Provincial Reconstruction Teams

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Rodney J. McKinley
  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  In last month's Enlisted Perspective I wrote about our dedicated Airmen operating outside the wire in locations around the globe. This month, I would like to highlight the incredible Airmen working in the Afghanistan Provisional Reconstruction Teams alongside our joint and coalition partners. In the seven years we've been at war, our nation's Airmen have taken on new roles to win today's fight - these PRTs are an excellent example of those new roles. Of the nearly 1,200 Airmen serving outside the wire throughout Afghanistan, almost 200 of these Airmen are working in 26 NATO International Security Assistance Force PRT teams.

These combined teams of joint military and civilian government agencies work hand-in-hand with provincial and tribal leaders to encourage prosperity and industry in the country. These teams primarily operate in remote villages to fulfill a three-part strategy for Afghanistan - security, governance and development - securing a brighter future for this nation whose infrastructure suffers from decades of war and occupation.

The Qalat PRT in Zabul Province is one of six the Air Force operates in Afghanistan. Recently, medical Airmen were faced with an alarming reality - children were dying. Working with Afghan doctors and provincial leaders, they labored to defeat the top three medically preventable killers Afghans face - diarrhea, malnutrition and childbirth complications. Our Airmen found an inexpensive and easy way for the local citizens to purify their drinking water. They also modified recipes used in famine-stricken Africa to create "strong food," a paste that nourishes children back to health. Our medical professionals' midwife training program laid the foundation for lower childbirth mortality and honored cultural sensitivities to cross-gender interactions.

Our Airmen are bringing hope and developing capability. Livestock is a key resource to rural economies and survival in small Afghan villages. Working with Afghan non-governmental agencies and the Department of Women's Affairs, Airmen from the Panjshir PRT facilitated a poultry business training program for women. Today, Afghani women who were relegated to the shadows behind burkas less than eight years ago proudly showcase their successful businesses.

While medical and veterinary teams carry their outreach missions into the remote villages of the Hindu Kush area, Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines stand by with weapons ready. The Taliban and Al Qaeda operate in and around the same villages our joint and coalition partners work to provide aid, security and stability. The terrorist threat is real and ever present, yet our warriors are resolute in this important PRT mission. They are helping to build a fledgling democracy and they know that each person they help is potentially one more the enemy loses. Our courageous Airmen and their joint and coalition partners are tackling difficult missions and performing miracles. Please join me in applauding the efforts and successes of these committed Americans.