and lastly, deliver the message.
SSgt Granger's comments BEST explain the ______________.
Correct Answer
B. pHases of effective communication
Explanation
This scenario best illustrates the phases of effective communication, According to the Communication Skills chapter there are three broad phases which are diagnose the communication(determine the general purpose), prepare the communication, and lastly deliver the message.
2.
(Formative Exercise) SMSgt Lannen, squadron superintendent of civil engineering, forwarded the commander’s Physical Training Policy Memorandum to all flight chiefs in the shop. In the email he stated, "Brief the new policy to your subordinates as soon as possible. In addition, make sure that the personnel on leave or TDY are briefed as soon as they return.
SMSgt Lannen's actions BEST illustrate __________.
Correct Answer
B. Downward Communication
Explanation
This scenario best illustrates downward communication which according to the Communication Skills Chapter normally begins with the organization’s upper level of management and filters down through the chain of command(SMSgt Lannen, squadron superintendent of civil engineering, forwarded the commander’s Physical Training Policy Memorandum to all flight chiefs in the shop).
3.
(Formative Exercise) MSgt Ottmo noticed that some of his crew members were relying on their memorization of procedures instead of following technical orders. Despite engine runs and planes launching, he holds a meeting on the flight line to address the problem. After the meeting several people expressed frustration because they barely heard anything MSgt Ottmo said."
MSgt Ottmo’s ____________ will MOST likely _________ mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Misunderstanding of organizational barriers; hinder
Explanation
This scenario best illustrate MSgt Ottmos’s misunderstanding of organizational barriers. According to the communicator skills chapter organizational barriers are: duty schedules, floor layouts, jet engine noise (…Despite engine runs and planes launching, he holds a meeting on the flight line to address the problem….. several people expressed frustration because they barely heard), operations tempo, and improper management.
4.
(Formative Exercise) After another local village is mistakenly attacked, a reporter approaches SSgt Tubble with questions regarding the faulty targeting systems used on today’s rocket systems. Tubble responds, "Although I may not work directly with munitions, I am confident in our weapons system technologies; further, I support all efforts that provide our enemies a miserable death." Within days the paper releases comments; Twitter, Facebook, and similar sites explode with hate mail toward the USAF and temporarily interrupt the mission.
SSgt Tubble’s comments BEST illustrate ineffective ______ and its impact on mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. Media engagement
Explanation
This is ineffective media engagement because, according to the Culture of Engagement portion of the Supervisory Communication lesson, SSgt Tubble’s statement violates two of the “do’s” which include discussing only matters of which you have direct knowledge of and avoid repeating or using “color words” that may have a negative connotation such as “massacre”, “scandal”, “deaths”, “corruption”, etc. These induce overly strong, emotional reactions and may be counterproductive to your objectives.
5.
(Formative Exercise) While on her favorite blog site, SrA Allen, a former model, uploads a picture taken during a recent interview. In the photograph, she is wearing a tight "I Love NY" t-shirt with her ABU pants. Within days, she receives hundreds of positive responses to her post.
SrA Allen’ actions _____ and will MOST likely have a ________ impact on public perception.
Correct Answer
B. Violate social media guidelines; negative
Explanation
SrA Allen violated social media guidelines, which according to the Culture of Engagement portion of the Supervisory Communication lesson, prohibit posting photos showing improper wear of the uniform. Because military members are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year, this violation of good order and discipline could negatively impact the public’s perception of the military’s professionalism.
6.
(Formative Exercise) A1C Ivey asks SSgt Johnson, "What is the best way to write a talking paper. SSgt Johnson replies "Make sure you use bullet statements that are concise with one concept that serves a purpose. This will help keep you on track while you’re writing."
SSgt Johnson’s comments BEST explain the ____________.
Correct Answer
A. Single idea bullet statement
Explanation
This scenario best illustrates the single idea bullet. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, the single idea bullet is a concise written statement of a single idea or concept that is typically used for Talking Papers, Point Papers, and Bullet Background Papers.
7.
(Formative Exercise) Before submitting an Enlisted Performance Report for review, MSgt Wilson makes sure the information he uses is correct and truthful. He is careful not to exaggerate the truth or embellish the facts because he believes that falsifying the truth hurts his subordinates, and damages his credibility as a supervisor.
MSgt Wilson’s actions BEST illustrate ______________ and its impact on his effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Accuracy
Explanation
This scenario best illustrates accuracy. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, “For anything to be “accurate” it must be “correct.” People who have the most trouble with accuracy are those who try to stretch the truth. Mild exaggeration or embellishment of the facts is poison and is only a half-step away from outright lying and falsifying the facts.”
8.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Maramba decided to reward one of his subordinates so he requested a Décor 6. He reviewed past performance reports for information to complete the decoration citation. Once the Décor 6 and the citation were completed, he forwarded them to CSS for review. After making several corrections to the document, the CSS forwarded it to the commander who promptly approved the decoration.
SSgt Maramba’s _____________ will MOST likely ______________ his subordinate’s effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. Effective use of types of narrative writing; enhance
Explanation
This scenario best illustrates SSgt Maramba’s effective use of types of narrative writing. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, types of narrative writing include awards and recognitions. People or units who receive awards and decorations under this program must clearly demonstrate sustained and superior performance. To initiate the recommendation submission process, it is your responsibility as the supervisor to request, fill out, and submit a Recommendation for Decoration Printout (RDP- DÉCOR-6). In addition to accomplishing the Décor 6, you must then compose a decoration citation. (…. “He reviewed past performance reports for information to complete the decoration citation. Once the Décor 6 and the citation are completed, he forwarded them to CSS for review”).
