Indiana National Guard > Home > Agribusiness Development Teams

The Indiana National Guard hosted a display at the Indiana State Fair, August 6-22, 2010, in the Toyota Exposition Hall. A representation of a typical Afghan marketplace was presented, along with photos and video kiosks describing the mission of the first Indiana Agribusiness Development Team, the 1-19th, which was deployed to Khowst Province, Afghanistan, throughout 2009.

The 2-19th returned from its mission in Khowst Province in 2010, continuing and enhancing the programs established by the first ADT. The 3-19th ADT was very active during its deployment from September 2010 - August 2011, starting a Future Farmers of America program with local youth. The 4-19th recently deployed and is now in theater getting itself settled and ready to roll. The 5-19th is actively involved in premob training.

Are you a Guardsman interested in being part of an ADT?

The Indiana National Guard is continuing its partnership with the Khowst Province in Afghanistan by fielding a 5th, 6th, and 7th Agribusiness Development Team. If you are a National Guardsman with work experience or education in Agronomy, Animal husbandry, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Soil Science, or Rangeland Management and are interested in an opportunity to mobilize for this unique mission , go to http://www.in.ng.mil/mobvolunteer or contact the J3 Mobilization Branch at 317-247-3178.

View an indepth article of ADT's, their history, mission, fast facts, etc.

What is an Agribusiness Development Team (ADT)?

An Agribusiness Development Team is a unit specifically selected and assembled to focus on the business of agriculture. The ADTs of the Indiana National Guard will work with the government of Afghanistan, Khost Province, to improve agricultural methods and processes where possible. The team’s agriculture specialists are Guardsmen with experience and/or education in several agricultural fields, such as forestry, engineering, general farming, pest management, horticulture, marketing and education.

Why does the Indiana National Guard think these teams are important enough to keep putting them together and sending them to Afghanistan?

The agrarian society in Afghanistan derives its economic well-being from it's agricultural production, but also its social and family structure from the farming life style. To provide stability and improvement in the business of farming not only encourages economic stimulus in an impoverished community, but also supports the family and community structure. As the internal strength of the community flourishes, less external input from military and government sources will be required to sustain and extend social and economic prosperity.