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New PRTs train at Fort Bragg

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke
  • Editor
FORT BRAGG, N.C. --  Three days prior to moving 15 miles from his four-bedroom home near Pope to a 20 by 40 tent here, Lt. Col. Robert Ricci got married to Lt. Col. Kimberlee Joos. He will train for a total of 82 days and after that have four days to spend with family. Then immediately after the four days, he will deploy as part of a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan for one year.

Colonel Ricci is one of six Air Force commanders training to run a team to help enable the authority of the central government of Afghanistan. Twelve PRTs have been training here since January. Six are Air Force teams, and six are Navy teams.

Colonel Ricci is extremely impressed with how joint the military services have become.

"When I was commissioned, there was a noticeable, cultural difference in all of the services; now it's become purple," said Colonel Ricci.

The teams are sharpening their skills in tactical training, combat training, communication skills, checkpoint set up, guarding perimeters and providing security. They are focusing on everything from the tactical to the strategic level.

"PRTs are a linchpin between a kinetic and non- kinetic force," said Colonel Ricci.
The fear of the unknown may be a concern for the Airmen who are training to deploy, but since leadership had the opportunity to visit the current PRTs in place in Afghanistan, it may not be as much of a concern. The colonel believes the training opportunities will help relieve the apprehension naturally expressed by the new teams in training.

"It's all about perspective when training troops in garrison. Putting a set of eyes on where we'll live will help prepare us for the unknown," said Colonel Ricci. "Training overcomes fear, and we will be able to handle any situation."

The PRTs mission is to establish and maintain good working relationships with key government, tribal, military and religious leaders in the provinces. They also monitor and report on critical political, military and reconstruction developments. PRTs will provide security support and assist in the deployment and mentoring of Afghanistan national army members and police units located in the provinces. The PRTs will also observe, assess and report on their capabilities.

The teams are scheduled to start replacing current PRTs in April.