Panjshir PRT “Model” for Civil-Military Operations

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The phrase “Civilian-Military Operations” refers to the continued integration of civilian assets into military operations to achieve a unified strategic goal, and there are few operations in Afghanistan where this relationship is more effective than within the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, the only United States PRT that is civilian-led and military-commanded.

The Panjshir PRT combines resources from the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Agriculture into one unified effort aimed at the economic, judicial, social, educational and infrastructure development of the Panjshir valley.

Mr. James DeHart, U.S. State Dept. civilian, director of the Panjshir PRT and leads the governance efforts of the team. Lt. Col. Eric W. Hommel is the PRT Commander and exercises command authority over military operations.

According to Mr. DeHart, both civilian and military expertise and resources are needed in a counter insurgency environment.

“Each side brings a different skill set,” DeHart said. “It’s not a question of which is better. The military resources are vital to enabling the other departments to function efficiently. For example, our USDA representative would not be as successful in assisting the local ministry of agriculture in producing better crop yields without a stable security environment.”

“There’s a reason why these partnerships are formed,” Hommel said. “Teams usually operate more efficiently than individuals. So when you incorporate other professionals you increase your chance of success.”

The lines of distinction between the military personnel and the civilian representatives here are marked by the uniforms worn by the troops, but that’s where the visible differences end. Both sides are integrated in the decision making process, participate side-by-side on missions, meeting with local officials together and even share the same office.

“Because we have this relationship, it enables us to focus on collective goals,” Hommel said. “We are able to develop courses of action to accomplish the mission in the spirit of common objectives.”

Ms. Elizabeth Smithwick, a United States Aid for International Development representative to the PRT, supervises the planning and implementation of projects related to women’s affairs and other social issues. Smithwick has only been with the PRT for a little over a month, but in that time she has gained a new perspective in the improved capabilities of a civilian-military function.

“When I arrived here and started meeting with the leadership, I saw their vision of the progress they intend to make in Panjshir: A true integration of civilian and military resources committed to maintaining the level of security focusing on the development of the valley,” Smithwick said.

“Since day one I have been fully involved in the planning and decision making process. I’ve seen the different talents and abilities that each member brings to the mission and it’s helped me gain an appreciation for the military and their vital importance in rebuilding this country. Right now, the civilian side couldn’t succeed without military assets, but that’s the desired end-state. This team is achieving that goal.”

Army Maj. Brent Hulse, the Agribusiness Development Team representative stationed at Bagram AirField currently working with the PRT, is a National Guard Officer from Louisville, Ky., and understands the mind-set of both civilian and military personnel.

“The continuity established by the civilian personnel is what makes this system work, but it’s the military presence and the co-operation of the local government, authorities and citizens in providing the stable security environment that allows for development to occur,” Hulse said. 

The military-civilian duality of the PRT seems to blend well with the local populace. Having suffered the ravages of war for over 30 years, the Panjshiris are an eclectic blend of citizen-soldiers. 
 
Panjshir’s governor, Hajji Bahlol, has referred to himself as a “Soldier first and politician second.” Bahlol served as a mujahedeen commander in the fight against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980’s and in preventing Taliban influence from infiltrating the valley in the following years.

”He clearly feels a report with military personnel because that reflects his own experience,” Mr. DeHart said. “But as a governor he’s called upon to operate effectively in the civilian world, and he’s doing that.”

The practice of civil-military integration is not an entirely new concept.  It evolved from the “clear, hold and build” strategy. Essentially, military assets are fully engaged during the “clear” phase of an operation, and methodically diminish in size and prominence during the hold and build phases once security has been established. Ideally, the presence of military forces will vary inversely proportionate to civilian presence.

 “Civilian organizations start arriving during the hold phase and assume most of the responsibility in the build phase,” Hommel said.

“Here, we are beyond hold. We are knee-deep into build. This is the perfect place to bring in more civilians and use this as a test for the rest of Afghanistan.”