The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Since August 2005, a Canadian
PRT has operated in Kandahar City, where it will remain until February 2009. The PRT brings together elements from the
Canadian Forces (CF),
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), the
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Corrections Services Canada (CSC) and civilian police led by the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in an integrated Canadian effort known as the “Whole of Government” approach. Approximately 250 personnel are based at the PRT site at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Chamberlain.
The PRT helps reinforce the authority of the Afghan government in Kandahar Province, assisting in the stabilization and development of the region. It monitors security, promotes Afghan government policies and priorities with local authorities, and facilitates security sector reforms.
The PRT military component comprises personnel, drawn largely from Land Forces Quebec Area (LFQA). The PRT includes:
- The PRT Commander’s Tactical Headquarters Group, which provides protection and mobility to the PRT Commander and his staff;
- In order to allow the PRT to enhance the reconstruction effort, an Infantry Company from primarily 3 R22eR is currently providing security to the various PRT detachments involved with various projects outside of Kandahar City. This company from Quebec also provides a quick reaction force for Kandahar City and the vital aspect of defence and security tasks at the PRT Camp;
- Military project managers (military engineers) enhancing the PRT’s capability to manage quick impact reconstruction and development projects;
- A Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capability from LFQA;
- A Military Police Platoon consisting of members primarily from 5e Peloton de police militaire (5 PPM) in Valcartier;
- Health and medical support from 5 AMB C;
- Service and support elements drawn from across Canada; and
- Other specialized elements from various CF units across Canada.
