Tag Archives: Provincial Reconstruction

I remember the moment when I knew we had done something good in Iraq. We were on a patrol in Baghdad and this kid starts walking with us. A few minutes later another kid shows up, then two. Within a few blocks, a bunch of kids are walking with us, holding our hands. These kids were thankful we were there. They wanted to be with us.

When I saw this photo from SSG Ryan Crane, I thought that we may be getting somewhere in Afghanistan too. It’s taken a lot longer, but Afghanistan is much less advanced culture. These kids have smiles on their faces and I can’t help but swell with pride at the bravery and tenacity of our troops to help create those smiles after such difficulties. We’re getting there. We’re winning the trust. We aren’t the enemy. These kids are the future and they recognize who gave that to them.

U.S. Army Capt. Brandon Delatorre, civil affairs team leader, and Staff Sgt. Jason Roberts, squad leader attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team walk and talk with a group of kids in Mehtar Lam district, Laghman province.

There is no doubt the United States military is the biggest, baddest fighting force in the world. We have the best troops, the best gear, the best leaders, and the greatest country in our care.

But, sometimes we need a little help from the least likely of sources.

After watching members of the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team struggle to slide down an embankment, local Afghan children in Mehtar Lam district, Laghman province demonstrate the quickest way down. The Police Transition Assistance Team attached to the PRT is responsible for the training and mentorship of the local Afghan police and routinely conducts training with side by side with them.

Members of the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team jump down an embankment while on a joint patrol in Mehtar Lam district, Laghman province.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane.

Looks like Afghan corn is doing better than our Texas corn was when I left a few months ago.

U.S. Army Sgt. Sean Matthews, team leader attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, navigates through a dense corn field while looking for triggermen in Alisheng district, Laghman province, Sept. 12. The PRT, partnered with the security forces assistant team and the Afghan National Police, patrolled through a village to talk to the locals and teach the ANP proper procedures during patrols. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane.