Provincial Reconstruction Teams: Who's in Charge?
Abstract
Civilian involvement in stability operations is a critical enabler for transition from military to civilian control as it provides tangible evidence of the importance of civilian leadership, demonstrates integrated civilian/ military operability, and can enhance operational effectiveness in the eyes of the host nation. Host nation leaders benefit from observing and working closely with other civilians while developing a strong, stable, and sustainable civil society. A Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) is an interim civil-military organization designed to operate in areas with unstable or limited security, usually following open hostilities. The PRT utilizes all instruments of national power and is intended to improve stability by strengthening the host nation government's ability to provide security to its citizens and deliver essential services. First created in 2002, PRTs have been implemented in Afghanistan and Iraq to enable stability through integrated civil-military operations and enable traditional diplomatic and developmental programs to operate. The organization and leadership of a PRT often differs from team to team with a variety of civilian and military members serving in a range of capacities. This thesis studies key civil-military operations from Vietnam through Afghanistan and Iraq. It further examines international and U.S. policy and doctrine concerning these operations, concluding that Provincial Reconstruction Teams led by civilians are the preferred model as they demonstrate civilian/ military interoperability and leverage local relationships previously forged by the regional military commander, thus accelerating the transition from military to civilian control and enhancing overall stability operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545606
Entities
People
- Candace C. Eckert
Organizations
- National Defense University