Difference between revisions of "Provincial Reconstruction Teams"

Revision as of 03:36, May 9, 2008

Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT's) are the structured stabilization teams currently being used in Iraq and Afghanistan by United States and NATO troops.

History

In 2002 the United States developed the concept of PRT's (Provincial Reconstruction Teams) for use in NATO's mission in Afghanistan, The International Security Afghanistan force. The United States goal was to restructure ISAF into PRT's without having to add additional troops. The restructuring worked, and although the structure has had trouble, improvements and progress are being made.^[1]

PRT's successes in Afghanistan led the United States to use the new stabilization structure in Iraq. Currently the United States is expanding its mission to increase its amount of PRT's in the rebuilding of Iraq. The United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Stability Operations, Michael J. Mcnerney, stated that,"Provincial Reconstruction Teams have the potential to become a model for future stabilization and reconstruction operations." ^[2] Current peace operations in Haiti, Liberia, and a possible future mission in Darfur may follow this reformed structure.^[3]

Structure

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated in a press conference in 2007 that, “The logic behind PRTs is simple. Success in Iraq relies on more than military efforts; it requires robust political and economic progress."^[4] PRT's consist of about 60 to 100 soldiers and evidentially Afghan advisor's and representatives from civilian agencies of the United States.This group covers a province reconstruction and security efforts. PRT's ingrain civilians also in stabilization efforts.President Bush praised this part of PRT's when he stated in June 2007 that,“These teams bring together military and civilian experts to help local Iraqi communities pursue reconciliation, strengthen the moderates, and speed the transition to Iraqi self-reliance.” This is seen as one of the great achievements of the PRT structure.

A report by the United States Institute of Peace’s Afghanistan Experience Project found that, "Provincial Reconstruction Teams fare well in reasonably permissive environments, where even a small, lightly-armed military force can make a meaningful contribution to regional security."^[5] PRT's use in Afghanistan has shown that they are very cost effective structure.^[6]

Afghanistan

The use of PRT's in Afghanistan was the building block and testing ground of the operation. Currently there are over 30 PRT's operating in Afghanistan.^[7] Although criticized for having a vague mandate,and too limited resources, PRT's have been generally seen as a success with NATO's mission in Afghanistan. ^[8]

PRTs operating in Afghanistan

• Asadabad (USA)
• Bamian (New Zealand)
• Chagcharan (Lithuania)
• Faizabad (Germany)
• Farah (USA)
• Gardez (USA)
• Ghazni (USA)
• Heart (Italy)
• Jalalabad (USA)
• Kandahar (USA)
• Khowst (USA)
• Kondoz (USA)
• Lashkar Gah (USA)
• Maimana (UK)
• Mazar-e-Sharif (USA)
• Mehtlaram (USA)
• Parwan (USA)
• Pul-i-Khumri (Netherlands)
• Qalat (USA)
• Qal-i-Naw (Spain)
• Sharan (USA)
• Tirin Khowt(USA) ^[9]

Iraq

The United States stabilization mission in Iraq is using the PRT structure. This structure is being increased as part of the United States increase of troops in Iraq.^[10] President Bush stated that, “[The United States] will double the number of provincial reconstruction teams."^[11]

References