Good Governance Matters: Optimizing U.S. PRTs in Afghanistan to Advance Good Governance

摘要

Success in overcoming the unique challenges of nation building in Afghanistan-- the Taliban, narco-trafficking, corruption, tribalism, thirty years of civil strife and an associated 'brain drain' require proper organization and resourcing of the U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT). This paper traces the origins of the U.S. Afghanistan PRT Model from its inception in 2002 to today. The paper will take a critical look at all the three lines of PRT operation--security, governance and economic development--to determine the effectiveness of the American PRT model in the current Afghan operating environment. Proper balance and focus of effort of the PRT lines of operation will contribute greatly in massing the effects of the PRT in pursuit of a lasting peace and stabilization in Afghanistan. Besides analyzing empirical data, this paper includes anecdotal data from current and former PRT members. This paper draws conclusions and recommendations from this analysis as well as historical lessons from past counter-insurgencies, demonstrated strengths from other current Coalition PRT Models, and the author's personal experience commanding a PRT in Afghanistan. As a result of this research recommended changes in command structure, funding, civilian manning, tour lengths, and Information Operations are presented in order to fully exploit the condition anticipated by the ongoing surge in Afghanistan. This paper shows that for the Afghans still suffering under the tyranny of terror, a coherent counter-insurgency strategy that establishes and maintains a balanced, whole of government approach to PRTs may be Afghanistan's only hope for a better future.