PRT's presence patrol leads to a peak into the past

FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.09.2009

Story by 2nd Lt. Karl Wiest 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Members of the Guam National Guard serving as the security force for the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a presence patrol throughout the city of Farah, Farah province, Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2009.

During the presence patrol, which is designed to project the power presence of local International Security Assistance Forces and to collect human intelligence from local citizens, the convoy stopped at a historic Citadel overlooking Farah City that is believed to have been built by Alexander the Great's forces as they made their way through Western Afghanistan around 330 B.C on their way to Kandahar and ultimately India.

The Citadel itself sits atop a large hill that provides a commanding view of the local area; a view that once projected the power of the Macedonian Kingdom and one that now is utilized to project the presence and the reach of the Guam National Guard of the Farah PRT.

During the presence patrol, the PRT member's not only took in the ambiance of the citadel but also met with local Afghans, discussed current issues, and handed out small items to the omnipresent hoards of children following ISAF members.

The goal of the Farah PRT is to promote conditions of Afghan self-sufficiency, enduring prosperity, and a secure, stable environment in Farah Province and throughout Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 11.09.2009
• Date Posted: 11.27.2009 04:17
• Story ID: 42057
• Location: FARAH PROVINCE, AF