Editor ial

Dear R eaders!
The change from summer to fall saw a lot of changes
within UNDOF. First we were pleased to welcome our
new Force Commander MGen Singha, who took over
command on 13th Aug 2012. This Change of Command
ceremony became a dignified and emotional event,
carefully organized and conducted by the Media and
Public Relations Section of UNDOF.
UNDOF has also greeted and hosted many important visitors over the past months. The Head of the
Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Herv
Ladsous, and the Military Advisor in the DPKO,
LtGen Babcar Gaye visited UNDOF this summer.
An overview of welfare activities is provided in this
magazine as well as the last part of our documentary
series about the construction of the new office building
No. 33 in Camp Faouar: moving in soon!
Last but not least I want to thank our newly engaged
proofreaders Capt Scottie Morris and Capt Dean Clark
from UNTSO OGG.
SOPR

Please have a look on our website with regularly

updated news about the UNDOF mission:

www.undof.unmissions.org

Yours sincerely,
Capt Ekkehard Grppel, SOPR

Editorial ........................................................................................................................... 2

Editorial Staff:

Unit Press Officers:

Chief of Staff Words ........................................................................................ 4

AUSBATT - Capt Rdiger von Gimborn

FC UNDOF

Force Commanders Message ............................................................. 3

DMPIO

Visits to UNDOF ................................................................................................. 5

Editor in Chief,
Proofreader & SOPR
Capt Ekkehard Grppel

New People in UNDOF

Editor & SSO M/PR

Maj Alexander Unterweger

COS UNDOF
New People
New People

New People in UNDOF .............................................................................. 6

. .............................................................................

New People

New People in UNDOF / Visit of LtGen Gaye .................... 8

Welfare

Welfare activities enjoy great popularity ............................... 10

UNDOF

Change of Command FC UNDOF ......................................... 12

DPKO

Welfare

UNDOF
Sport

UNDOF visited by the Under-Secretary-General ..... 9

Welfare activities enjoy great popularity ............................... 11

Change of Command FC UNDOF ......................................... 13
International Sports Convention ................................................... 14

AUSBATT

The call of Mount Hermon . ................................................................. 15

PHILBATT

A love to last a lifetime ............................................................................... 17

INDCON

Indian Engineers at work ........................................................................ 19

PHILBATT
INDCON
J-CON

A Golans Nightmare prevented by PHILBATT .... 16

Indian Independence Day . ..................................................................... 18

Out with the old, in with the new!

..............................................

20

Engineering

New Office Building moving in soon . ............................... 21

OGG

Not a normal Day on the Line .................................................... 23

MP

Front (Page 1):

In the footsteps of the Apostle Peter ........................................ 22

Handover/Takeover of the United Nations Banner

Photo by Sgt Thomas Zhrer, Photographer AUSBATT

Back (Page 24): The Nubian ibex in the Negev desert

Photo by SSgt Gernot Payer, Force Photographer

Our team: Alex, Ekke, Seiji and Gerry

- the UNDOF Journal

Editor & DMPIO

Capt Seiji Ito
Editor, Layout Designer
& Force Photographer
SSgt Gernot Payer

PHILBATT - Maj Bernadeth D. Tocloy

INDCON - Maj Himmat Singh
HRVCON - Lt I Petar Guljas
J-CON - Capt Ken Hareyama

and Capt Masashi Kaneko
MP - LCdr Bonifacio Agas
OGG - Maj Christoph Massauer

Editorial Office:

UNDOF HQ
Camp FAOUAR
E-Mail: [email protected]
Online edition:

http://undof.unmissions.org

The Golan Journal is the magazine of the United Nations Disengagement

Observer Force and it is intended to provide information about the Force and
events within it which are of interest to its members. The UNDOF Media/
Public Relations Office publishes the Golan Journal quarterly. While articles
and photographs are welcomed from all members of the Force, the view and
opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily
coincide with those of the United Nations or the Force Commander.
The copyright of all material in this journal is vested in United Nations Publications except where an acknowledgment is made to another holder. No articles
or illustrations may be reproduced without the permission of the editorial staff.

