SSGT EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
To encourage long-term careers for enlisted specialists, as promotion and specialization
went hand-in-hand with training.
Why did the newly established Air Force create an Airman Career Program?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Operation Vittles, an expanded cargo support effort against the Soviet blockade, showed the use
of nonviolent airpower to defuse a potentially disastrous confrontation and laid the foundation
for ___.
Charles "Chuck" Yeager
On 14 October 1947, who became the first person to break the sound barrier when his Bell X-1
"Glamorous Glennis" reached Mach 1.06 at 43,000 feet?
The North American F-86 Sabre.
During the Korean War, what aircraft was created to match the MiG's speed?
Sgt Billie Beach.
Cpl Harry LaVene, a gunner, scored the first B-29 victory over a jet when he downed a MiG-15
on 9 November 1950. Who shot down two MiGs on 12 April 1951, a fear unmatched by any
other gunner?
Capt James Jabara
Who tallied 15 kills during the Korean War. Gained recognition as the world's first jet ace?
Long-range missiles and space-based technology
What did the Air Force rapidly begin to develop after the Korean conflict?
The Soviets successfully launched the Sputnik 1 satellite into Earth's orbit on 4 October
1957.
, What marked the beginning of the Space Age and sparked the space race between the Soviets
and the US?
Providing space-based reconnaissance, early warning of any missile attack on North
America; and worldwide communications platforms for strategic command and control.
During the Cold War, the Air Force concentrated on unmanned missions to fulfill national
security needs. What did this include?
Cuba.
In 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew the dictator of ___ and instituted a socialist dictatorship.
Cuban exiles. (They suffered a crushing defeat.)
The CIA planned the 1961 invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in hopes that the Cuban people
would overthrow Castro. Who were used as troops?
Intermediate- and medium-range ballistic missile complexes
In 1963, the Soviet Union and Cubans began to build what in Cuba?
Through Air Force reconnaissance flights. (First with high-altitude U-2 aircraft, followed
by low-level RF-101s and RB-66s.)
How was Soviet construction of missile complexes in Cuba confirmed?
He imposes a naval blockade to prevent any more material from reaching Cuba and
negotiated with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to remove the missiles.
While Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command prepared for a possible invasion of
and war with Cuba, what did President Kennedy do to neutralize the Cuban Missile Crisis?
An immediate air strike against Cuba. (President Kennedy decided to wait.)
When Cuban air defenses shot down a U-2 piloted by Maj Rudolf Anderson, what did the Joint
Chiefs of Staff recommend?
Remove US missiles from Turkey.
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
To encourage long-term careers for enlisted specialists, as promotion and specialization
went hand-in-hand with training.
Why did the newly established Air Force create an Airman Career Program?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Operation Vittles, an expanded cargo support effort against the Soviet blockade, showed the use
of nonviolent airpower to defuse a potentially disastrous confrontation and laid the foundation
for ___.
Charles "Chuck" Yeager
On 14 October 1947, who became the first person to break the sound barrier when his Bell X-1
"Glamorous Glennis" reached Mach 1.06 at 43,000 feet?
The North American F-86 Sabre.
During the Korean War, what aircraft was created to match the MiG's speed?
Sgt Billie Beach.
Cpl Harry LaVene, a gunner, scored the first B-29 victory over a jet when he downed a MiG-15
on 9 November 1950. Who shot down two MiGs on 12 April 1951, a fear unmatched by any
other gunner?
Capt James Jabara
Who tallied 15 kills during the Korean War. Gained recognition as the world's first jet ace?
Long-range missiles and space-based technology
What did the Air Force rapidly begin to develop after the Korean conflict?
The Soviets successfully launched the Sputnik 1 satellite into Earth's orbit on 4 October
1957.
, What marked the beginning of the Space Age and sparked the space race between the Soviets
and the US?
Providing space-based reconnaissance, early warning of any missile attack on North
America; and worldwide communications platforms for strategic command and control.
During the Cold War, the Air Force concentrated on unmanned missions to fulfill national
security needs. What did this include?
Cuba.
In 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew the dictator of ___ and instituted a socialist dictatorship.
Cuban exiles. (They suffered a crushing defeat.)
The CIA planned the 1961 invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in hopes that the Cuban people
would overthrow Castro. Who were used as troops?
Intermediate- and medium-range ballistic missile complexes
In 1963, the Soviet Union and Cubans began to build what in Cuba?
Through Air Force reconnaissance flights. (First with high-altitude U-2 aircraft, followed
by low-level RF-101s and RB-66s.)
How was Soviet construction of missile complexes in Cuba confirmed?
He imposes a naval blockade to prevent any more material from reaching Cuba and
negotiated with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to remove the missiles.
While Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command prepared for a possible invasion of
and war with Cuba, what did President Kennedy do to neutralize the Cuban Missile Crisis?
An immediate air strike against Cuba. (President Kennedy decided to wait.)
When Cuban air defenses shot down a U-2 piloted by Maj Rudolf Anderson, what did the Joint
Chiefs of Staff recommend?
Remove US missiles from Turkey.
