WP: Iraq Reconstruction Teams Delayed at State Department

[DeepModem Mom]

Iraq Reconstruction Teams Delayed at State Department
Thursday, April 13, 2006; Page A19

Earlier this year, the State Department began soliciting personnel for provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) for Iraq, a new concept designed to take diplomats out of Baghdad and into the provinces.

"We urgently need talented State Department Foreign Service and Civil Service volunteers to staff sixteen new teams being formed beginning now and in early 2006," a State Department cable told employees. "The PRTs will assist Iraq's provincial governments with developing a transparent and sustained capability to govern, promoting increased security and rule of law, promoting political and economic development, and providing the provincial administration necessary to meet the basic needs of the population." The cable called for team leaders, deputy team leaders and provincial assistance officers, who it said were needed as early as January....

***

The rollout of the PRTs has been slowed by a debate between the Pentagon and State over whether the military or private contractors should provide security. As of April 7, job applications had been received for only 12 of 35 positions, according to the State Department's internal bid list. And, of all applicants, only one is deemed qualified based on grade level and previous expertise, according to the bid list.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/12/AR2006041201759.html?sub=AR

[OregonBlue]

1. No government employees out there with a death wish? They can't

even decide who should protect them (military or private contractors). You'd have to be insane to want one of these positions!

[NYC]

2. The Tethered Goat.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/040606A.shtml

Well worth reading.


...The Pentagon has informed the state department it will not provide security for these officials and that mercenaries should be hired for protection instead...