U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. James Bates, a

U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. James Bates, a security force squad leader for Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, enjoys tea while providing security for PRT members during a key leader engagement at the provincial governor's compound in Farah City, Farah province, Afghanistan, Sept. 27. The PRT is conducting a mission to meet with provincial council members. PRT Farah is a unit of soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and non-government agencies tasked with facilitating governance and stability in the region by working hand in hand with local officials and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. PRT Farah's security force is made up of National Guard infantrymen out of Alaska who are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone assigned to the PRT.