Subscribe
GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic Afghanistan — The insurgents are getting bulldozed out of Garmsir, and not just in a matter of speaking.
As security expands and Afghan National Security Forces assume greater responsibility for the region, coalition forces pave away traces of the insurgents and build the rudiments of a freer society. It’s a civilian-military collaboration, and it’s the essence of counterinsurgency.
“In a counterinsurgency environment, the military establishes the baseline for security,” said Maj. John Black, the executive officer for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “After that is established, civil agencies come in and help improve governance, rule of law, reconstruction and development. Everything the military and civil agencies do ties together.”
According to Black, the civilian-military collaboration helps communities establish essential services and greater economic stability.
Even within the ranks 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, many service members’ primary mission is to address specific civic issues. The 1/3 “Lava Dogs,” based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, have a Police Mentoring Team, Border Mentoring Team, Female Engagement Team and Civil Affairs Group.
However, 1/3 is still an infantry battalion -- not a panel of experts in government affairs.
This is where the U.S. Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, and other organizations come into play.
They provide much-needed support to help local community leaders develop policies, plans, and programs to improve governance and foster greater social stability.
“Working with the local people is essential to achieving security in Afghanistan,” said Carter Malkasian, the U.S. Department of State political officer in Garmsir. “Obviously, you won’t have security if you don’t have Marines patrolling on the ground, but my job and the Marines’ job are complimentary. I like to think that our efforts help make security of the area possible.”
The Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, United Kingdom Department for International Development, and Afghanistan Vouchers for Increased Production in Agriculture all have representatives who work alongside 1/3 in Garmsir.
The organizations and their specialties:
— The Department of State works alongside the district governor in the political advisory of the district. A current project is advising the construction of more Afghanistan National Police posts throughout Garmsir.
— USAID works alongside the businesses in Garmsir, providing mentorship in economic and infrastructural development. Current projects include improvements on local irrigation systems and roads. They also provide support in the construction of schools.
— The DFID representative mentors local leaders in governance, focusing on the health of the population. Although British military operations in Garmsir ended in 2009, the United Kingdom Government kept a representative in Garmsir for the continuity of the development there.
— The AVIPA works alongside the local farmers to develop cooperatives to build a more effective agricultural economy. Farmers in each main area of the district are mentored in the advantages of grouping together to buy seed and other supplies.
The battalion also has a U.S. Army representative, who mentors local judges and prosecutors in the rule of law.
All of these organizations work together to create an autonomous society that is less vulnerable to insurgents.
“We’re not going to be here forever, but we’re not about to abandon the people of Garmsir,” Malkasian said. “We want the Afghan people to be able to take over. That’s why I’m here, advising the development of the government, so it can better handle all the complex issues that happen in Garmisr.”
According to Malkasian, the first community council was held in Garmsir in March of 2009. Last year, only 18 council members regularly attended. Now, more council members have been elected, and the entire district is represented during community council meetings.
Malkasian also noted security improvements. When he arrived, more than a year and a half ago, he couldn’t go 10 kilometers south of Forward Operating Base Delhi without running the risk of an IED or firefight. Now, he can go to southernmost part of the district in relative safety.
“When you’re here, you feel like part of something larger,” Malkasian said. “The accomplishments in the area are a sign of how civilian and military efforts have complimented each other. It’s been amazing to see how our effort overall has gone from area security to improving governance. I know it wouldn’t have been possible without our organizations and the military working together.”
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2011 00:43 |
| Story ID: | 70238 |
| Location: | GARMSIR DISTRICT, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC AFGHANISTAN, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,276 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Civilian, military forces bulldoze insurgents out of Garmsir, by Cpl Colby Brown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
