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Written by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq - A Provincial Reconstruction Team at Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq, has a challenging mission cut out for them over the next 18 months.
The PRT assists Ninewa’s provincial government with developing its capability to govern, promoting increased security and rule of law, promoting political and economic development, and providing provincial administration necessary to meet the basic needs of the population.
“The PRT is important to the success of Iraq because we are part of the exit strategy,” said Col. Bruce Grant, deputy PRT leader for Ninewa. “First and foremost, for all U.S. forces and the future of Iraq, we help the government stand up, get strong, so that as we leave and fewer Coalition Forces are here, they can govern on their own.”
The Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) were originally established in Afghanistan for the international community to provide both improved security and to facilitate reconstruction and economic development throughout the country. The United States and the international community envision the PRTs as transitional structures.
According to Grant the PRT is divided into four areas, Governance, Rule of Law, Reconstruction, and Economic Development.
“As far as reconstruction goes, nothing else works,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Carville Webb, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion and governance liaison officer. “Without it, you can’t build a society to be financially functional.” Webb resides in Montgomery, Ala.
“PRT helps lend credibility to the local government,” said Navy Commander Kelley Neilsen, 403rd CA Bn., and resident of Jacksonville, Fla. “We basically give guidance on how to get things to work a little better.”
Grant added that they teach, coach and mentor provincial council members, and help them along the way.
“We assess and evaluate them every month to see how they are doing,” Grant said. “We work very hard with them.”
According to Dr. Cameron Munter, leader, PRT, the Iraqi’s have to take responsibility for their country, to make decisions to govern themselves, and with the continued successes of the military it will be possible for the civilian leadership to take control.
The Ninewa PRT was established in November 2005 when Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited FOB Courage and changed the Regional Embassy Office to the PRT.
“We have a life span of 24 months,” Munter said. “I am optimistic that the transition in this province can be accomplished in two years.”
(via DVIDS)