Ready to sharpen your mission planning skills? Dive into the 1C052 CDC quiz for Airmen eager to test their operational expertise and master resource management. You'll analyze mission scenarios, prioritize assets, and fine-tune manpower forecasting to boost readiness. This Air Force career development quiz doubles as your go-to Air Force CDC resource management test, presenting situations from logistics coordination to timeline strategizing. Start with the CDC Volume 1 quiz, tackle the CDC Vol 1 & 2 operational planning quiz for a full-spectrum challenge, and then try the air force services 7 level quiz . Ready to ace your next Air Force operational planning test? Click "Start" now!
Which process translates force structure, resources, and strategic guidance into future-year resource allocations in the Air Force?
Program Objectives Memorandum
Force Management System
Contingency Operations Plan
Budget Estimate Submission
The Program Objectives Memorandum (POM) is the document used to translate strategic guidance, force structure, and resource requirements into multi-year program plans for the Air Force. It provides detailed justification for resource allocations and informs the Secretary of the Air Force's budget submission. For more details on POM structure and guidance, see Defense Acquisition University.
How many phases are there in the Department of Defense PPBE process?
Four
Three
Six
Five
The PPBE process comprises four distinct phases: Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution. Each phase serves to ensure resource alignment with strategic objectives and proper execution of approved budgets. Detailed phase descriptions are available at the DoD's Financial Management site: DoD Financial Management.
Which Air Force instruction outlines the responsibilities for resource advisors?
AFI 33-360
AFI 38-401
AFI 90-804
AFMAN 65-604
AFI 38-401, Air Force Financial Management and Comptroller, establishes policy and assigns responsibilities for resource advisors who manage and monitor financial resources. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and reporting requirements for budget execution. For the full policy, see AF E-Publishing.
What does the acronym OPLAN stand for in Air Force planning?
Organizational Plan
Operations Platform
Operational Platform
Operational Plan
OPLAN stands for Operational Plan, which is a complete and detailed plan that states the concept of operations, tasks, and resource requirements to conduct joint operations. It provides the framework for execution of military operations. More on OPLAN structure can be found at Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In PPBE, which phase focuses on developing the President's Budget Request?
Budgeting
Programming
Planning
Execution
The Budgeting phase takes the program plan from the Programming phase and builds the President's Budget Request, adjusting to statutory and economic constraints. It ensures funds are properly allocated for the upcoming fiscal year. Detailed budgeting guidance is available at Congressional Budget Office.
What is the primary objective of the Air Force's Planning phase in PPBE?
Translate strategic guidance into capability requirements
Execute approved budget
Evaluate contractor proposals
Conduct audit of financial records
The Planning phase develops strategic guidance, identifies required capabilities, and establishes force structure goals. It translates national defense strategy into formal requirements for future programming. For more, see the DoD's PPBE overview: DoD Financial Management.
Which system is used by the Air Force to manage programming data and POM submission?
GFEBS
JOPES
PRISM
DEAMS
PRISM is the Pentagon Resource and Information Support Model used to manage programming data and consolidate POM submissions across the Department of Defense. It supports resource allocation decisions in the Programming phase. Additional PRISM details are at Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Which officer typically serves as the financial manager at an Air Force wing?
Squadron CC
Resource Advisor
Wing Commander
Group Superintendent
The Resource Advisor is the individual assigned at each organizational level to monitor and manage budget execution, advise commanders, and coordinate with functional managers. They track obligations and expenditures and ensure compliance with financial policies. See AFI 38-401 for more: AF E-Publishing.
In the Planning phase, which document identifies capability gaps and risk assessments?
Programming Decision Memorandum
Capabilities Development Document
Budget Estimate Submission
After-Action Report
The Capabilities Development Document (CDD) outlines required capabilities, identifies gaps, and assesses risks to meet strategic objectives. It guides acquisition and resource decisions in subsequent PPBE phases. More on CDD structure is at OSD Acquisition.
Which activity occurs during the Execution phase of PPBE?
