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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the original intention for the PCFs?

2. What division of the Armed Services was Roy F. Hoffman in?

3. What years was Hoffman involved with the Swift Boats?

4. According to O'Neill, where did Kerry meet with the enemies of America while American soldiers were still fighting and dying?

5. During what war did the Swift Boat Veterans serve with Kerry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Hoffman's thoughts about Kerry, and why do the authors choose to begin the book with his quote?

2. How many signatures are on the open letter to Kerry by the Swift Boat veterans, and why is that important for the book's main point?

3. Why were the Swiftees not surprised by Kerry's actions before the Swift Boat Veterans Reunion?

4. How much skepticism should be used when reading Unfit for Command, and how does the Introduction reduce or even eliminate it?

5. What is the reason the authors do not use the word, "President", instead, referring to the position as the "Commander in Chief"?

6. How is Lupetti's observation in Vietnam relevant to Kerry and the ideas about him that the book outlines?

7. Who is Bill Lupetti and what did he observe on his return trip to Vietnam?

8. What is significant about the location of Lupetti's observation and who was responsible for it?

9. What inspired O'Neill and the other Swiftees to contact Kerry with regards to his actions in Vietnam and after the war was over?

10. Who is Roy F. Hoffman and why is his opinion regarded so highly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kerry's testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is the catalyst for much of the book's objection to his ability to be the Commander in Chief.

1) Detail the statements made by Kerry, how they were perceived at the time, and why O'Neill and the other veterans objected to them so fiercely. Which ones were the most offensive or damaging? Why?

2) Who was the Committee made up of, and why was that important in their purpose and receptiveness to Kerry's testimony?

3) Who was responsible for writing Kerry's speech and how do Kerry's claims about it demonstrate his dishonesty?

Essay Topic 2

What were the events leading up to Kerry's service in Vietnam? Explain how he attempted to avoid active duty and why he chose to be stationed with the Swift Boats. How did the Swift Boats' mission change and what was Kerry's response? Why is this significant for the authors' case against Kerry becoming the Commander in Chief? Use the information and quotes from Part 1 to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 3

O'Neill's opposition to Kerry's actions began over 30 years before Unfit for Command was written.

1) Describe the circumstances for the basis of O'Neill's objections.

2) What were the circumstances surrounding the debate between O'Neill and Kerry, why did it take so long to schedule the event, and how was the venue chosen?

3) What was the end result of the debate? Why did the crowd react the way they did? What important suggestion does O'Neill make to the readers about the debate, and why? What does Kerry's lack of evidence in the debate illustrate with regards to the claims he has made against the military?

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