Force Commanders Message

FC UNDOF

Dear Gallant Peacekeepers!

It is a great privilege for me to have inherited the
command of UNDOF, a prestigious, well established and
historic mission. The mission has effectively ensured peace
in the Golan Heights by fulfilling its mandate thanks to the
diligent effort and hard work put in by all the members of
UNDOF in synergy with the observers from OGG.
I have visited all the Positions and Observation Posts where
our peacekeepers and MILOBs have been deployed. You all
are undoubtedly committed to retaining peace in the region
during trying times. All of you know your job well and are
conversant with the terrain, our mandate and the ground
situation.
Our mission has a lot of institutional memory emanating
from the long years that some of our civilian staff have
devoted here and also from the fact that many members of Austrian Battalion have had multiple tenures in
UNDOF. I am sure this will turn out to be a huge asset for me and other new members of the mission. Having
said that, I must add that we are passing through very challenging times as off now. Overspill of internal
strife into our area of responsibility and its effect on our operations is imminent. Therefore, there is a need to
shed our mindsets and rise to face the present day challenges. The situation demands robust and meaningful
peacekeeping and ensuring that our freedom of movement is retained so that we continue to fulfill our
mandate.
I noticed that there was very little communication between us and the local leaders and ground
Commanders. We have taken a positive step towards establishing close communication with them which will
ensure better coordination for sustaining peace. Peacekeepers must also make a conscious effort to pick up
essentials of Arabic and be in a position to exchange pleasantries. Patience and restraint are the two biggest
virtues of peace-keeping. I exhort you to be courteous with the locals and continue to mean well for the region.
We must retain our impartiality at all costs and endeavour to win confidence of both the parties.
I take this opportunity to thank those who are returning to their nations and joining their families after
successful completion of their tenure at UNDOF and wish them the very best for all their future endeavours.
I welcome those who have joined the mission recently and wish them happy innings. I have no doubts that
they will rise to the occasion in order to achieve lasting peace in the region. Remember, no matter what
background, culture or nationality we belong to, our motto remains:

One Mission, One Team, One Goal

GOD SPEED

Major General Iqbal Singh Singha

Head of Mission & Force Commander UNDOF

- the UNDOF Journal

COS UNDOF

Chief of Staff Words

Fellow Peacekeepers!

nother three month passed by and UNDOF

begins preparations for the end of the hot season in the Golan. The third quarter of this year was
again full of interesting activities and challenges
for the UNDOF team. After two and a half years a
change of Force Commander was due. The Change of
Command Ceremony was impressive. To see all our
contingents lined up in their different uniforms and
performing their unique military drills reinforced the
diversity with brings the strength to UNDOF. A new
broom sweeps clean is a prominent saying in Austria
and it fits very well to the situation in UNDOF after
MGen Singha took command. As the Chief of Staff,
I very much appreciate that the new Force Commander
expressed clear direction regarding his ideas and intent.
This supports the normal rhythm of our mission and
sets UNDOF in a sound position at the beginning of a
new command.
On the operational front we still face a deteriorating situation in Syria to which we must adjust and constantly prepare for. Maintaining the professional standards in all respects is the best prevention from the current threat to UNDOF. The fact that we have succeeded
so far should not be an excuse for slowing down our efforts. On the contrary, we must increase our situational
awareness in order to support our mission objectives and provide appropriate protective measures.
Fortunately we had only one rotation in the last quarter; namely J-CON. This change has supported the continuation of our conduct of operations with a fresh group of Japanese Peacekeepers. This coming quarter will see
the rotations of INDCON, PHILBATT, and AUSBATT; this will require a concerted effort and focus for the
outgoing and the new incoming personnel to maintain our current operational tempo.
I am very happy that we still maintain the high morale of our troops through sports events and activities.
AUSBATT March, Volleyball tournament and Edelweiss Run were events which were very well organized and
well attended by many participants from our UNDOF family. We should keep this momentum and find the time
to carry on organizing and conducting additional events in the next quarter.
On a personal note, this next quarter will be my last in UNDOF. I intend to sustain my focus on our operations
and draw on all my reserves to continue my support to the mission, the Force Commander and all Peacekeepers.
One Mission One Team One Goal

