Constructing a Way to Victory: The US Interagency Conflict over Reconstruction and Development Operations during Wartime.

摘要

In Herat, Afghanistan, during the late months of 2006, a group of military and civilian workers presented over 12,000 fruit trees to districts in Herat to help the economy and provide an alternative to the illegal opium field farming. The medley of government, military, and aid workers operating together under a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) facilitated this donation through the United Nations' Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups. The Afghani local government officials had worked with the PRT and the UN to complete this donation, allowing the Afghani leaders not only to benefit from the economic and agricultural development, but also from playing a direct role with the PRTs to improve their province. Since 2002, PRTs have played a vital role in Iraq and Afghanistan as they perform counterinsurgency (COIN) through development and stability operations, such as working with local councils, providing veterinary and other agriculture and livestock services, building schools and essential infrastructure, and post-war reconstruction. With over fifty active teams, the military has taken on an unprecedentedly large role in stability and reconstruction efforts in these two countries in what many deem a civilian responsibility. However, with the funding, manpower, mass organizational capabilities, and ability to send forces into dangerous areas, the military seems most capable at this time to carry out these operations. With the ability to react swiftly to natural disasters and the organization and manpower to handle large aid operations, the military is the most capable organization for development, aid, and reconstruction missions, to the chagrin of the military's civilian development counterparts.