Perform Capabilities-Based Assessment
Initiate Program Objective Memorandum
Adjust program baseline due to congressional changes
Develop long-range strategic guidance
During the Execution phase, the Air Force obligates and disburses funds, adjusts to congressional markups, and reports performance. Execution ensures the approved budget is implemented and any changes are managed. For execution guidance, see the DoD Financial Management Regulation at DoD FM.
What is the role of the Air Staff in PPBE?
Executing field-level budget transactions
Developing and reviewing plans and programs
Conducting performance audits
Negotiating contracts with vendors
The Air Staff assists in developing strategic guidance, reviewing program submissions, and advising the Secretary of the Air Force on resource priorities during the PPBE process. They coordinate with major commands to refine requirements and programs. Details are in AFI 38-401: AF E-Publishing.
Which term describes the systematic approach to identify, assess, and manage risks in resource planning?
Capability Gap Analysis
Operational Risk Assessment
Financial Auditing
Enterprise Risk Management
Enterprise Risk Management is a structured framework to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks across the organization in support of strategic and operational goals, including resource planning. It integrates risk considerations into decision-making. More about ERM can be found at GAO.
Which commander-level document informs programmatic decisions with assessed risks and opportunities?
Commanders' Estimated Risk Assessment
Commanders' Risk Assessment
Commanders' Decision Memorandum
Commanders' Intent
The Commanders' Estimated Risk Assessment (CERA) provides programmatic decision makers with an evaluation of operational risks and potential mitigations. It supports informed trade-off decisions during programming. See AFI 38-401 for CERA guidance: AF E-Publishing.
What is the deadline for submitting the Air Force's Budget Estimate Submission to OSD?
First week of March
Early January
September 30
July 1
The Budget Estimate Submission (BES) is typically due to the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the first week of March following the completion of the Programming phase. This timing aligns with congressional and OSD planning timelines. For BES submission details, see the DoD PPBE calendar: DoD FM.
During the Programming phase, what is a Program Decision Memorandum (PDM)?
An official OSD-level decision regarding program resource levels
A report on execution performance
A requirement document for new capabilities
A directive to execute budgets
A Program Decision Memorandum (PDM) is issued by OSD to convey decisions on resource allocations, program adjustments, and policy guidance following POM reviews. It sets approved program baselines for budget development. See OSD PPBE guidance at DoD FM.
What is the primary input to a Capabilities-Based Assessment (CBA)?
Budget Estimate Submission numbers
Procurement contracts
Base Realignment and Closure recommendations
Lessons Learned from operations
Lessons learned from operations, warfighter feedback, and analysis of current and future threats serve as primary inputs to a CBA. The CBA identifies capability gaps and informs requirement documents like the CDD. Detailed CBA methodology is at Joint Chiefs of Staff.
What does the acronym JOPES stand for?
Joint Operations Programming and Execution Schedule
Joint Operational Performance Evaluation System
Joint Operations Planning and Evaluation System
Joint Operational Planning and Execution System
JOPES stands for Joint Operational Planning and Execution System, the Department of Defense's system for deliberate and crisis action planning processes. It provides structure for developing and executing joint plans. More on JOPES is available at Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Which document identifies required performance parameters for new systems?
System Performance Specification
Capabilities Production Document
Capabilities Requirements Document
Capabilities Development Document
The Capabilities Requirements Document (CRD) specifies performance parameters and technical requirements for new defense systems to meet capability gaps. It guides acquisition and budgeting. More on CRD content is at OSD Acquisition.
In Air Force planning, what is a 'balanced scorecard' used for?
Scheduling manpower training
Measuring mission execution speed
Tracking financial expenditures only
Integrating financial and non-financial performance metrics
A balanced scorecard integrates financial and non-financial metrics to provide a comprehensive view of organizational performance. It helps commanders align resources with strategic goals and monitor key performance indicators. See GAO's discussion of performance management at GAO.
What is the role of the Air Force Corporate Structure in resource planning?
It sets operational tactics for theaters
It handles only execution-phase adjustments
It integrates planning efforts across major commands and staff
It negotiates international agreements
The Air Force Corporate Structure brings together major commands, Air Staff, and Secretariat leadership to coordinate planning, programming, and budget decisions. It ensures strategic alignment and resource integration across the service. Further information is in AFI 38-401: AF E-Publishing.