Colonel Andreas Rotheneder, Chief of Staff UNDOF

- the UNDOF Journal

Visits to UNDOF

by Capt Seiji Ito, DMPIO

Visitors

Gen Jessie D. Dellosa, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the

Philippines, visited Camp Ziouani and met with FC UNDOF
(12th Jul 2012)

Ms. Nitsana Darshan Leitner, Israel Law Center, visited

with a group of students Camp Ziouani (13th Jul 2012)

Mr. Fabrizio Hochschild, Director Field Personnel Division,

Department of Field Support, visited Camp Faouar and met with
CMS and COS UNDOF (17th Jul 2012)

Mr. Pjer imunovi, Croatian Ambassador, visited Camp

Ziouani and Posn 22 (26th Aug 2012)

Mr. Maoz Zeev, Professor at the University of California,

visited Camp Ziouani (4th Jul 2012)

Mr. Turkey Abu Saleh, School Teacher, visited

Camp Ziouani and HQ PHILBATT (18th Jul 2012)

LtGen Emmanuel T. Bautista, Commander of the Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines, visited Camp
Ziouani and met with FC UNDOF (22nd - 23rd Jul 2012)

Mr. Taher Abu Salih, Religious Head of Majdal Shams,

visited Camp Ziouani and attended Indian Independence
Day Ceremony (24th Aug 2012)

H.E. Mr. Hideo Sato, Japanese Ambassador, visited Camp

Ziouani and attended Change of Command ceremony of
J-CON (5th Sep 2012)

Commanding Col Eng. Mazen Ibrahim Younes, SSAD, visited

Camp Faouar and met with FC UNDOF (25th September 2012)

LtCol Peter Lloyd Larsen, U.S. Assistant Air Attach, visited Camp Ziouani and met with FC UNDOF (18th Sep 2012)
- the UNDOF Journal

Peo p le of UND OF

The new Head of Mission and Force Commander UNDOF

Major General Iqbal Singh Singha was commissioned into The Rajputana Rifles in 1977
after four years of training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian
Military Academy, Dehradun. The General Officer has fulfilled a variety of command and
staff appointment at all levels of command and across diverse operating environments in an
illustrious career spread over 35 years.

A post graduate from Defence Services Staff College Wellington, India and the prestigious
National Defence college, New Delhi, The General has two M phils to his credit in Defence
and Strategic studies. He has attended Junior, Senior and Higher Command courses at Army War College, Mhow.
Notable Staff appointments attained by the General are Brigadier General Staff of a Corps, Chief of Staff of
an Armoured Division and General Staff Officer Grade 1 at Military Operations Directorate. He has been an
instructor at Officers Training Academy and a Brigade Major of Mechanized Brigade.
Major General Singhas field and operational tenures include command of an Infantry Company, a Battalion and
Brigade on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in low intensity conflict environment. After successful
command of Napiers Rifles, his unit was conferred with Chief of Army Staff s citation for curbing terrorism in
counter insurgency environment. He commanded an Infantry division in Desert and coastal areas.
Major General Singha has been decorated for his achievements and was awarded Chief of Army Staff
Commendation, twice; Force Commanders Commendation and CAOs Commendation at UNMEE; and the
VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL for distinguished service of a very high order as a Brigade Commander.

Major General Singha has been an active participant in various seminars on war fighting, human rights, human
resources development and counter terrorism.
A keen sportsman, Major General Singha is fond of basketball, golf and tennis. He is married to Mrs. Baljeet
and they have two sons, Rannvijay and Harmanjeet.

The new CO AUSBATT

LtCol Andreas Schiff bnker took over command of the Austrian Battalion on 26th Jul
2012 for a second time after a six month break. He was born on the 20th April 1961 in Bad
Ischl and joined the Austrian Armed Forces in 1980. After graduating from the Military
Academy in 1984, he served in an Infantry Regiment as Logistics Officer and Company
Commander. From 1995 until his present posting, he served in various positions at the Austrian Non-commissioned Officers Academy in Enns as the Commander of the 2nd Training
Division. He graduated from the National Defense College in Vienna with a Masters of
Security and Defense Management in 2005.

