Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 7
Operation Moshtarak's primary objective was to establish a new democratic government in Marjah, Afghanistan.
Answer: False
The principal objective of Operation Moshtarak was to remove the Taliban from Marjah and its district, thereby eliminating their central Helmand stronghold. While establishing effective governance was a broader strategic aim, it was not the primary immediate goal of the military operation itself.
Marjah was solely controlled by the Taliban prior to Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: False
Prior to Operation Moshtarak, Marjah was controlled not only by the Taliban but also significantly by drug traffickers, presenting a dual challenge for ISAF.
Operation Moshtarak was viewed as a minor test of coalition strategy against the Taliban insurgency.
Answer: False
Operation Moshtarak was considered a crucial test of the coalition's counter-insurgency strategy. Its scale and the strategic importance of Marjah meant it was viewed as a significant undertaking, with some commanders believing its success would signal the beginning of the end for the insurgency.
What was the primary objective of Operation Moshtarak?
Answer: To remove the Taliban from Marjah and its district, eliminating their central Helmand stronghold.
The principal strategic objective of Operation Moshtarak was to dislodge the Taliban from the town of Marjah and its surrounding district, thereby dismantling their primary stronghold in central Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
What does the Dari word 'Moshtarak' signify?
Answer: Together or Joint
'Moshtarak' is a Dari term signifying 'Together' or 'Joint,' reflecting the combined nature of the multinational military operation.
Besides the Taliban, what other group did ISAF aim to disrupt in Marjah?
Answer: Drug traffickers
Operation Moshtarak targeted not only the Taliban insurgency but also aimed to disrupt the activities of drug traffickers who held significant influence and control within the Marjah area.
What was the strategic significance of Operation Moshtarak for coalition forces?
Answer: It was a key test of the coalition's counter-insurgency strategy.
Operation Moshtarak held significant strategic importance as a critical test case for the coalition's counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan, with expectations that its success could significantly impact the trajectory of the conflict.
ISAF attempted to influence Taliban fighters by keeping the operation highly secret before the main assault.
Answer: False
Contrary to secrecy, ISAF heavily publicized the operation's scope beforehand, comparing its scale to the Battle of Fallujah. This was intended to psychologically influence Taliban fighters and encourage them to flee the town.
The main obstacle faced by assaulting troops upon entering Marjah was heavy urban combat.
Answer: False
The primary obstacle encountered by assaulting troops upon entering Marjah was not heavy urban combat, but rather an extensive and dangerous network of mines and booby traps laid by the Taliban.
Marines used Assault Breacher Vehicles to clear minefields during the operation.
Answer: True
Marines deployed Assault Breacher Vehicles, specialized armored equipment designed for minefield breaching, to clear obstacles during the operation.
Heavy publicity before the launch was intended to deceive the Taliban about the operation's true scale and location.
Answer: False
The extensive publicity preceding the launch was not intended for deception but rather to psychologically influence Taliban fighters by showcasing the operation's magnitude, potentially encouraging them to withdraw.
Over 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were encountered by one Marine battalion in their first 30 days in Marjah.
Answer: True
During their initial 30 days operating in Marjah, the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, encountered and dealt with more than 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Assault Breacher Vehicles were used by Canadian engineers to clear minefields.
Answer: False
While Assault Breacher Vehicles were utilized for minefield clearance, they were operated by U.S. Marines, not Canadian engineers.
Canadian Forces used CH-47 Chinooks and CH-146 Griffons for air assaults into Nad Ali District.
Answer: True
Canadian Forces conducted a significant air assault into Nad Ali District utilizing CH-47 Chinooks for transport, supported by CH-146 Griffon helicopters.
Approximately 1,100 coalition troops were ferried by Joint Task Force Afghanistan using Canadian helicopters.
Answer: True
Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) utilized Canadian helicopters to transport approximately 1,100 coalition troops during the operation, specifically for the air assault into Nad Ali District.
How did ISAF attempt to influence Taliban fighters before the main assault?
Answer: By heavily publicizing the operation's scope to encourage them to flee.
ISAF employed a strategy of extensive pre-operation publicity, comparing its scale to major previous operations, with the intent of psychologically impacting Taliban fighters and prompting their withdrawal from Marjah.