Which analysis technique estimates life-cycle costs of a system over 25 years?
Capability Gap Analysis
Acquisition Category Analysis
Work Breakdown Structure Analysis
Total Ownership Cost Analysis
Total Ownership Cost Analysis (TOCA) estimates the full life-cycle costs of a system, including acquisition, operations and support over typically 20 - 25 years. It supports programming and budgeting decisions by projecting long-term resource demands. See DAU's TOC guidance at DAU.
What is an FYDP in the context of PPBE?
Fiscal Year Development Plan
Future Years Development Policy
Future Years Defense Program
Fiscal Year Defense Plan
The Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) is a database that presents the Department of Defense's spending plans over a future five-year period, integrating resource allocation data from PPBE. It offers visibility into projected budgets and programs. More about FYDP is on the DoD FM website: DoD FM.
Which review body focuses on identifying cost-efficiency opportunities across Air Force programs?
Cost Working Group
Budget Execution Review Committee
Capabilities Development Board
Requirements Review Board
The Cost Working Group identifies cost-efficiency measures, opportunities for savings, and cost-avoidance initiatives across programs during PPBE. It ensures affordability and stewardship of defense resources. For working group charters, see DoD FM.
What is Program Element Number (PEN) used for in defense budgeting?
Labeling manpower billets
Grouping related lines of effort for budgeting
Identifying appropriation types
Tracking congressional authorizations
A Program Element Number (PEN) groups related activities or projects for budgeting and execution, allowing resource managers to track funding and performance across a capability area. It aids transparency and accountability. See DoD Financial Management Regulation: DoD FM.
Which tool provides integrated data for cost, schedule, and performance across Air Force programs?
PMT 005
PRISM
DEAMS
GFEBS
PMT 005 is a management tool that integrates cost, schedule, and performance data across Air Force programs to support decision making and reporting requirements. It enhances visibility into program status and risks. For PMT 005 details see Air Force Portal.
What is the main purpose of the Global Force Management Allocation Plan (GFMAP)?
Assign forces to combatant commanders for deployments
List approved weapons systems for procurement
Outline training schedules for aircrews
Allocate financial resources to combatant commands
The Global Force Management Allocation Plan (GFMAP) assigns and apportions forces to geographic and functional combatant commanders, ensuring the right mix of capabilities is available for global operations. It is updated quarterly by the Joint Staff. More info at Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Which cost estimating relationship technique uses statistical regression to predict costs based on historical data?
Analogy Estimating
Extrapolation
Parametric Estimating
Engineering Build-Up
Parametric estimating applies statistical relationships between historical cost data and program parameters (e.g., weight, performance) to forecast costs. It is efficient and scalable for early program phases. Detailed guidance is on the DAU site: DAU.
In a cost-benefit analysis, the 'discount rate' is used to:
Convert future costs and benefits into present value
Estimate lifecycle cost directly
Calculate the rate of return on investment
Adjust for inflation only
The discount rate converts future streams of costs and benefits into their present value, allowing decision-makers to compare alternatives on a common time basis. It accounts for the time value of money. More on discounting is at CFO.gov.
What is 'Cost As an Independent Variable' (CAIV) philosophy?
Treating cost as a key design requirement alongside performance
Basing cost estimates on independent audits
Setting cost goals after system design
Linking cost growth directly to inflation
CAIV treats cost as a design parameter, setting affordability caps and making design trade-offs to meet both performance and cost objectives concurrently. It aims to prevent cost overruns by integrating cost goals early. See CAIV policy at OSD Acquisition.
Which financial statement reports budget execution obligations and outlays?
Statement of Budgetary Resources
Statement of Changes in Net Position
Balance Sheet
Statement of Net Cost
The Statement of Budgetary Resources (SBR) reports total budgetary authority, obligations incurred, and outlays, providing transparency on budget execution. It is one of the principal financial statements required by federal entities. For SBR details, see Fiscal Service.
What is 'block programming' in the context of PPBE?
