Civil-Affairs Specialists Urgently Needed in Iraq

State’s Satterfield says number of reconstruction teams will be doubled

By Jacquelyn S. Porth 08 February 2007
USINFO Staff Writer

Washington – In a move to speed up Iraqi self-reliance, the State Department has asked the Pentagon for a temporary loan of reservists to staff the growing number of provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) dedicated to stabilization efforts throughout Iraq.

State Department official David Satterfield told reporters February 7 that plans are under way to double the number of PRTs throughout the country from 10 to 20 ...... to advance U.S. strategic objectives in Iraq, especially those that seek to strengthen the ability of Iraqi moderates to oppose extremists.

The secretary of state’s senior adviser on Iraq said PRTs are based on a joint civilian-military personnel model and staffed with Foreign Service officers and military personnel working side-by-side to promote civil society and foster good governance.

The concept for PRTs began initially in Iraq in mid-2005....... Satterfield said the PRTs are an important tool to get Iraqis back to work so they will not be recruited “to join organizations engaged in violence.”

SPECIAL SKILLS URGENTLY NEEDED

U.S. military brigade commanders in Iraq have identified the need to populate the new wave of PRTs with agricultural development and soil specialists, town planners, city managers and veterinarians. Even though such specialists are not found typically in the Foreign Service or in the active military force, they are common among military reservists who are civil affairs experts called up to serve temporarily in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said State is looking to fill the gap in the short term with reservists prepared to serve with the PRTs for six months to a year. More....