COB ADDER, Iraq - The 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division recently assumed the mission of assisting Provincial Reconstruction Teams and provincial governments in developing southern Iraq's civil capacity.
This new mission requires the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. to escort the PRTs to meetings with provincial leaders, inspect ongoing projects, and propose new projects in the area.
Since April 1, 2010, Task Force "Blackjack" has overseen the completion of 57 projects across Dhi Qar, Maysan, and Al Muthanna.
The PRTs who share this mission are a diverse mix of U.S. State Department employees, U.S. Agency for International Development representatives, and international representatives. Each team has experts in industry, business, agriculture and law.
"The Dhi Qar PRT is a classic example on how much Americans, Italians and Iraqis can achieve when they work together," said Dr. Anna Prouse, who heads the Dhi Qar PRT, the last international team in Iraq.
"The arrival of the [4 Sqdn., 10th Cav.] is a perfect example on how far collaboration between military and civilians has gone. The PRT and the military bring different skills to the table, complimentary skills that, when combined, produce extraordinary results," said Prouse.
The commander of 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav., Lt. Col. Christopher Engen said his unit has fully embraced the mission to help bring positive change to the Iraqi citizens.
"This has already proven to be a very interesting and rewarding mission, especially considering the long-term impact our efforts have on the people within these provinces," he said. "Our Task Force Blackjack Soldiers are excited to see the progress occurring within the surrounding areas and to be making a difference in the future of southern Iraq."
Social Sharing