Stabilization and Reconstruction in Afghanistan: Are PRTs a Model or a Muddle?
Abstract
During the summer of 2002, U.S. officials developed the concept of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) to spread the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) effect, without expanding ISAF itself. First established in early 2003, PRTs consisted of 60-100 soldiers plus, eventually, Afghan advisors and representatives from civilian agencies like the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. PRTs have the potential to become a model for future stabilization and reconstruction operations (SRO). Representatives from more than a dozen countries are now participating in 22 PRTs to enhance security, reconstruction, and the reach of the Afghan central government. PRTs have achieved great success in building support for the U.S.-led coalition and respect for the Afghan government. They have played important roles in everything from election support to school-building to disarmament to mediating factional conflicts. Despite their potential and record of success, however, PRTs always have been a bit of a muddle. Inconsistent mission statements, unclear roles and responsibilities, ad hoc preparation, and, most important, limited resources have confused potential partners and prevented PRTs from having a greater effect on Afghanistan's future. This article will first review the strategic context in which PRTs operate, namely, SROs. Second, it will describe the PRT concept and its history. Third, the article will assess the success of the PRTs against three criteria: coordination, relationship-building, and capacity-building. Enhancing local security is also a key measure of success, but as this article will discuss, PRTs achieve this goal primarily through their relationships and capacity-building efforts. Finally, the article will conclude with some recommendations for how PRTs should evolve in Afghanistan and how they can be a model for future operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA491011
Entities
People
- Michael J. Mcnerney
Organizations
- United States Army War College