What was identified as the primary obstacle for assaulting troops entering Marjah?
Answer: An extensive network of mines and booby traps.
Assaulting troops encountered a significant primary obstacle in the form of an extensive network of mines and booby traps, which posed a considerable threat and slowed their advance into Marjah.
Which specialized vehicle was used by Marines to clear minefields?
Answer: Assault Breacher Vehicles
Assault Breacher Vehicles, heavy armored platforms equipped with plows and explosive charges, were specifically employed by Marines to breach minefields and clear obstacles.
What was the estimated number of IEDs encountered by the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment during their first 30 days in Marjah?
Answer: More than 120
During their initial 30-day deployment in Marjah, the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, encountered and dealt with over 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The primary belligerents in Operation Moshtarak were the Taliban and Al-Qaeda against Afghan National Army forces.
Answer: False
The primary belligerents were the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), comprising troops from multiple nations, allied with Afghan National Army forces, fighting against the Taliban and associated insurgent groups. Al-Qaeda's direct involvement in this specific operation is less emphasized in the source material compared to the Taliban.
Afghan security forces were intended to play a minor, supporting role in Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: False
The operation was designed to be 'Afghan-led,' with five Afghan brigades participating. The intention was for Afghan security forces to play a leading role, showcasing improvements in Afghan governance and security capabilities.
The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade received the Presidential Unit Citation for operations including Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: True
The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its operational performance in Helmand Province, which included Operation Moshtarak.
Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter received the Medal of Honor for actions during Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: True
Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on November 21, 2010, while deployed to Marjah during Operation Moshtarak.
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 1231 was involved in seizing objectives prior to the main push into Marjah.
Answer: True
U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 1231, alongside Afghan Commandos, played a role in securing objectives ahead of the main assault into Marjah.
COP Reilly was a combat outpost established by the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines east of Marjah.
Answer: True
Combat Outpost Reilly (COP Reilly) was established by the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, located to the east of Marjah.
Major General Nick Carter commanded NATO forces in northern Afghanistan during Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: False
Major General Nick Carter commanded NATO forces in Southern Afghanistan (Regional Command South) during Operation Moshtarak, not northern Afghanistan.
Corporal Bradley Casey received the Medal of Military Valour for providing critical medical care under fire during Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: True
Corporal Bradley Casey of the Canadian Forces was awarded the Medal of Military Valour for his actions in providing critical medical assistance under fire during Operation Moshtarak.
Approximately 15,000 troops from ISAF and Afghan forces were involved in Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: True
Operation Moshtarak involved a combined force of approximately 15,000 troops drawn from ISAF member nations and Afghan security forces.
The I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) replaced the 2nd MEB in Helmand Province during the summer of 2010.
Answer: True
During the summer of 2010, the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) assumed command and responsibility in Helmand Province, succeeding the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 1231 was among the last units to enter Marjah.
Answer: False
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 1231, alongside Afghan Commandos, was among the initial units to enter Marjah as part of the pre-assault operations, not among the last.
A squadron of the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) secured a key junction north of Marjah before the main operation.
Answer: True
In the weeks preceding the main assault, a squadron from the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) successfully secured a strategically important junction located north of Marjah.
Which of the following ISAF nations was NOT explicitly mentioned as participating in Operation Moshtarak?
Answer: Germany
While the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Denmark were explicitly mentioned as participating nations in Operation Moshtarak, Germany was not explicitly detailed as a participant in the provided source material.
What was the intended role of Afghan security forces in Operation Moshtarak?
Answer: To lead the operation, showcasing Afghan governance and security improvements.
Operation Moshtarak was framed as an 'Afghan-led' initiative, with the intention that Afghan security forces and governance structures would take a leading role, demonstrating progress and capacity.
Which U.S. service member received the Medal of Honor for actions in Marjah on November 21, 2010?
Answer: Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter
Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valorous actions on November 21, 2010, during operations in Marjah.
Which unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for operations including Operation Moshtarak?
Answer: 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade received the Presidential Unit Citation in recognition of their service during operations in Helmand Province, which included Operation Moshtarak.
