Posted on 05/07/2009 4:16:51 PM PDT by SandRat
TIKRIT — Several senior leaders from the U.S. Embassy and Multi-National Corps – Iraq recently visited Contingency Operating Base Speicher to review the progress achieved by the Salah ad-Din Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
PRTs have often been hailed as crucial components in creating stability here. The team's relationship with the military units they serve with is a key part of their success -- the stronger the mutual support, the more effective both organizations are. In Salah ad-Din, that relationship is strong and growing daily.
"The CG's priority is to support the PRTs," said Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt, deputy commanding general, MNC-I, referring to MNC-I commander, Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby. Hunt explained his mission to work with the embassy to ensure the PRTs have the best support they can get from the military is important, because their mission is critical to Iraq's successful future.
The Salah ad-Din PRT has more than 40 members, including one and two-man satellite teams in each of the provinces eight districts, but its numbers really include more than 3,500 Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT).
"The satellite team concept which you pioneered here is the future for Iraq, as we reposition forces for President Obama's August 2010 timeline," said Phyllis Powers, director, Office of Provincial Affairs, when describing the success of the State Department reps partnered at the company and battalion level with district governments.
Salah ad-Din is lucky to have such a strong relationship between the PRT and the BCT, said Rick Bell, the PRT leader. The two work so closely that at times, it's hard to tell them apart, he added.
Many civilian and military members agreed with this sentiment and cited it numerous times while they described the recent successes in assisting the provincial government in areas including rule of law, health, public diplomacy, economics and governance.
Some of the successes include the recent decision by the Government of Iraq to allow forensic evidence to be used in court trials, staffing of new medical clinics, creating university partnerships and the implementation of desert farming technologies like hoop houses and drip irrigation.
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