PRT Meymaneh
Encyclopedia
The Provincial Reconstruction Team in Meymaneh is an International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) command. It is classified by NATO, as a "Provincial Reconstruction Team
". It consists of soldiers and civilians from Norway
, Latvia
, Macedonia
, Iceland
and the USA. It conducts joint operations with Afghan Security Forces in Faryab province. It is led by ISAF and began its work in 2004, when they took over from the British
. The camp was moved out of the city due to several attacks and a lack of space, in 2006. It is co-located with the airstrip, north of Meymaneh
.
Several "FOB
s" are located in Ghormach
and Qeysar
districts, which the PRT share with Afghan soldiers.
in 2001 and withdrew from the region, ISAF took control. Towards 2010, the Afghan Army and security forces have increased numerically and the provincial government given more influence.
In Faryab Coalition forces are out to show their presence, talk to the locals to gather information and ensure that insurgents do not interfere with daily life. Operations are run frequently, both civilian and military. PRT Meymaneh was given control of security over the district in 2008, but some of the area is still under the control of insurgents. The Ring Road, which connects Afghanistan, is still not finished in Ghormach district.
Most operations conduced in the PRT's area are led by the Afghans; while the PRT coordinate and plan, Afghan soldiers work in the field. Coalition soldiers are employed as a supporting force, and are in charge of security. Norwegian Operation Mentoring and Liaison Teams train officers in the Afghan Army.
Norwegian soldiers have met a lot of resistance from insurgents in 2010. Between December 2009 and February 2010, soldiers from the PRT engaged insurgents in several places in Faryab province. One firefight north of the capital lasted over six hours, but no injuries or damage were reported.
In March 2010, the PRT, with the provincial government and Afghan Security Forces launched Operation Chashme Naw (New Source in dari Persian). The aim of the operation is to impove security in the north and northwest of the province.
and one soldier who was killed on duty).
, Norwegian Army 2nd Battalion
or the Norwegian Army Armoured Battalion
. The soldiers use Iveco
LMV armored vehicles, CV9030
combat vehicles and ATV
all terrain vehicles to maneuver in the hilly and rough terrain in Faryab. The Task Unit also includes snipers, mortar teams, EOD
bomb disposal experts and combat engineers. From December 2011, the Latvian Army will deliver soldiers to the Task Unit.
task group handles information and intelligence. They operate in the province as Military Observation Teams with light vehicles such as the MB 270/290
(Mercedes Benz G-class 270/90) and ATVs.
and the USA and has pharmacutical, laboratory, X-Ray and dental capabilities. The medical evacuation teams follow other units in the field. Medical soldiers are only allowed to use personal weapons in self defense and to defend patients.
From 2011, the medical doctors employed by Norway's military, will not be working at civillian hospitals in Afghanistan, according to recommendations from Forsvarsstaben.
P93, P113, P143 trucks and the 412 rescue and recovery vehicle. The CSS also runs the kitchen in the camp.
. As well as serving in that role for the PRT, they are also often used to escort convoys. From December 2011, The Royal Norwegian Air Force
are responsible for the delivery for soldiers to Force Protection in the PRT Meymaneh.
helicopters and crew. The NAD is on 24 hours standby for evacuating patients from the field. One of the helicopters is armed with a machine gun to provide close protection. 100,000 flight hours with the Norwegian Bell 412 was commemorated in December 2009 in Meymaneh.
. They make the decisions on operations and planning and make sure that all of the soldiers are working well.
after 30 days service in ISAF. The Norwegian soldiers also receive the International Operations medal after 90 days service.
, the Icelandic Government and USAID. The aeromedical detachment is provided by the Norwegian Air Force.
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
(ISAF) command. It is classified by NATO, as a "Provincial Reconstruction Team
Provincial reconstruction team
A Provincial Reconstruction Team is a unit introduced by the United States government, consisting of military officers, diplomats, and reconstruction subject matter experts, working to support reconstruction efforts in unstable states. PRTs were first established in Afghanistan in late 2001 or...
". It consists of soldiers and civilians from Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
, Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia
Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
and the USA. It conducts joint operations with Afghan Security Forces in Faryab province. It is led by ISAF and began its work in 2004, when they took over from the British
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces and sometimes legally the Armed Forces of the Crown, the British Armed Forces encompasses three professional uniformed services, the Royal Navy, the...
. The camp was moved out of the city due to several attacks and a lack of space, in 2006. It is co-located with the airstrip, north of Meymaneh
Meymaneh
Maymana, Meymaneh or Maimana is the capital of Faryab province, northern Afghanistan, near the Turkmenistan border. It is approximately 400 km northwest of the Afghan capital Kabul.-Location:...
.
Several "FOB
Forward Operating Base
A forward operating base is any secured forward military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support tactical operations. A FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported...
s" are located in Ghormach
Ghormach District
Ghormach is a district situated in the north east Badghis Province of Afghanistan. The district centre is Ghowrmach.-Demographics:The estimated population of Ghormach District in 2003 was roughly 52,566...
and Qeysar
Qeysar
Qeysar may refer to:*Qeysar , an Iranian film*Qeysar, Farah, Afghanistan*Qeysar, Faryab, Afghanistan...
districts, which the PRT share with Afghan soldiers.
