In a war-fighting situation, winning the "hearts and minds" of civilians refers to
A) providing material benefits to the people under attack.
B) an increase in foreign aid to areas of conflict.
C) obtaining the support of the noncombatants so that they won't support the insurgents.
D) the use of low-tech munitions in order to limit collateral damage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Winning the "hearts and minds" of civilians in a war-fighting situation means obtaining the support of the noncombatants so that they won't support the insurgents. It involves demonstrating that the military operation aims to protect the civilians and improve their lives, rather than just targeting the enemy. This can help to reduce the number of civilians who provide aid or support to the insurgency, making it harder for the insurgents to operate effectively. Providing material benefits or increasing foreign aid may be part of the strategy, but the primary goal is to gain the support of the local population. The use of low-tech munitions is not related to the "hearts and minds" strategy.

In a War-Fighting Situation, Winning the "Hearts and Minds" of Civilians