Airmen, Soldiers train for provincial reconstruction team

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Amber Balken
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AFPN) --  Servicemembers from the Army and Air Force have come here to train and become the next Zabul Province Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.

Nearly 100 servicemembers representing the Air Force, Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard, will combine with USAID, Department of State and the Department of Agriculture to further reconstruction efforts in Zabul during the year.

The training is designed to engage the servicemembers in combat situations that are uncomfortable and stressful, to prepare the team to react accordingly should similar situations arise during their time in Afghanistan.

The focus of the Zabul PRT will be to conduct civil military operations in support of the reconstruction efforts for the Afghans of Zabul province. Through civil military operations, the team hopes to improve the relationship between the local populace of Zabul and the national government.

"This mission is an opportunity of a lifetime for our servicemembers," said Lt. Col. Andrew Torelli, incoming Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team commander. "The PRT mission is one of the most important missions in Afghanistan. Our goal [while in Afghanistan] is to leverage the work done by previous teams, and continue to support the Afghans in rebuilding the local infrastructure and advising the Zabul provincial leadership on governance, and social and economic development." 

Colonel Torelli also stated, "The team will be responsible for conducting civil-military operations to reinforce the bond between the local populace and the national government in a province the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. We will extend the reach and legitimacy of the national government by working with the provincial leadership on promoting good governance and justice."

The next year will be a very crucial time for the Zabul PRT as well as other teams across Afghanistan. The U.S. elections along with the 2009 Afghanistan presidential elections will pose challenges for each team.

Before attacking these challenges the team must complete extensive training here, to include language and culture training, weapons, counter improvised explosive device tatics, convoy operations, military decision making, self aid and buddy care along with others.

The training is provided by the 189th Infantry Brigade located here. The instructors have countless hours in combat and have trained four rotations of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen preparing for PRTs.

"The training is extensive," said Tech. Sgt. Shawn Naus, deployed from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. "The operations tempo here is designed as if we were in constant combat, so should such situations arise in country, we will react instinctively and with confidence."

The combat skills training we are receiving from the Army, at Fort Bragg is some of the best the Army has to offer, Colonel Torelli said. The combat experience of many our team members combined with the joint force's dedication makes the PRT a force multiplier and certain to accomplish our mission in Zabul province.

The reality and importance if mission is truly humbling, Sergeant Naus said. We live and operate by the Airmen's Creed each day.

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page