The U.S. Army Stability Operations Field Manual: U.S. Army Field Manual No. 3-07

Appendix F: Provincial Reconstruction Teams

6 October 2008 FM 3-07 F-1 Appendix F Provincial Reconstruction Teams For the post-September 11 period, the chief issue for global politics will not be how to cut back on stateness but how to build it up. For individual societies and for the global community, the withering away of the state is not a prelude to utopia but to disaster. A critical issue facing poor countries…is their inadequate level of institutional development. They do not need extensive states, but they do need strong and effective ones within the limited scope of necessary state functions. Francis Fukuyama State-Building: Governance and World Order in the 21st Century 3 PRINCIPLES OF PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS F-1. A provincial reconstruction team (PRT) is an interim civil-military organization designed to operate in an area with unstable or limited security . The PRT leverages all the instruments of national power— diplomatic, informational, military, and economic—to improve stability. However, the efforts of the PRT alone will not stabilize an area; the combined military and civil efforts are required to reduce conflict while developing the local institutions to take the lead in national governance, the provision of basic services, fostering economic development, and enforcement of rule of law. F-2. The development community uses specific principles for reconstruction and development. (See appendix C.) These enduring principles represent years of practical application and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic elements of developing nations. Understanding these principles enables development officials to incorporate techniques and procedures effectively to improve economic and social conditions for the 3© 2004 by Francis Fukuyama. Reproduced with permission of Cornell University Press. Appendix F F-2 FM 3-07 6 October 2008 local populace. By applying the principles of reconstruction and development , the development community significantly improves the probability of success. Timely emphasis on the principles increases the opportunity for success and provides the flexibility to adapt to the changing conditions . This community assumes risk in projects and programs by failing to adhere to the principles. F-3. A PRT does not conduct military operations or directly assist hostnation military forces. The PRT helps the central ministries distribute funds to respective provincial representatives for implementing projects. This assistance encompasses more than a distribution of funds; it includes mentoring, management, and accountability. F-4. PRTs aim to develop the infrastructure necessary for the local populace to succeed in a post-conflict environment. A PRT is an integral part of the long-term strategy to transition the functions of security, governance , and economics to the host-nation. This team serves as a combat multiplier for commanders engaged in governance and economic activity, as well as other lines of effort. The PRT also serves as a force multiplier for United States Government development agencies engaged across the stability sectors. A PRT assists local communities with reconciliation while strengthening the host-nation government and speeding the transition to self-reliance. To accomplish this mission, the PRT concentrates on three essential functions: governance, security, and reconstruction. GOVERNANCE F-5. Within an operational area, a PRT focuses on improving the provincial government’s ability to provide effective governance and essential services. Strengthening the provincial government is important given the decentralization of authority common to a post-conflict environment. For example, under Saddam Hussein’s regime In Iraq, provincial officials received detailed directions from Baghdad. Under the current structure, provincial officials take initiatives without direct guidance from Baghdad . F-6. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) contracts a three-person team of civilian specialists to provide training and technical assistance programs. These programs aim to improve the efficiency of provincial governments. They do this by providing policy analysis, training, and technical assistance to national ministries, their provincial representatives, provincial governors, and provincial councils. The team of civilian specialists works directly with provincial officials to increase competence and efficiency. For example, they help provincial council members conduct meetings, develop budgets, and oversee pro- Provincial Reconstruction Teams 6 October 2008 FM 3-07 F-3 vincial government activities. The team also encourages transparency and popular participation by working with citizens and community organizations , hosting conferences, and promoting public forums. F-7. The USAID team contains members with expertise in local government , financial management, and municipal planning. Up to 70 percent of the contracted staff members come from regional countries and include local professionals. Additional contracted experts are on call from regional offices. The USAID requires...