By 1st Lt. Amber Balken,
Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs Office
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Members of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team are bringing security and supplies to isolated Afghan communities with the creation of the first mobile district reconstruction team.
The MDRT, comprised of three PRT members, will focus on reconstruction and development in the outlying districts of the Zabul province.
"People need security and services," said Army Maj. Gregory Ulma, Zabul PRT civil military operations leader. "If the legitimate government of Afghanistan cannot provide this due to criminal or insurgent activity, the common person will turn to whoever can."
Half of the province's population lives along Highway 1, close to the main supply route, while the other half live in areas that make it harder to obtain supplies.
The MDRT traveled to the Mizan District to meet with the district leader. While there, they spoke with local village elders, obtained atmospheric information and assessed the progress of voter registration.
"The MDRT helps extend the reach of the provincial government," said Army Sgt. Jose Estrada Zabul, PRT civil affairs. "Our goal is to strengthen the bond between the local people and the government."
In the past, the PRT focused on the provincial capital, Qalat City and Highway 1 as the civil center.
"Our goal is to coach the legitimate government into the strongest, most responsive administrative and capable organization," Ulma said.
Capitalizing on the coalition bases scattered across the province, the MDRT assists the commanders of these units and provides them with civil-military expertise from the PRT.
"The unit commanders are already performing the civil affairs mission although they may not realize it," said Air Force Master Sgt. Tommy Phillips, Zabul PRT engineer. "The MDRT provides strategic resources and technical expertise to augment the efforts of the firebases. We are here to enhance and support what they are already doing."
The MDRT will bring funding, resources, and logistics support to reconstruction and development projects. These projects will enable the forces at these small bases to provide food, health needs, and security to the local villages.
"The MDRT and coalition forces are helping to build processes and stability," said Ulma. "[Also] to provide hope for a better life, so the people of Zabul will reject the violence and brutality of the Taliban."