The PRT Concept: US Experiences and their Relevance for Norway
Abstract
THESES: US experience with the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) concept has influenced the International Stabilization Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), and thereby Norway's concept of operations of PRTs in Afghanistan. DISCUSSION: One of the goals of this study is to examine challenges connected with the establishment of such a concept, which is inter-agency and civil-military in nature. The PRTs should also be considered as a test of Western nations' ability to conduct nation building or stabilization operations after the end of conventional phases of armed conflicts within failed states. Norway gained lead national responsibility in PRT Meymaneh in August 2005. The PRT concept was very new to the Norwegian Armed Forces. After having gained this responsibility, Norway faced challenges of operating with other agencies, NGOs, and coalition partners, in an area which was very logistically demanding to maintain. CONCLUSION: The main findings of studying international sources are highly relevant to a Norwegian approach. Most of the practical challenges which have been faced by PRTs have their solutions. The question whether countries like the USA and Norway have the will to change the culture to reach such solutions is an open question.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA509872
Entities
People
- Per O. Vaagland
Organizations
- Marine Corps University