LtCol Schiff bnker has served three times with UNDOF, once as CO AUSBATT from 2011 to 2012 and twice as
Quartermaster AUSBATT from 1988 to 1989 and from 1991 to 1992. Other international assignments include: NATO
in 1997 as commander of the Austrian National Support Element in Bosnia and Herzegovina; from 2000 to 2001 as
a Watch Officer Joint Operation Centre KFOR; and in 2006 he served as the DCO HQ Support Group KFOR in
Pristina.
LtCol Schiff bnker is married to Margarete with whom he has two children, Julia and Nadine. His hobbies
are focused on all sports with his big passion being to play ice hockey.

- the UNDOF Journal

LtCol Kawardeep Sawhney was born on 31st Oct 1977. He graduated from the National
Defence Academy and was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy into the
Regiment of Artillery in 1998. In addition to his mandatory courses, he holds a Masters
Degree in Weapon System and Technology and is a qualified Instructor in Gunnery. He is
also qualified on the Technical Staff Officers Course. He has experience in serving in various terrains ranging from deserts to high altitude areas and has operated in active Counter
Insurgency Operations. During his service, he served as a Gun Position Officer, Observation Post Officer, and Battery Commander and Second in Command. For his valor and
courage during his career in field, LtCol Sawhney has been awarded the "Chief of Army Staff Commendation"
twice. The officer has also served as an Instructor in the Indian Military Academy, the elite institution for PreCommission Training of the Officers of the Army.

LtCol Sawhney is married to Mrs. Richa and is blessed with a son. He is a keen sportsman and enjoys listening to music.

The new CO J-CON

Maj Fumihiro Kayanuma was born in Tokyo on 19th Nov 1976 and completed his junior
high school in Myanmar. He joined Japans Grand Defense Forces in 2000 after graduating
from the National Defense Academy with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. He is
also a graduate of the JGSDF Command and General Staff Course.
Maj Kayanuma began his military career as Infantry Platoon Leader over the years 2001
until 2003. In the following years from 2003 to 2006 he worked as Instructor at the Sergeant Training Unit. From 2006 throughout 2008, he served as a Regiment Plans and
Training Officer.

From 2008 to 2010, Maj Kayanuma completed the JGSDF Command and General Staff Course. From 2010 to
2011, he was Company Commander at the 4th Infantry Regiment. When the great earthquake shook Japan on 11th
Mar 2011, he took part in the disaster relief operations as Company Commander. He was in charge of life saving
and transportation. Maj Kayanuma is married to Terumi and they have a son, Tsuguru (2). Their family is presently living in Hokkaido, in the northern part of Japan. His hobbies include soccer and reading.

The new Chief Observer Group Golan Damascus (COGG-D)

LtCol Bjorn Eidsvag was born in Oslo, Norway 7th May 1959. His career started at the
Officer Candidate School in 1978. His profession was until 2007 in Army Signals (CIS)
after which he moved to the Logistic Branch. Highlights of his career include appointments as the Commanding Officer of both the northern and southern logistic units in
Norway; CO of the Norwegian contingent in Kabul, AFG in 2008; and Senior Military
Liaison Officer in UNMIK in Kosovo. He has extensive experience in the field of international cooperation with other countries armed forces, first in the CIS area and lately in the
logistic one.

