Team members learn to help each other, people of Afghanistan

Published April 28, 2009
By Capt. Darrick Lee
Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -- Military servicemembers assembled here earlier this month to form a unit dedicated to conducting reconstruction operations in Afghanistan.

Classes of provincial reconstruction teams, comprised of Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors from both active duty and reserve military components, began training under the 189th Infantry Brigade to learn how to assist Afghans in building local infrastructure. Once their training is complete, they will deploy as part of U.S. President Barack Obama's continued focus in the region.

In recent years, PRTs have been used effectively in both Iraq and Afghanistan supporting U.S. efforts to create stability. PRTs attempt to do this by connecting the locals to their government through construction and agricultural projects.

A PRT usually consists of a civil affairs team, civil engineers, electronic communications specialists, nurse practitioners, and experienced infantrymen. It also consists of supporting elements, including personnelists, logisticians, an interpreter and security forces.

One particular team working to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan is the Parwan PRT (named after the province they will serve). Although primarily made up of uniformed members, their mission is more humanitarian than combative. The joint unit will learn about a wide variety of subjects, including Afghan culture, construction in Afghanistan, interacting with local communities, and working with international agencies.

As with all newly-formed groups, the members of the Parwan PRT are being challenged to create a functioning unit from its multiple professions and personalities. Aside from learning about what each person's job is, they are challenged with learning each service's culture, which can vary greatly in some areas. For example, Airmen often think of air power as the primary tool to used to carry out the nation's objectives, while the Army focuses on ground maneuver.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. W. Mark Heiser, originally from Reading, Penn., is aware of the challenges the team faces. As the incoming commander for the Parwan PRT, Colonel Heiser is responsible for ensuring the team is ready to perform in Afghanistan. He will serve as the face of U.S. military reconstruction in the provinces of Parwan and Kapisa. As such, he wants to use the team's diversity to its advantage.

"We want to take the personalities from each service, both active and reserve, be respectful of and appreciate those identities while melding their components together to function as a team," said Colonel Heiser. "We're highly motivated, and by the time our training is finished, we'll be ready to help the people of Afghanistan."

The team has come to be known as the "High Plains Drifters," due to their area of responsibility mirroring that namesake classic western movie. The nickname hints to their mission of traveling long distances over rugged, unforgiving terrain to multiple rural communities within the province.

So far, the team has received training in Afghan languages at Indiana University and also participated in discussions with non-governmental agencies that work in Afghanistan, like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID.) To ensure the team understands the significance of their work, the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Afghanistan spoke with the group and thanked them for their service.

Although the focus of the 189th's training program is not combat, they can't ignore the possibility for violence as the team executes its mission. To ensure the team is able to react to hostilities, the training includes exposure to weapons and how to fire them, as well as convoy procedures and tactical operations. For some servicemembers who have never deployed before, this type of training is welcomed.

"The training so far has been informative, especially for Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen that haven't deployed yet, like me," said U.S. Army Lt. Kelvin Thomas, originally from Gainesville, Fla. "I look forward to some more interactive training." Lieutenant Thomas serves as the team's logistician and will ensure the team receives the equipment and supplies they need to sustain themselves as they travel to and from villages within the mountainous region.

Others, like U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Cobb, are experienced at serving in hostile areas overseas but still appreciate the training.

Sergeant Cobb, a civil engineer non-commissioned officer for the team, is originally from Edison, Ga. Sergeant Cobb has deployed to Iraq as a civil engineer structural technician and will work with Afghanistan engineers to provide quality assurance of the team's construction projects.

As the U.S. moves forward with plans to withdraw personnel from Iraq, increased focus is placed on Afghanistan. The eyes of the world will be on teams like the Parwan PRT. If the 189th Infantry Brigade's training is any indication, the U.S. is ready for the attention

PRT Meeting