9.
(Formative Exercise) After noticing an unusual change in SrA Dent’s behavior, SSgt Wilson decides to meet with him to discuss his observations. Hoping to keep the session centered on Dent and to eliminate distractions, he reserves a small conference room for two hours with permission to use it longer if needed. He then jots down a few questions to help him open the session and establish rapport with Dent.
The scenario BEST illustrates an NCO accomplishing ________________.
Correct Answer
A. Pre-session activities only
Explanation
According to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, pre-session activities include Diagnose (know why you are conducting this session) and Prepare (determine approach and prepare the environment). SSgt Wilson diagnosed as evidenced by the statement, “noticing an unusual change in Dent’s behavior.” He determined his approach as evidenced by the statement, “hoping to keep the session centered on Dent” and he prepared the environment as evidenced by the statement, “eliminate distractions, he reserves a small conference room for two hours with permission to use it longer”
10.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Bolden plans to hold a meeting with his work section about the low morale that has been bringing down the mission lately. Up until last month, everyone enjoyed coming to work and doing his or her best on the job. Bolden thinks about it and realizes the change in everyone’s demeanor must be from the new commander. Bolden realizes he must do something soon before the morale takes a deeper plummet, so he decides to hold the meeting to let his people know he is always concerned about them and their welfare.
SSgt Bolden’s _____________ will MOST likely ______________ his effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Appropriate use of diagnosing; increasing
Explanation
SSgt Bolden appropriately used diagnosing, as evidenced by “…thinks about it and realizes the change in everyone’s demeanor.” According to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, diagnosing is “knowing why you’re conducting the session.”
11.
Good introductions include the Attention Step, Purpose Statement, Motivation/Hook and Overview.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A good introduction should grab the audience's attention with an attention step, state the purpose of the presentation, provide motivation or a hook to engage the audience, and give an overview of what will be discussed. This helps to set the tone, establish the relevance of the topic, and give the audience a preview of what to expect. Therefore, the statement that good introductions include the Attention Step, Purpose Statement, Motivation/Hook, and Overview is true.
12.
The body is where you deliver your message and quiz your audience.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
You do not "quiz your audience" during the body portion of your message.
13.
Appropriate use of social media would be:
Correct Answer
D. None are appropriate uses of social media
Explanation
Both actions mentioned in the question, uploading a video to Facebook and sharing enemy engagement on a blog, can potentially compromise military operations and security. Sharing sensitive information about a military base or enemy engagements can jeopardize the safety of personnel and the success of missions. Therefore, neither of these actions is considered appropriate use of social media in a military context.
14.
A bullet statement is an accurate, brief, and specific "bottom line" of an idea or of a single accomplishment with its associated impace.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is true. A bullet statement is indeed an accurate, brief, and specific "bottom line" of an idea or a single accomplishment along with its associated impact. Bullet statements are commonly used in various contexts, such as resumes, presentations, and reports, to provide concise and impactful information. They help to quickly communicate key points and make information more accessible and easily understandable.
15.
In the action verb variation of the accomplishment-impact bullet, the accomplishment element begins with a strong action verb and ends with an expressly stated impact element.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Begin the accomplishment (action) element with an action verb (Completed, Led, Processed, Mastered, etc.) or a modifier and an action verb (Expertly finished, Boldly led, etc.)
16.
Quickly developed procedures to resolve staffing issues resulting in completion of the project on schedule.
This is an example of which variation of the accomplishment-impact bullet statement.
Correct Answer
B. Adverb (Modified) verb
Explanation
"Quickly developed" is an example of a modifier "quickly" and a verb "developed"
17.
Which of the following is NOT a reason the Air Force uses bullet statement style of writing?
Correct Answer
D. Bullet statements present all achievements in one sentence.
Explanation
The Air Force uses bullet statement style of writing because it presents a clear picture of an idea or accomplishment and its impact, allows the writer to concisely deal with specific points, takes less time to read, and allows the writer to communicate more information within a smaller space. However, bullet statements do not present all achievements in one sentence.
18.
An official memorandum is used to write to an individual on a private matter for praise, condolence, sponsorship, etc.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
An official memorandum is for the record, not private.
19.
Which example reflects the proper placement and format of the date element:
Correct Answer
C. Flush with right margin 10 line spaces from top of the page; 31 July 2007
Explanation
The proper placement and format of the date element is to have it flush with the right margin and positioned 10 line spaces from the top of the page. This ensures that the date is aligned correctly with the rest of the text and is easily visible.
20.
Complete the sentence: Subject element...
Correct Answer
C. Identifies the issues or topic.
Explanation
The subject element in official memorandums and personalized letters is mandatory because it serves the purpose of identifying the issues or topic being discussed. It provides a concise and clear summary of the content to follow, allowing the recipient to quickly understand the main focus of the communication.
21.
Identify formatting errors in the following writing sample:
MEMORANDUM FOR 56 MDG/CC
FROM: 56 MDG/ABC
SUBJECT; Letter of Request for Additional Funds
Correct Answer
A. First element contains spacing error.
Explanation
2 line spaces needed after MEMORANDUM