LtCol Eidsvag is looking forward to the challenge of his appointment as Chief OGG-D and believes that he
will learn a lot from the current challenging times in Syria, and he so far finds the job very interesting. In taking
his position, he remarked that he is very happy to see his UNMOs in high spirits despite the challenging times of
having been moved from Damascus and now living up in the - how he names it - Golands.
- the UNDOF Journal

Peo p le of UND OF

The new CO LOGBATT

Peo p le of UND OF

The New Chief Communications Officer (CCO)

Mr. Ricardo Manalo Jr. was born on 5th Aug 1963 in Caloocan, Manila, Philippines. He
graduated from Lyceum of the Philippines and has a Bachelor Degree in Electronics and
Communications Engineering. His UN experience started with UNPROFOR in 1993 as
an individual contractor working as a telecommunications technician in Croatia. During
his time he acquired a depth of experience in support of peace keeping operations. He then
joined the United Nations Department of Peace Keeping Operations on 1st Aug 1996.

Following this, Mr. Manalo has served as Regional ICT Coordinator in UNMIBH in
Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina from 1998 to 2003; as a Satellite Technician in UNAMA in Afghanistan in 2003; as
the Chief Communications Officer in UNMOGIP in India and Pakistan from 2004 to 2007; as OutstationSupport Supervisor in UNTSO from 2007 to 2009; and as Chief Communications Officer in UNSOA in Somalia
and Kenya from 2009 to 2012. Effective as at 30th Jun 2012 he took over the duties and responsibility as the Chief
Communications Officer in UNDOF. He is married to Rosie with whom he has three children Van Daniel (20),
Vanessa Danielle (13) and Ricardo III Vinz (7).

LtGen Babcar Gaye visit to UNDOF

On 22nd Aug 2012, the Military Advisor to the Department of Peacekeeping
Operations in New York and former Force Commander of UNSMIS, LtGen
Babcar Gaye, visited UNDOF.
LtGen Gaye was greeted
with a Guard of Honor as he
entered Camp Faouar from
the adjacent parade square.
He was warmly welcomed
by the Force Commander
UNDOF, MGen I.S.Singha,
at the entrance to the UNDOF
Headquarters and led to a
mission briefing on the current situation by the Chief of
Staff UNDOF, Col Andreas
Rotheneder.
LtGen Gaye was taken on
a tour in the Area of Separation where he was shown
the terrain and key features
of interest to UNDOF. The
tour also incorporated a visit
to UNTSO OGG OP 72 and
UNDOF Posn 37. The visit
officially ended with a delicious Austrian lunch and the
presentation of a memento by
MGen Singha.

- the UNDOF Journal

The new FC UNDOF welcomes the highly distinguished guest

UNDOF visited by the Under-Secretary-General

he visit of the Under-Secretary-General

begun on a Friday morning, when the
Commanding Officer of the Force Headquarters Company, Capt Christoph Seirer, presented an international Guard of Honor to
Mr. Herv Ladsous on his arrival at the main
gate of Camp Faouar. The Under-SecretaryGeneral, who took over from Mr. Alain
Le Roy on 3rd Oct 2011 as the Head of
Department of Peacekeeping Operations,
was afterwards warmly welcomed by the
Force Commander UNDOF, MGen Natalio
C. Ecarma III. The Force Commander provided him with a detailed mission briefing
that encompassed the current situation in
UNDOFs Area of Responsibility.
The briefing was also attended by the Chief
of Staff UNDOF, Col Andreas Rotheneder,
as well as the Branch-Heads, Commanding
Officers of the troop contributing nations, the
Legal Advisor and the Chief OGG. Followed
by a conference with the national and international Civilian Staff of UNDOF, led by the
Chief Mission Support, Mr. Bernard Lee.
After a short walk meet and greet through
the camp and lunch in the Austrian International Kitchen, Mr. Ladsous was introduced to
the Area of Separation and provided with an
overview of Qunaitra at AUSBATT Posn 27
and the B-Gate. In addition to that, PHILBATT Outpost 60A and UNTSO OGG
OP72 were visited.
The visit of the Under-Secretary-General
was completed in the afternoon by returning to
Damascus; equipped with the latest information and impressions of the UNDOF mission.
Article by Capt Ekkehard Grppel, SOPR
Photos by SSgt Gernot Payer

Mr. Ladsous and MGen Ecarma III in front of the HQ UNDOF

Line tour in Qunaitra

Monitoring at UNTSO OP 72

- the UNDOF Journal

D P KO

On 27th Jul 2012, Mr. Herv Ladsous, the Head of Department of Peacekeeping
Operations, visited UNDOF. The visit program was shaped to expose and
update the Under-Secretary-General to the latest proceedings in the UNDOF
mission.