Which U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachments were involved in seizing objectives prior to the main push?
Answer: ODA 1231 and ODA 3121
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 1231 and ODA 3121, both units of the 1st Special Forces Group, were involved in securing objectives in advance of the main assault into Marjah.
Which unit replaced the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Helmand Province during the summer of 2010?
Answer: I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
The I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) assumed command and responsibility in Helmand Province during the summer of 2010, succeeding the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Operation Moshtarak took place entirely within the year 2010.
Answer: True
Operation Moshtarak commenced on February 13, 2010, and concluded on December 7, 2010, encompassing a significant portion of that year.
The post-operation plan for Marjah included installing a 'government in a box' with Afghan administrators and governor.
Answer: True
Following the military offensive, ISAF planned to implement a 'government in a box' strategy, which involved the immediate installation of Afghan administrators, a governor, and police forces to re-establish civil authority.
The initial assessment of Operation Moshtarak was overwhelmingly negative, with immediate reports of failure.
Answer: False
While the long-term outcome was problematic, initial assessments described the operation as successful. However, difficulties in establishing stable governance and a subsequent Taliban resurgence led to later critical evaluations, such as General McChrystal's 'bleeding ulcer' comment.
Following the withdrawal of NATO soldiers, the Taliban quickly regained full control of Marjah.
Answer: True
Reports indicated that shortly after the withdrawal of NATO forces from Marjah, the Taliban reasserted control over the town and district, leading US Army analysts to deem the operation's goals as ultimately unmet.
The Afghan national flag was raised over the Marjah bazaar on February 18, 2010, symbolizing a complete end to the fighting.
Answer: False
While the Afghan national flag was raised over the Marjah bazaar on February 18, 2010, signifying a symbolic recapture, it did not represent a complete end to the fighting, which persisted in other areas.
An estimated 120 Taliban fighters were killed in the first five days of Operation Moshtarak.
Answer: True
An anonymous U.S. intelligence source estimated that at least 120 Taliban fighters were killed during the initial five days of Operation Moshtarak.
By early December 2010, over 100 coalition soldiers had been killed in the operation.
Answer: False
By early December 2010, reports indicated that 61 coalition soldiers (U.S., UK, and Afghan) had been killed as part of the operation, not over 100.
What was the 'government in a box' plan intended to achieve post-operation?
Answer: To immediately install Afghan administrators and a governor to establish control.
The 'government in a box' strategy was designed to rapidly establish legitimate Afghan authority by installing administrators and a governor immediately following the military defeat of the Taliban in Marjah.
What happened shortly after NATO soldiers withdrew from Marjah?
Answer: The Taliban regained control of the town and district.
Following the withdrawal of NATO forces, reports indicated that the Taliban quickly re-established control over Marjah and its surrounding district, undermining the operation's long-term objectives.
By February 15, 2010, what was the estimated status of the Taliban fighters in Marjah?
Answer: About half had been killed or had retreated.
By February 15, 2010, allied commanders estimated that approximately half of the initial Taliban contingent in Marjah had either been killed or had withdrawn, with remaining combat concentrated in specific areas.
The failure of Operation Moshtarak led the Obama administration to increase troop numbers significantly in Afghanistan.
Answer: False
The difficulties and perceived failure of Operation Moshtarak are cited as a significant factor influencing the Obama administration's strategic review, leading to a shift towards de-escalation and a re-evaluation of troop surge strategies, rather than a direct increase in troop numbers as a consequence.
The 'new war model' involved immediate deployment of Afghan administrators and police after capture to maintain essential services.
Answer: True
The 'new war model' conceptualized the rapid integration of Afghan civilian and police forces into captured areas to ensure the continuity of essential services, serving as a prototype for subsequent operations.
The 'courageous restraint' doctrine emphasized using maximum firepower to overwhelm enemy positions quickly.
Answer: False
The 'courageous restraint' doctrine emphasized using 'brain-power rather than fire-power,' aiming to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage through thoughtful tactics and reduced use of munitions.
British forces implemented the 'courageous restraint' doctrine, aiming to minimize civilian casualties through thoughtful tactics.