Overview
The PRT Meymaneh focuses on security operations with Afghan security forces who they 'partner'. Their joint mission is to establish a secure and safe environment for Afghan society. Since the Taliban were defeated by the Northern AllianceNorthern Alliance
The Afghan Northern Alliance is a military-political umbrella organization created by the Islamic State of Afghanistan in 1996.Northern Alliance may also refer to:*Northern Alliance , a Canadian white supremacist group...
in 2001 and withdrew from the region, ISAF took control. Towards 2010, the Afghan Army and security forces have increased numerically and the provincial government given more influence.
In Faryab Coalition forces are out to show their presence, talk to the locals to gather information and ensure that insurgents do not interfere with daily life. Operations are run frequently, both civilian and military. PRT Meymaneh was given control of security over the district in 2008, but some of the area is still under the control of insurgents. The Ring Road, which connects Afghanistan, is still not finished in Ghormach district.
Operations
To prevent insurgents from disrupting security Coalition and Afghan Security Forces have conducted 'partnered' operations in Faryab on an almost daily basis since 2004; Coalition forces train and supervise the Afghans.Most operations conduced in the PRT's area are led by the Afghans; while the PRT coordinate and plan, Afghan soldiers work in the field. Coalition soldiers are employed as a supporting force, and are in charge of security. Norwegian Operation Mentoring and Liaison Teams train officers in the Afghan Army.
Norwegian soldiers have met a lot of resistance from insurgents in 2010. Between December 2009 and February 2010, soldiers from the PRT engaged insurgents in several places in Faryab province. One firefight north of the capital lasted over six hours, but no injuries or damage were reported.
In March 2010, the PRT, with the provincial government and Afghan Security Forces launched Operation Chashme Naw (New Source in dari Persian). The aim of the operation is to impove security in the north and northwest of the province.
Organization
The PRT consists of soldiers and civilian personnel. At least 2 soldiers from Finland, were employed by the unit in 2007 (including the unit's executive officerExecutive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
and one soldier who was killed on duty).
Task Unit
The Task Unit consists of conventional and mechanized infantry from either the Telemark BattalionTelemark Battalion
The Telemark Bataljon is a mechanised infantry unit of the Norwegian Army. It was established in 1993, and is a part of Brigade Nord and stationed at Rena, Hedmark...
, Norwegian Army 2nd Battalion
Norwegian Army 2nd Battalion
2nd Battalion is an infantry unit of the Norwegian Army, based at camp Skjold in Troms county in Northern Norway. It serves in the mechanized infantry role as part of Brigade Nord; the battalion is one of three that Norwegian battalions performing this role, along with being Telemark Battalion and...
or the Norwegian Army Armoured Battalion
Norwegian Army Armoured Battalion
Panserbataljonen is a unit of the Norwegian Army. Although it is categorised as an armoured unit, the battalion primarily serves in the mechanised infantry role. As with the Norwegian Army's two other mechanised infantry units, it also has a tank squadron equipped with Leopard 2...
. The soldiers use Iveco
Iveco
Iveco, an acronym for Industrial Vehicle Corporation, originally an alliance of European commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Fiat , Unic and Magirus. Iveco is now an Italian truck, bus, and diesel engine manufacturer, based in Turin...
LMV armored vehicles, CV9030
Combat Vehicle 90
The Combat Vehicle 90 or Stridsfordon 90 is a Swedish infantry fighting vehicle designed by Hägglunds where the first generation was fitted with a Bofors turret. It is currently produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds.-Background:...
combat vehicles and ATV
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
all terrain vehicles to maneuver in the hilly and rough terrain in Faryab. The Task Unit also includes snipers, mortar teams, EOD
Bomb disposal
Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
bomb disposal experts and combat engineers. From December 2011, the Latvian Army will deliver soldiers to the Task Unit.
ISTAR task group
The ISTARISTAR
ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. In its macroscopic sense, ISTAR is a practice that links several battlefield functions together to assist a combat force in employing its sensors and managing the information they gather.Information is collected on...
task group handles information and intelligence. They operate in the province as Military Observation Teams with light vehicles such as the MB 270/290
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The original 460-series Geländewagen went on sale for civilian buyers in 1979, after having debuted in February of that year. It was offered with two wheelbases, a short wheelbase of 2,400 mm and a long one of 2,850 mm. One could choose between three body styles: A two-door short...
(Mercedes Benz G-class 270/90) and ATVs.
Medical company
The medical company contains a ROLE 2 medical treatment facility and a platoon of medical evacuation soldiers in SISU armored vehicles. This unit has two surgical teams from MacedoniaRepublic of Macedonia
Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991...
and the USA and has pharmacutical, laboratory, X-Ray and dental capabilities. The medical evacuation teams follow other units in the field. Medical soldiers are only allowed to use personal weapons in self defense and to defend patients.