Welfare activities enjoy great popularity

We l f a r e

The SO Welfare position was established in June 2009 as a new staff

member of HQ UNDOF. Since that time, the importance of welfare business
increased noticeably and nevertheless to the current situation with many
travel restrictions implemented, the SO Welfare UNDOF was able to conduct
a lot of welfare activities.

elfare
and
recreational
activities are indispensable. The SO Welfare is charged to
make these activities possible for all
UNDOF members. This challenging time in the Golan is no exception and the SO Welfare has created and implemented additional
welfare opportunities. These events
have been planned in a six-month
cycle designed to meet the needs
of UNDOF personnel and balance
their operational readiness and general well-being whilst staying in the
mission area. UNDOF allocated
50,000 USD of funding for the procurement and maintenance of sports
equipment, support to recreational
trips, marches and sport tournaments amongst the UNDOF Contingents.
UNDOF members join
welfare trips
One-day trips have been organized to visit various places in the
mission area primarily to learn and
appreciate the history, culture and
geography of the host countries. In
November last year, more than 80
military and civilian UNDOF personnel participated in trips to the
Nimrod Fortress, to Damascus and
the Sea of Galilee. In the first two
months this year, more than 120
personnel had visited different historical places as a part of organized
recreation trips. It enhanced their

10

- the UNDOF Journal

Jerusalem or Al Quds, at any time a special place to be discovered

cultural knowledge and improved

situational awareness of the region
which is essential for the performance of their duty.
In April 2012, SO Welfare conducted a trip to Jerusalem with 64
incoming soldiers from the Philippines and India, who really enjoyed
the exposure to the depth of religious and cultural complexities that
this city contains.
Another trip of 81 UNDOF
members visited the Bahai Shrine
gardens in Akko and Rosh Hanikra, which are located on the coast
of the Mediterranean Sea close to
the Israeli-Lebanon border. The
area is lined with white chalk cliff

face which opens up into spectacular

grottos. The grottos are full of cavernous tunnels formed by sea action
against the soft chalk rock, which
now branch off in various directions, some interconnecting. More
than 450 UNDOF personnel had
participated in organized recreation
trips to different ancient and holy
places in Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
This impressive amount of participation shows clearly, that Welfare
business is a very important issue
which is being utilized by UNDOF
to great effect. This coming summer
the welfare activities of all respective Contingent units are to be fully
implemented.

We l f a r e
The Indian volleyball players were the best

International sports
events organized by
UNDOF
A long list of sports events has
also been promoted and wellattended by the Force demonstrating the acceptance of welfare activities. A ball-hockey tournament at
Camp Faouar was hosted by CANCON and participants from different teams made up from troop
contributing Contingents as well as
the UNDOF civilian staff and the
UNTSO OGG went on to prove
their skills and team work until one
was proclaimed as the champion.
The established friendship and
camaraderie of UNDOF Peacekeepers were exampled in a series
of sports activities in Camp Ziouani
like the UNDOF basketball tournament with six different teams from
the Philippine, Croatian, Japanese
and Indian contingent, the Military
Police and the HQ UNDOF.
The final was won by PHILBATT who beat the HQ in the
Majdal Shams Gymnasium. Additionally badminton and bowling
events took place with participation by bowling aficionados from
PHILBATT, UNDOF HQ Staff
Officers and the civilian staff. Last

The Bahai Shrine gardens in Akko

May the FHQ Coy hosted its traditional UNDOF Soccer Cup at
Camp Faouars multi-purpose court
with participant teams from Austria, Philippines, India, Japan and
Croatia.
Marches are still popular
As the situation in the AOS is
becoming more volatile, UNDOF
personnel still managed to gather
and participate in the various
marches held in the PHILBATT
and AUSBATT area. The Tamaraw March was held last March,
hosted by 1st Coy/PhB with more
than 100 participants as well as the
Alamid March, hosted by 2nd Coy/
PhB last May with a remarkable
120 participants. The AUSBATT
March, leading up the steep slopes
of Mount Hermon, was successfully conducted in September with
90 participating people who showed
their stamina and bravery in their
attempts to assent.
A series of sports activities have
been scheduled for the remaining period of the year 2012. These
endeavours will undoubtedly keep
up the Esprit de Corps and team
work being developed amongst
UNDOF personnel throughout
their tour of duty.

