Airmen in Qalat teach skills to Afghans to help re-build country

Published June 26, 2006
By Sgt. Orville F. Desjarlais Jr.
455th Air Expeditionary Wing

QALAT, Afghanistan -- Saeed graduated from a Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team trade school eight months ago after learning carpentry and plumbing skills.

Recently, the PRT trade school's mission of teaching life skills to the people of Afghanistan compelled Saeed to return to the school, not as a student, but as a teacher of an electrical installation class.

"I'm training others so they can work for their country, to help serve their country," Saeed said.

Afghanistan National Army soldier Sgt. Abdulrawof is at the PRT learning lifesaving emergency medical care because of his nation's lack of nurses and physicians.

After 25 years of war, the people of Afghanistan have had little chance to get an education. The Qalat PRT recognized this need and began offering courses in life skills that can help re-build the village of Qalat and spur economic growth. As of May, 141 students have graduated from the trade school.

"We're mentoring Afghans so they can increase Afghan business," said Lt. Col. Kevin McGlaughlin, the Qalat PRT commander.

Today, the courses have expanded to include basic computer operations, Afghan rug weaving, automobile mechanics, welding, carpentry, plumbing, construction, electrical installation, emergency medical technician training, nursing and an agricultural extension program.

Graduates earn a certificate of completion, a basic starter tool set and instructional materials they can use to get a job or start a business.

Local national and coalition forces teach the classes that range from 15 to 35 students. Airmen offer assistance as mentors. When there are no Afghans available to teach a course, Airmen become instructors. PRT officials said the goal is to have all the classes taught by Afghans.

"We're giving them the skills they need," said instructor Staff Sgt. Michael Ball, an emergency medical technician deployed from Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

Sergeant Ball teaches emergency medical care to Afghan army soldiers.

"These ANA medics come into contact with the Taliban just about every night," Sergeant Ball said.

"It is important for us to learn these skills for the local people. We have few doctors, and now we can help our people if we need to." said Sergeant Abdulrawof, a student of Sergeant Ball's.

The Qalat PRT offers more than just life-skills training, they also promote good governance and facilitate reconstruction and economic growth by working with the governor on local projects. One way to do that is to build roads to increase trade between villages and countries.

"It's all dirt roads and goat trails. It's mountainous and difficult to get around," the colonel said. "We also want to build roads so (the local people) can get to hospitals."

Other projects include bridges, roads, police stations and schools.

As of May, the PRT has safely ventured 284 times where danger lurks outside the wire.

"It hasn't been a walk in the park," Sergeant Ball said. "There are Taliban out there who harass us. It's a challenge, but I enjoy it."

Recently, that harassment came in the way of an attack. Earlier this month, extremists launched a mortar at the PRT compound, carving a U-shaped hole at the top of an inside wall. But that didn't deter them from their mission.

"I enjoy and believe in the mission we're doing here," Sergeant Ball said. "I think we're giving the people of Afghanistan the skills they need to rebuild their country."

Plans call for the Qalat PRT to be turned over to the International Security Assistance Forces. When that happens, Romania is scheduled to lead the team.