Afghanistan: Joint units make for unique differences, solutions

By Jason Nelson
Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul

Army Sgt. Maj. Ronald Morse, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, and Army Master Sgt. Doten James, Agriculture Development Team, discuss potential areas for a future project May 16, 2012 in northern Qalat, Afghanistan.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Turner)(Released)
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SMART, Afghanistan (6/4/12) – An Air Force Staff Sergeant stands at attention after being promoted in front of his Provincial Reconstruction Team and begins to recite the Air Force Creed. Dozens of voices strongly join in, while many of the PRT warriors remain conspicuously silent. One of the warriors - who remains quiet - is the man directly behind the Staff Sergeant, even though he was responsible for reading the promotion warrant.

“That is probably the hardest part of merging services into one unit,” says Army Sgt. Major Ronald Morse, a member of the National Guard’s 421st Regimental Training Institute. “The difference in ceremonies, awards and promotions is distinct.”

An integrated team of Air Force and Army personnel and civilian agencies, the PRT has the responsibility of assisting the Zabul provincial government as it moves towards transition.

Army Sgt. Maj. Morse, a former armor company 1st Sergeant and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has one of the most difficult positions in the PRT that is assigned to Zabul province, Afghanistan.

As the top enlisted man in the unit, his job is to advise the commander regarding the enlisted personnel in the unit. “There is a balance that needs to be struck between the two service philosophies,” Morse said. “Whether it is counseling, awards or their different approaches to a project, each service has a unique way of doing things.”

Having served four years in the Air Force, Morse knows of those differences. One of the main things, he believes, is that while the Army acts as a team, the Air Force is more like a family.

“But even though there is that difference,” Morse adds, “I believe that both services do their best to make sure that their people are able to succeed.”

Ensuring that each service member is put in a position to excel is of vital importance considering the unique mission that the PRT has to accomplish.

“It’s our job to make sure that the provincial government can stand on its own two feet long after we are gone,” he says. “We are helping them expand the reach of that governance, and supporting their efforts to help their own people here in Zabul will increase the odds that they succeed in the long run.

“By utilizing everyone to their full potential, we are also being more effective in that mission,” Morse said.

All members of the PRT have needed to take on extra responsibilities during the deployment, and many are operating outside of their own areas of expertise. However, Sgt. Maj. Morse says that all of the warriors have been quick to embrace the work, staying motivated throughout the process.

“I have been impressed by their willingness to adapt and do anything it takes to meet our goals,” Morse adds. “This is a great group of people who continually rise to any challenge.”

But when asked if he would take on the challenge of learning the Air Force creed for future ceremonies, Morse responded in the way only a Sergeant Major could; with a steady and silent stare.

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