First, do no harm... (1 Viewer)

[blackadder]

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=64799

 

[helofixer]

Sounds like NGO's did the harm, not the military.

 

[blackadder]

Sounds like NGO's did the harm, not the military.

The nation building concept is behind the harm.

 

[abnrgr]

Well, on a small scale but this is not really nation building. The water wells are relatively cheap $3,500 per 100-150 ft well. Problem is too many were dug without planning or forecasting what the affect would be to the water table. The PRT should be able to fix this relatively cheaply or at no cost (close up some wells). This activity is part of small local grants to help our guys build relationships on the ground. There are other multi-million $ projects that we do need to provide oversight on because there is rampant corruption in Iraq and Afghanistan. I share your reluctance to not involve ourselves in nation building but this is really small scale grants which do not exceed $25,000 and do help combat units on the ground. I have done a few of these in our area so I am aware of the costs and rewards. With proper oversight they are good programs.