Gym and Fitness Centres

One special project of the SO
Welfare, and one near to many of
in UNDOF, is the enhancement
of fitness centres at various positions in the AOR. It took a lot of
perseverance to negotiate approval
from UNDOF authorities in support of upgrading fitness equipment. As a result of the committed
and untiring support of CISS and
CSO UNDOF the purchase of a
suit of gym equipment amounting
to 30,000 USD was finally realized.
Some initial items have already been
delivered and are in use at positions with more equipment on the
way shortly. The welfare and recreational activities at UNDOF primarily support the combat readiness
and effectiveness of our personnel.
The accomplishment of UNDOFs
mandated tasks depend on the state
of morale of every UN-Peacekeeper.
Promoting the mental and physical
well-being of personnel ensures that
we maintain high a level of morale
in the mission area. Moreover, in
these challenging times, teamwork
and Esprit de Corps should remain
forefront among all UNDOF personnel.
Article and Photos by Maj Warren Munda,
SO Welfare

- the UNDOF Journal

11

UNDOF

Change of Command FC UNDOF

The Handover and Takeover of the Force Commander UNDOF from MGen
Natalio C. Ecarma III to MGen I. S. Singha took place on 13th Aug 2012 during
an impressive ceremony held on the Camp Faouar parade square.

Signing of the COC certificates

t was 09:00hrs on a warm and

sunny Monday morning when
the Change of Command ceremony
commenced. It was the culmination of an intensive handover program that had started only a few
days earlier. At the spot were several
international dignitaries and guests
including the Ambassador of the
Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Shri
V.P. Haran as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, H.E.
Dr. Maria Kunz.
After having the parade handed
over to the Force Commander
by the Chief Operations Officer

12

- the UNDOF Journal

UNDOF LtCol Robert Glanner,

the parade honoured the UNDOF
soldiers, who have fallen over the
past 38 years, by a wreath laying ceremony at the main cenotaph. Padre
Maj Cirilo Bermudez from PHILBATT and Cpl Satish Singh from
INDCON blessed the site with
their touching words in English and
Sanskrit creating a warm and caring
mood on the parade square.
Earlier the playing of the Philippine National Anthem, sung beautifully by a female soldier of PHILBATT, was followed by an address
of the Chief of Staff UNDOF, Col

Andreas Rotheneder, to both the

outgoing and incoming Force Commander.
The outgoing Force Commander
MGen Natalio C. Ecarma III followed with an emotional farewell
speech, which emphasized the
remarkable contribution and the
excellent cooperation between the
troops of the different contributing
nations within UNDOF during his
tenure as the Head of Mission.
He paid special thanks to the
Chief of Staff UNDOF and the
Chief Mission Support, Mr. Bernard Lee, as well as the nations

UNDOF

who had contributed their

men and women to serve as
Peacekeepers.
The Handover Takeover was next. This involved
the signing of the official
documents in a special ceremony under the auspice of
the United Nations Banner and was followed by a
speech from the Ambassador
of the Republic of India. This
gave way to the inauguration speech of the incoming
Force Commander, MGen
I.S.Singha, who praised
the work of his predecessor
and addressed all Contingents present at the parade in
their mother tongue. During challenging times we
need to exercise greater care
and restraint and ensure protection of lives and property
whether it may concern local
population or UN assets. We
need to respect values, culture and sensitivities of both the
parties concerned and must resort to
truthful reporting. That is the hall-

