CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – Military and civilian leaders from each district in southern Helmand province attended a quarterly governance conference hosted by Regimental Combat Team 5 here, March 27.
Key civilian leaders tasked with mentoring the Afghan government in the development of their economic, education and justice systems met with Marine leaders serving under RCT-5 to discuss the progress made thus far in 2012 and future challenges that remain in Marjah, Nawa, Garmsir and Khan Neshin districts.
“The Helmand plan was published a little over a year ago,” said Col. Roger B. Turner, the RCT-5 commanding officer. “The decision was made that we wanted to do 90-day reviews, rather than to look at it as an annual plan.”
“If you saw where we were last April, July, or even October, you can see that we’ve made tremendous progress,” Turner explained.
The Regional Platform South West and Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team lead the civilian effort for growth and stability in Helmand province, while 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., maintain security and enrich the development of the Afghan National Security Forces in their respective districts.
“Our performance with reconstruction, development and governance is really critical,” said Turner. “At this point, the security situation is pretty good [here] in the south.”
The forum focused on key objectives, such as establishing governance, building requisite foundations for education and healthcare, growing the Afghan people’s trust in the ability of local police and military, and creating a stable and sustainable economy.
“What the Afghan government can offer with respect to schools, health care, and rule of law will really show the contrast between the government and the Taliban,” Turner explained
“What we’re about is establishing a credible, sustainable GIRoA [Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] presence,” said Sherri Holliday-Sklar, the deputy senior civilian representative with Regional Command (Southwest). “The only way to do that is at the grass-roots level, where GIRoA is seen by the population delivering these services.”
“The opportunity to step away for the myriad of day-to-day challenges that we face and think about the big picture is really valuable,” explained Holliday-Sklar. “It helps us at the regional level to see what’s really happening at the districts.”
The continuing coordination and synchronization of efforts by the civilian-led District Stability Teams and Marines operating in southern Helmand will be essential to further development of the Afghan government and security forces.
“This conference is really a place where we can come together and see where we are in relation to those objectives for reconstruction, development and governance,” said Turner. “We have the whole crew in here, and we can walk away with a plan of action to improve our performance with the Helmand plan.”
Editor’s note: Regimental Combat Team 5 is part of 1st Marine Division (Forward), which works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.