Reconstruction Task Force 3 (RTF3) consists of approximately 400 personnel providing command, security, engineering and operational support capabilities. It is equipped with Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV), Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and armoured engineer plant equipment.
RTF3 has a clearly defined role to work on reconstruction and improvement of provincial infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges, security points etc) and community based projects to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) achieve a stable and secure future for its people.
RTF3 also provides trade training to the local population and military engineering training to the Afghan National Army (ANA). This type of assistance is designed to benefit the people of Uruzgan Province well into the future and form the building blocks of a stable and prosperous community.
RTF3 is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright from the Townsville-based 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. The RTF3’s Regimental Sergeant Major is Warrant Officer Class One Terry McKeown.
RTF3 Achievements
The RTF, now into its third rotation, is spreading its influence throughout the Tarin Kowt bowl into regions which have not experienced progress in many years.
Quick Impact Projects
RTF3 continues with its village-based projects in the Tarin Kowt bowl. It is currently spreading these operations further into the Province. Lately these projects have taken the form of building Afghan National Police checkpoints. These facilities greatly improve the capability of the Afghan National Police and limit the freedom that Taliban extremists have in the region.
During October and November 2007, RTF3 participated in Operation SPIN GHAR with the 1st Royal Gurkah Regiment (1RGR) and the 1st Netherlands Battle Group (1 NL BG) in the Chora Valley and northern portion of the Baluchi Valley. During the operation, RTF3 constructed three Afghan National Police checkpoints in strategic locations throughout the region. RTF3 also created inroads to the Afghan population in preparation for future operations by maintaining a strong presence and engagement with the local community.
These missions have been highly successful, with village elders showing an enthusiastic response to the work conducted and the presence of RTF3 in their villages. They are seen as a great means to smooth the way for follow on major projects.
Construction Projects
RTF3 has several major projects in both planning and execution phases. They are all aimed at developing the Province's health, education, security and other essential infrastructure. They are planned, funded and managed by Australians and built with a high content of local contractors, ensuring maximum local ownership of the projects, employment and vital income for their developing economy.
RTF3’s major projects include:
Afghan National Army Forward Operating Base in Chora: In the northern region of Chora, RTF3 are building an ANA Forward Operating Base. It is managed by RTF3 and employs a considerable amount of local contractors and workers, providing essential security and employment within the region.
Redevelopment of the Tarin Kowt Provincial Hospital: This is a significant project for Uruzgan Province, and has been one of the largest projects undertaken by the RTF. Works completed to-date includes the construction of an infectious disease ward, an out-patients department, a new kitchen facility and the refurbishment of the main hospital building. RTF3 are in the process of constructing a new wall and preparing designs for the construction of a mortuary, a blood bank, an accommodation building and ablution facilities.
Redevelopment of the Tarin Kowt Boys High School: Works completed to-date for this project includes upgrades to the compound wall and the refurbishment of the main classroom building. Construction of a new book store and guard house has commenced and designs are ongoing for a new ablution block, inclusive of eastern style flushing toilets, and the addition of reticulated power and water. These facilities will significantly improve sanitation and education opportunities for children attending the Boys High School.
Tarin Kowt Eastern Causeway: This project involves the construction of a two-way crossing over the Garmab Mandah River to the east of Tarin Kowt. Construction is now complete and provides year-round access to the key provincial centres of Chora, Mirabad and the Dorafshan. The all-weather crossing significantly improves trade and access to health services for the people of Uruzgan. Designs are currently underway for the construction of the approach roads and bank stabilisation works.
Yaklengah Health Centre: The renovation of the Yaklengah Health Centre is nearing completion. This project has converted a basic health outpost into a comprehensive health centre, servicing people on the western side of the Tarin Kowt bowl. This is the Afghanistan Health Minister's highest priority after the Tarin Kowt provincial hospital and has been well received by the local community.
Afghan Health and Development Services Training Centre: The construction of a purpose-built Provincial Health Training Centre will enable the delivery of professional health care training to all health providers within Uruzgan. The construction of the new compound wall is now complete, and RTF3 are in the process of finalising the contract to commence the construction of a new headquarter building, a classroom building, a family accommodation building, and a kitchen/dining facility.
Tarin Kowt Boys Primary School: Conditions at the Boys Primary School are such that the existing facilities are extremely dilapidated and overcrowding is a significant issue. To resolve these issues, a new compound wall is currently under construction whilst detailed designs are being produced for the delivery of a classroom facility to cater for up to 1300 students, an administration building for school staff, an ablution block, guard house and a book store. The completed project will include running water, flushing toilets and power to all buildings.
Tarin Kowt Waste Management System: This project will provide a sustainable sewage management system for Tarin Kowt. It involves the construction of a number of sewerage treatment ponds to the south-east of Tarin Kowt and the procurement of a sullage truck for the transportation of waste from the septic tanks to the ponds. A management plan will be developed in close consultation with the Tarin Kowt Mayor’s Office to coordinate the implementation of the project. This project will significantly improve sanitation and health within Tarin Kowt.
Capacity building
The RTF has made excellent progress in building indigenous capacity since deploying to Afghanistan in September 2006.
In order to promote confidence and growth in local government, RTF3 regularly meets with community leaders and stakeholders. This ensures a harmonious relationship is maintained between our forces and the community, and their priorities are met through RTF3 reconstruction projects.
The RTF Trade Training School located at FOB RIPLEY, Tarin Kowt, conducts a number of trade courses, including basic plumbing, concreting, painting, tiling, carpentry and finishing trades. Other courses include the basic, intermediate and advanced construction workers course and the generator maintenance course.
The graduates receive Afghan Government recognition for the four-week courses and a greatly improved chance of employment in the community. RTF3 is also investigating the option of securing guaranteed positions for graduates with local construction contractors. The school also allows RTF3 to grow a pool of local trainers through continued development of their teaching skills and by employing selected graduates as instructors for future courses.
Additionally, RTF3 has continued its training of Afghan National Army engineers. They are receiving a mixture of structured, and on the job training, which has allowed them to contribute to our construction projects, encouraging further local support for RTF3 operations.
Information current at 08 January 2008 |
