2025 Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant PDG Complete Practice Exam

During the missile crisis, the primary method used by the Air Force for reconnaissance was high-altitude U-2 aircraft. The U-2, known for its ability to fly at altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet, allowed for detailed surveillance and reconnaissance missions without being detected by radar at the time. This provided the military with critical intelligence regarding the placement and capabilities of missile installations.

The U-2's performance in gathering images and data was vital during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it helped confirm the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba and thus played a significant role in the decision-making process that followed. The aircraft's high-altitude capability allowed it to operate above enemy defenses effectively, enabling successful missions that would have been impossible with other technologies available at the time.

While other options such as drones and satellite technology have developed greatly in modern reconnaissance methods, during the timeframe of the missile crisis, the U-2 was the key asset utilized by the Air Force to conduct thorough and effective reconnaissance missions.