PRTs: Improving or Undermining the Security for NGOs and PVOs in Afghanistan
Abstract
The indiscriminate and, in some cases, deliberate and systematic targeting of civilian humanitarian aid workers by terrorist and extremist groups in Afghanistan has created an increasingly complex security challenge for both the military and non-governmental organization (NGO) humanitarian aid workers. The provisional reconstruction team (PRT) model was launched by the U.S. Department of Defense in November 2002 to facilitate reconstruction, extend the reach of the Afghan central government, establish favorable working conditions for humanitarian aid workers and build a foundation for sustainable post-conflict security. The PRT model is a novel approach to the problems now faced in Afghanistan, but its success and future employment hinges on its ability to accomplish all its stated objectives. Are we trying to do too much with too little (has economy of force been driven to the extreme), or is a smaller footprint PRT the right approach? This paper explores the evolution of the PRT in Afghanistan, analyzes this security challenge as it relates to the military's role and responsibility in providing a safe and secure environment for NGOs to operate, and offers suggestions for enhancing PRT-NGO integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425994
Entities
People
- Scott R. Peck
Organizations
- Naval War College