Budgeting without POM guidance
Allocating funds equally across all commands
Programming by commodity category only
Aggregating resources into macro-level program blocks for trade-off analysis
Block programming groups similar program elements into large blocks, enabling senior leaders to shift resources between capabilities during trade-off discussions. It provides flexibility in balancing priorities within constrained budgets. More at DoD PPBE guidance: DoD FM.
Which technique evaluates potential outcomes by simulating multiple scenarios of uncertain inputs?
Sensitivity Analysis
Decision Tree Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Monte Carlo Simulation
Monte Carlo Simulation uses random sampling and statistical modeling to simulate thousands of scenarios based on uncertain input variables, providing a probability distribution of outcomes. It aids risk assessment in decision-making. For Monte Carlo methods, see PMI.
What is the primary objective of the Air Force's Cost Working Group during POM review?
Identify affordability issues and cost-reduction opportunities
Adjust programming schedules
Authorize new contracts
Allocate Execution-phase funds
During POM review, the Cost Working Group examines program affordability, identifies excess costs, and recommends cost-reduction measures to align programs with budget constraints. It ensures a balanced POM submission. See AFI 38-401: AF E-Publishing.
Which document prescribes methodologies for developing lifecycle cost estimates?
DoD Instructions
DoD Manual 5000.04
AFI 63-101
GAO Cost Estimating Guide
DoD Manual 5000.04 provides the Defense Acquisition System's cost estimating policies and methodologies for life-cycle cost estimating. It details processes, models, and quality assurance requirements. For the manual text, see DoD ESD.
What is the Responsibility Center Manager's (RCM) primary role in resource execution?
Performing financial audits
Setting Air Staff strategic guidance
Developing new PPBE policy
Managing day-to-day budget execution and authority within assigned center
An RCM controls budget authority and executes financial transactions within a designated responsibility center, ensuring funds are used according to plan and policies. They provide accurate execution data to resource advisors. See AFI 38-401: AF E-Publishing.
Which system in the Air Force handles logistics and program execution status reporting?
LMP
DEAMS
G081
PRISM
The Logistics Modernization Program (LMP) is an SAP-based system the Air Force uses to manage logistics data, inventory, and execution reporting. It tracks equipment readiness and supply chain status. For LMP overview, see AFLMC.
What is 'unfunded requirement' in PPBE terms?
A program requirement identified after budget approval
A request for supplemental OCO funds
A program element in the FYDP with zero funding
A requirement funded by a different appropriation
Unfunded requirements are capability needs identified during PPBE that exceed approved funding levels. They highlight gaps between what is desired and what can be resourced, guiding future programming or reprogramming actions. See DoD budget guidance at DoD FM.
In Earned Value Management (EVM), what does a negative Schedule Variance indicate?
The project is behind schedule
Costs are over budget
Performance metrics are invalid
The project is ahead of schedule
A negative Schedule Variance (SV) means the Earned Value is less than the Planned Value, indicating the project is behind schedule. SV helps project managers identify schedule slips early. See EVM guidelines at OSD Acquisition.
What role does the Combat Plans Division play in Air Force tasking?
Manages resource advisor training
Produces strategic guidance documents
Oversees financial audits
Develops and refines Air Tasking Orders
The Combat Plans Division within a Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) develops, adjusts, and validates Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), translating higher-level directives into executable operational orders. It ensures missions are resourced and scheduled correctly. More at Air Force.
Which metric measures cost performance in EVM by comparing budgeted cost of work performed to actual cost?
Schedule Performance Index
Cost Performance Index
Cost Variance
Variance at Completion
Cost Variance (CV) is calculated as Earned Value minus Actual Cost and indicates whether performance is under or over budget. A positive CV means under budget. See EVM fundamentals at PMI.
Which advanced optimization method can be used to allocate constrained resources across competing Air Force programs?
Critical path analysis
Monte Carlo simulation
Linear programming
Sensitivity analysis
Linear programming is an optimization technique that allocates limited resources among competing activities to achieve the best outcome within constraints. It's used in force structure and budget trade-off analyses. Further detail at PMI.
What is the significance of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) initiative in resource planning?
Focuses on continuous process improvement to reduce cycle times and costs
Establishes global force posture
Mandates 100% execution of budgets
Defines new acquisition categories
AFSO21 is a continuous process improvement initiative aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing waste, and improving efficiency across Air Force operations, including planning and resource management. It leverages lean principles and best practices. For more, see Air Force Portal.
