Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Teams Change Commanders

KHOST, AFGHANISTAN

04.03.2008

Story by Spc. Micah Clare 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Army Spc. Micah E. Clare
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan -- Change-of-command ceremonies for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in southeastern Afghanistan's Regional Command-East took place last month, marking the continued effort to provide guidance and aid to provincial governments there.

After 12 months spent in country, the four PRTs aiding the provinces of Paktika, Paktya, Ghazni, and Khost were relieved by incoming groups and a new PRT under Chzech leadership was activated in Logar, promising to keep up their efforts to provide governmental mentorship, construction projects, and infrastructure building.

"We will continue this momentum," said Navy Cmdr. Tom Peters, after replacing Navy Cmdr. Edwardo Fernandez of the Sharana PRT in Paktika province.

Of the 4 PRT's, three are currently under Navy Command and one under Air Force, each with a security force company previously provided by the Arizona National Guard, who were replaced by Soldiers from the Pennsylvania and Guam National Guard.

However, the most effective weapon the PRT wields against the insurgents is not force, explained Army Col. Martin Schweitzer, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team.

"The greatest threat to the Taliban is not the coalition," he said, addressing the attendees of the ceremonies. "It is the leadership of (these districts) who have been mentored and supported by these PRT teams."

"The PRT has always answered any and all questions I've had," said Paktika Governor Abram Khapalwak during the ceremony in Sharana. "They've helped me with everything I've needed. I know this new team will do the same to help me build our country."

The great strides taken in the last year throughout these provinces is the result of its people working with their district and provincial level governments who have partnered with the PRT commander and his various staff, and further progress depends on the same level of commitment on behalf of the new teams, Schweitzer explained.

"Everyone is depending on you," he said to each of the incoming teams. "While you have big shoes to fill, you are up to the task.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2008
• Date Posted: 04.08.2008 16:44
• Story ID: 18206
• Location: KHOST, AF