Answer: True
The 'courageous restraint' doctrine, advocated by key commanders, guided British forces and others in prioritizing thoughtful tactics and minimizing collateral damage to reduce civilian casualties.
How did the outcome of Operation Moshtarak influence U.S. strategy in Afghanistan?
Answer: It contributed to a strategy shift towards de-escalation.
The challenges and perceived shortcomings of Operation Moshtarak played a role in influencing the Obama administration's strategic re-evaluation, contributing to a shift away from decisive military victory towards de-escalation and a revised approach to the conflict.
What was the core principle of the 'courageous restraint' doctrine?
Answer: Using 'brain-power rather than fire-power' to reduce casualties and damage.
The 'courageous restraint' doctrine emphasized the judicious use of intelligence and tactical acumen ('brain-power') over brute force ('fire-power') to achieve objectives while minimizing harm to civilians and infrastructure.
Leaflets were dropped hours before the offensive warning civilians to stay inside and avoid Taliban presence.
Answer: True
Hours prior to the main assault, leaflets were disseminated, advising civilians to remain indoors and avoid areas of Taliban activity, as part of an effort to mitigate civilian casualties and shape the information environment.
Following the HIMARS incident, NATO commanders continued using the rocket system but with stricter targeting protocols.
Answer: False
Following the civilian casualty incident involving the HIMARS rocket system on February 14, 2010, NATO commanders immediately suspended all use of the system, rather than continuing with stricter protocols.
Coalition forces faced a dilemma regarding poppy eradication, as it was a major source of income for the Taliban and local farmers.
Answer: True
Coalition forces encountered a significant dilemma: eradicating poppy fields, a primary livelihood for local farmers and a source of Taliban funding, risked alienating the population, while ignoring it allowed the insurgency to profit. Marines were initially instructed to overlook poppy cultivation.
The suspension of the HIMARS rocket system was a direct consequence of the civilian casualty incident on February 14.
Answer: True
The civilian casualties resulting from the use of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on February 14, 2010, led directly to the suspension of its deployment by NATO commanders.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported over 100 civilian deaths following the conflict in Marjah.
Answer: False
The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported 35 civilian deaths and 37 injuries following the conflict in Marjah, a figure significantly lower than the 'over 100' stated.
What message was conveyed on leaflets dropped before the offensive?
Answer: Do not allow the Taliban to enter your home.
Leaflets distributed prior to the offensive carried the message, 'Do not allow the Taliban to enter your home,' aimed at influencing civilian behavior and perceptions.
What challenge did coalition forces face regarding the local population and the opium economy?
Answer: The dilemma between winning hearts and minds and eradicating poppies.
Coalition forces grappled with the complex challenge of balancing the need to win local support ('hearts and minds') against the imperative to eradicate poppy cultivation, a vital economic activity for farmers and a significant funding source for the Taliban.
What was the estimated number of civilian casualties reported by the Afghan Red Crescent Society after the conflict in Marjah?
Answer: 35 dead, 37 injured
The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported that 35 civilians were killed and 37 were injured as a result of the conflict in Marjah.
An HBO documentary titled 'The Battle for Marjah' followed the initial assault of the operation.
Answer: True
The HBO documentary 'The Battle for Marjah,' produced by Ben Anderson, provided coverage of the initial assault phase of Operation Moshtarak.
The Reuters photograph of Marines protecting an Afghan man and child was used to contrast coalition actions with the Taliban on social media.
Answer: True
A notable Reuters photograph captured during Operation Moshtarak, depicting Marines safeguarding an Afghan man and child, gained significant traction on social media, often employed to contrast coalition conduct with that of the Taliban.
The book 'The Wrong War: Grit, Strategy, and the Way Out of Afghanistan' does not mention the assault on Marjah.
Answer: False
The book 'The Wrong War: Grit, Strategy, and the Way Out of Afghanistan' by Bing West dedicates significant attention to the assault on Marjah, including several chapters detailing the operation.
The documentary 'The Battle for Marjah' was aired on which network?
Answer: HBO
The documentary film titled 'The Battle for Marjah,' which chronicled aspects of the operation, was broadcast on the Home Box Office (HBO) network.