Which advanced risk assessment model integrates probability distributions of multiple risk factors for strategic planning?
Bayesian Belief Network
Decision Tree Analysis
Bow-Tie Analysis
Fishbone Diagram
Bayesian Belief Networks model complex interdependencies and probability distributions among risk factors, providing a robust framework for strategic risk assessment. They allow scenario analysis and updating as new data emerges. See BBN applications at RMI.
In a multi-year defense acquisition program, which contracting strategy best hedges against cost overruns?
Fixed-Price Incentive Fee
Time and Materials
Cost-Plus Fixed Fee
Cost-Plus Incentive Fee
A Fixed-Price Incentive Fee contract places the risk of cost overruns primarily on the contractor while providing incentive to control costs. It balances risk and cost control in multi-year programs. More at OSD Acquisition.
What is the primary benefit of applying 'should-cost' analysis to large Air Force programs?
Replaces the need for independent cost estimates
Guarantees actual cost savings
Establishes a performance baseline only
Provides insight into achievable cost targets by challenging contractor estimates
Should-cost analysis examines cost drivers and efficiencies to set realistic, stretch cost targets that contractors should achieve, promoting cost reduction and improved negotiations. It challenges traditional estimate assumptions. See GAO's should-cost guidance at GAO.
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AI Study Notes
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Study Outcomes
Understand Air Force Mission Analysis -
Grasp the steps involved in mission analysis as outlined in CDC Vol 1 & 2 to identify objectives, constraints, and required assets.
Analyze Resource Allocation Strategies -
Evaluate resource management principles to determine optimal distribution of personnel, equipment, and materials in operational scenarios.
Apply Operational Planning Tools -
Utilize key planning methodologies from the 1C052 CDC quiz to develop comprehensive plans, schedules, and decision support products.
Evaluate Risk Management Techniques -
Assess potential threats and apply mitigation strategies to maintain readiness and ensure mission success under dynamic conditions.
Demonstrate CDC Vol 1 & 2 Proficiency -
Showcase mastery of core concepts by correctly answering scenario-based questions on Air Force planning and resource management.
Interpret Career Development Pathways -
Understand how operational planning and resource management responsibilities support broader Air Force career progression and professional growth.
Cheat Sheet
Mission Analysis with METT-TC -
The METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time, Civilians) framework, from Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.3, guides analysts through critical factors in operational planning. Use the mnemonic "My Every Tactical Tool Counts" to recall each element and ensure thorough mission assessment. Regularly practice mission statements against METT-TC to refine your analytic speed and accuracy.
Time-Phased Force Deployment Data (TPFDD) -
TPFDD, defined in Joint Publication 3-17, organizes personnel and equipment movements by date, route, and mode. Visualize it as a Gantt chart where each bar represents a unit's deployment window - this clarity helps prevent bottlenecks. Cross-check TPFDD entries weekly to align resources with evolving operational priorities.
Weighted Scoring for Resource Allocation -
Implement a weighted scoring model (score × weight = weighted value) to prioritize competing requirements, as outlined by the Defense Acquisition University. Assign weights to criteria like urgency and impact, then calculate totals to objectively rank tasks. A simple spreadsheet with SUMPRODUCT functions automates this process for real-time decision support.
Linear Programming for Optimal Scheduling -
Linear programming techniques, taught in Air University's operations research courses, help maximize mission effectiveness under constraints (e.g., maximize Z = 3x + 5y subject to 2x + y ≤ 100). Solve small problems by graphing constraint lines or use Solver in Excel for larger CDC Vol 1 & 2 practice sets. This method ensures efficient allocation of limited resources like flight hours or maintenance slots.
Risk Management Matrix -
Per AFMAN 90-802, plot probability versus impact on a 5×5 grid to categorize risks as Low, Medium, High, or Critical. Use the phrase "PIMA" (Probability, Impact, Mitigation, Acceptance) to remember each step of analysis. Regular updates to the matrix keep risk plans aligned with shifting operational and resource constraints.
