Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) |  |
PRTs are civil-military units deployed throughout Afghanistan to extend the reach and enhance the legitimacy of the national government by improving security, and facilitating reconstruction and economic development. There are currently 26 PRTs (12 US-led, with others led by Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Hungary, Turkey, and the Czech Republic).
PRTs are a key element in a broader coordinated civil-military strategy, which includes continued Coalition combat operations, expansion of NATO/ISAF, implementing international donor development assistance, training and deployment of Afghan national army and police units, and diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan's neighbors.
PRTs focus on a range of activities relevant to their environment, including:
- Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with key government, military, tribal, village, and religious leaders in the provinces.
- Monitoring and reporting on critical political, military and reconstruction developments.
- Supporting Afghan authorities in providing security for activities such as the Constitutional Loya Jirga, presidential and parliamentary elections, and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of militia forces.
- Assisting in the deployment and mentoring of Afghan national army and police units located in the provinces.
- Working closely with the UN and other donors providing development and humanitarian assistance.
- Implementing assistance projects that address local needs and gaps not filled by other donors, and focusing on building Afghan capacity.
