The Arkansas National Guard's Agricultural Development Team, which is scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan in early 2010, began training this week in a cooperative partnership with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture through the U of A Cooperative Extension Service.

Arkansas is among 10 states which are fielding the ADT teams in Afghanistan in an effort to augment Provincial Reconstruction Teams with information and farming expertise. The team's mission focuses on developing or improving current farming practices, managing soil and water natural resources and developing post-harvest industries for the products in order to renew a long-term, profitable and sustainable agricultural economy in Afghanistan.

The relationship between the U of A and the Arkansas National Guard includes a weeklong educational update for the ADT. The training will update team members on wheat and field grain production practices; food processing and storage techniques; goat and sheep herd health and management; small flock poultry health and management; soil and water quality analysis; irrigation and water management; fruit and vegetable production and small-scale power generation techniques.

In addition, the ongoing consulting will enable the Guardsmen to consult with scientists via the internet from Afghanistan on any unique situations they encounter.

"We are the first ADT in this particular province, so the reach-back consulting piece is an integral part of the mission. The ability to access the research and experience of the university professionals will help ensure the success of our team in dealing with unique farming issues," said Col.
Steven Redman, commander of the Arkansas Agriculture Development Team.

The ADT concept seeks to build a life-cycle in an agrarian populace where improved methods will produce more harvest thereby creating jobs, infuse an economy and supply domestic and export markets with Afghan grown produce, products and by-products. Other states fielding ADT teams in Afghanistan
include: California, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

The states' National Guard are exceptionally qualified for these ADT missions. In addition to military skills, Guardsmen possess many civilian acquired skills that integrate well into this type of mission. For instance, a Guardsman may be trained in a military skill, however, they also bring experience and expertise from their civilian career or education. These dual-role, value-added skills enable Guardsmen to act as force multipliers in that one person can perform several types of functions on a given mission.

The ADTs are also an effective tool in countering insurgency. By affording people the opportunity to become self-sufficient through the production of hearty crops, breeding healthy livestock, developing locally controlled sustainable power systems and providing accessible, safe water it diminishes inter-tribal fighting and inspires Afghans to unite against those hoping to exploit their country for terrorism.

The Arkansas National Guard's ADT team is made up of members drawn from units across the state and includes Soldiers and Airmen from both the Army and Air National Guard. The team will deploy to Afghanistan in early 2010 on a year-long mission to assist in redeveloping the agricultural infrastructure, productivity and economic markets for Afghan products. The Guardsmen on the team bring experience in row crop farming, irrigation, cattle and poultry production, soil science and agricultural education.