Civil Affairs teams bring security, development in Konar province

AFGHANISTAN

07.04.2008

Story by Lt. Neil Myers 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Konar provincial reconstruction team

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Capt. Roman Skaskiw, 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, is responsible for the five southern Konar districts of the province, which are Narang, Nurgul, Sarkani, Khas Konar and Chowkay districts. Although these districts differ in the quality of governance and development, they all suffer from a lack of security, power and infrastructure.

"The overall security situation is becoming more stable. The reason for the fighting is local animosities influenced by people who feel they are not getting their share of the redevelopment," said Skaskiw. "However, development dampens the insurgency as evidenced in improving the police, the roads connecting the people to the government and the burgeoning health care system."

The Civil Affairs team works with the Afghan government and international humanitarian organizations to rebuild infrastructure and restore stability in areas stricken by war or natural disasters. The joint civil-military efforts are key components in winning the hearts and minds of Afghans, buttressing the authority of the government in Kabul and providing a central effort in the U.S. led counterinsurgency campaign. The teams are partnered with representatives from U.S. government agencies such as the Department of State, Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development.

PRTs were established to facilitate infrastructure development necessary for the Afghanistan people to succeed in a post-conflict environment. Most PRTs are run by Navy and Air Force officers and are the face of the U.S. redevelopment aid for millions of Afghans.

"PRT's fill specific needs and challenges such as security and stability which is apparent in Afghanistan's rebuilding process," said Cmdr. Daniel Dwyer, Konar PRT's commander. "Development without security is unsustainable and security without development is meaningless."

• Date Taken: 07.04.2008
• Date Posted: 07.04.2008 17:05
• Story ID: 21196
• Location: AF