What is a PRT

1
What is a PRT?

• It is a joint military and civil entity which
  focuses on the assessment and coordination of
  effort to support the reconstruction of the
  nation/region .

2
PRT Roles

• Assistance to refugees/IDPsettlement
• Infrastructure support
• Health / Medical
• Demining
• Humanitarian Aid
• Security/Protection
• Education
• Settlement/Resettlement/Shelter
• Civil Infrastructure
• Law and Order
• Local Public service

3

• PRTs may be different by region or location
• Needs drives the structure
• Need to assess what has already been accomplished
  by humanitarians and others
• Consultative process

4
Why Establish PRTs?

• National interest may dictate participation
• Military participation agreed as contribution
• Demonstration of the International will on the
  part of the nation
• Meet the obligation to assist (Responsibility to
  protect)
• Military brings capacities and skills to the
  organization
• Good crisis managers
• Emergency management skills
• Military can work under difficult circumstances
  (physical conditions and danger)
• Military mission is to provide security
• Stop conflict and enforce agreements
• Protection to civilians in emergencies
• Protection to humanitarian activities
• May be part of the achievement of the mission

5

• May be used for Intelligence gathering
• Winning Hearts and Minds of the population
• May be the first or only organization available
• May have unique skills or capacities
• Differentiation of forces from others that may
  have combat missions
• One stop shopping for assistance from the
  military forces
• Attract more support from aid organizations in
  the area
• May speed up assistance in critical areas by
  focusing a team on the problem
• Leads to mission success
• Adds mobility and potential to assistance
• Sends positive messages to the population
• Willingness to take risks
• More responsive to local or regional needs
• Keeps donor nations involved more likely to
  contribute troops and support to reconstruction

6
Key Issues - PRTs

• Leadership must be responsive and adaptable
• Selection of the right individual with
  interpersonal and communications skills
• Achieve balance between military and
  reconstruction needs (needs drive structure not
  the reverse
• Involvement of local leadership is critical
• Need for contingency planning
• Contributor nation issues
• Local political issues

7
Advantages and Disadvantages

• Plus builds trust
• Minus overreach and security risks
• There are political and security issues
• Geared to local needs

8
Conclusion

• Potential high payoff but complex (Herding cats)
• Flow from the mandate
• Physical capabilities to implement