From 2011, the medical doctors employed by Norway's military, will not be working at civillian hospitals in Afghanistan, according to recommendations from Forsvarsstaben.
CSS company
The Combat Service Support Company provides the PRT with technical repair and maintenance services and logistics. They often deliver supplies to units who are deployed in the field and frequently accompany the troops to be able to repair their vehicles and equipment. The CSS company drives ScaniaScania
Scania is the southernmost of the 25 traditional non-administrative provinces of Sweden, constituting a peninsula on the southern tip of the Scandinavian peninsula, and some adjacent islands. The modern administrative subdivision Skåne County is almost, but not totally, congruent with the...
P93, P113, P143 trucks and the 412 rescue and recovery vehicle. The CSS also runs the kitchen in the camp.
Force Protection
The Force protection company is found from soldiers from LatviaLatvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
. As well as serving in that role for the PRT, they are also often used to escort convoys. From December 2011, The Royal Norwegian Air Force
Royal Norwegian Air Force
The Royal Norwegian Air Force is the air force of Norway. It was established as a separate arm of the Norwegian armed forces on 10 November 1944. The RNoAF's peace force is approximately 1,430 employees . 600 personnel also serve their draft period in the RNoAF...
are responsible for the delivery for soldiers to Force Protection in the PRT Meymaneh.
NAD
The Norwegian Aeromedical Detachment has been deployed in PRT Meymaneh since 2008 with three Bell 412Bell 412
The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212 model, the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.-Design and development:...
helicopters and crew. The NAD is on 24 hours standby for evacuating patients from the field. One of the helicopters is armed with a machine gun to provide close protection. 100,000 flight hours with the Norwegian Bell 412 was commemorated in December 2009 in Meymaneh.
Staff
This unit contains the staff comparable to a normal NATO standard battalionBattalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
. They make the decisions on operations and planning and make sure that all of the soldiers are working well.
Civilian components
The PRT also includes civilian coordinatiors from the respective nations. USAID, which works for the US embassy in Afghanistan, is stationed in Meymaneh. Norwegian Police work with their Afghan Police Force counterparts. Norwegian and Icelandic development and political advisors and members of the Norwegian Prison service are co-located in the PRT to provide support for the prisons in the province.Casualties
Members of the unit, were killed on the following dates:- One soldier from Finland died on 23 May 2007 of his injuries after an IEDImprovised explosive deviceAn improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
strike outside the local hospital in Meymaneh city. Three other Norwegian soldiers were wounded. - One soldier from Norway died on 8 November 2007 when his vehicle hit an IED outside the camp. His fellow soldier in the car was mortally wounded, but was rescued by Norwegian soldiers. The deceased was affiliated with the National Home Guard.
- Edgars Ozolins from Latvia died on 11 August 2008 in a IED attack in Meymaneh city. Three other Latvian soldiers were wounded.
- Davis Baltabolt from Latvia died on 9 August 2009 in Germany after serious exhaustion in a firefight in Faryab provice.
- PrivatePrivatePrivate may refer to:* Private , a military rank* Private , a U.S. step rocket* Private , a Denmark-based band* Private , a 2004 Italian film* Private , a young-adult book series launched in 2006...
Claes Joachim Olsson from Norway died on 25 January 2010 when the CV9030 he was driving went over an IED in Ghormach district. Other soldiers in the vehicle escaped with mild bruising. The deceased was affiliated with the Telemark BattalionTelemark BattalionThe Telemark Bataljon is a mechanised infantry unit of the Norwegian Army. It was established in 1993, and is a part of Brigade Nord and stationed at Rena, Hedmark...
.
Awards and decorations
Norwegian, Latvian, Macedonian and US soldiers all receive the non-article five medalNATO Medal
The NATO Medal is an international military decoration which is awarded to various militaries of the world under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization . It is manufactured by Eekelers - Centini, International, of Hemiksem, Belgium...
after 30 days service in ISAF. The Norwegian soldiers also receive the International Operations medal after 90 days service.
Contributories
Soldiers of the PRT in Meymaneh are recruited from their respective nations armed forces, the Norwegian Army is in charge of training the military contingents before deployment. Civilians come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway), the Ministry of Justice and PoliceNorwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police is a Norwegian government ministry in charge of justice, police and domestic intelligence. The main purpose of the Ministry is to provide for the maintenance and development of the basic guarantees of the rule of law...
, the Icelandic Government and USAID. The aeromedical detachment is provided by the Norwegian Air Force.
Unit commanders
- Lieutenant colonelLieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Arne Opperud (May 2007) - Ivar Knotten (December 2008 - June 2009)
- ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Knut Fredheim. (December 2009 - June 2010) - Colonel Rune Solberg (June 2010 - December 2010)
- Colonel Fred Arne Jacobsen (December 2010 - June 2011)
- Colonel Lars Huse (June 2011 - December 2011)
- Colonel Torger Gillebo (December 2011 - June 2012)