MGen Singha and MGen Ecarma III

mark of professional peacekeeping,

MGen Singha proclaimed.
The ceremony ended with the

playing of the Indian National

Anthem followed by a march-past
of the Colors and troops in sight of
the guests.
The event also displayed a rainbow of intercultural music played by
Radio Gecko and offered a remarkable international buffet which
all guests enjoyed. In the early
afternoon post luncheon, MGen
Ecarma III was honored by a lot
of well-wishers saying farewell to
their Force Commander. Finally he
departed Camp Faouar for the last
time.
Article by Capt Ekkehard Grppel, SOPR
Photos by Sgt Thomas Zhrer,
Photographer/AB

Parade square: Troops saluting the Colors

- the UNDOF Journal

13

Sport

UNDOF in the Middle of International

Sports Convention
For years it is a tradition that UNDOF takes part in the International Sports
Day sponsored by the A-Side. 25 UNDOF Peacekeepers joined in on the
12th Sep 2012 a two-day sports event which took place in the Negev desert.

lmost 100 Peacekeepers from

different UN missions in the
Middle East including UNTSO,
UNDOF, UNIFIL and MFO
(Multinational Force and Observer
in Sinai) had the chance to display their sporting prowess. After
a warm welcome by the Head of
the A-Side Liaison Department,
Col Yariv Shnapp, the soldiers were
split up in groups to begin the competition in the various sports disciplines which included: bike spinning, kickboxing, drumming and
Zumba (a kind of aerobic workout). Each event was animated by
professional trainers and accompanied by motivating music.
UNDOF was represented by

14

the Force Commander, MGen

I. S. Singha, who did not hesitate
to show his superb skills in basketball. The 25 soldiers of all ranks
from PHILBATT, AUSBATT,
LOGBATT and the UNDOF
Headquarters participated in team
events of soccer and basketball
matches. On the second day a fascinating biking tour was organized
through the Negev desert which, set
on an amazing natural backdrop of
breathtaking landscape and fauna
(see the photo on the last page, the
Nubian ibex), was a unique and
unforgettable event.
This invitation was a great
opportunity for us to get in contact
with other UN mission members,

LtCol Dennis Godfrey Gammad,

CLPIO UNDOF mentioned at
the end of the closing ceremony.
The CLPIO also participated in all
the sports events and congratulated
the organizers for their outstanding efforts and preparation work.
The Sports Convention concluded
on the second day with a delightful
open air buffet lunch in the desert.
All participating UNDOF members returned to their various positions and offices within UNDOF
with a set of unique and everlasting
impressions. Most of them felt tired
but very happy.
Article by Capt Ekkehard Grppel, SOPR
Photos by SSgt Gernot Payer

Drumming in the rhythm of disco music

Biking experience indoor

FC UNDOF going for a score

and outdoor in the Negev desert

- the UNDOF Journal

Twice a year the AUSBATT March takes place. It gives all participants the
opportunity to prove their fitness as well as their skills in patrolling through
mountainous terrain. In mid-September the time has come when Mount
Hermon called again.

Powerful Austrians almost succeeded

sually, it is a two day venture

starting in Qunaitra at Posn 27
(2nd Coy/AB) with approximately 18
kilometers in undulated terrain to
be dealt with before you finish the
first stage at Posn 10 (3rd Coy/AB).
But due to the prevailing situation
in the AOS, the AUSBATT March
had unfortunately to be cut down to
the second days challenging 22 km
march in the unforgiving steep and
rough terrain.
Starting at an altitude of 1,460m
above sea level, at Posn 10, steep
climbs over large rocks characterize the first part of this most challenging track. Having made it to
the Eastern Ridge of the Hermon
mountain range, you find yourself
at almost 2,300 meters height where
you can clearly see the top of Mount
Hermon in the distance. It is here
you realize that you still have two
thirds of the march to complete.
The last third of the track is merci-

Mission accomplished: INDCON soldiers at Posn HH

less with a long steep, winding 9 km

track taking you to the summit.
Still 90 soldiers of UNDOF set
out on 14th Sep 2012 to reach Posn
Hermon Hotel (HH) in the area of
1st Coy/AB. They were organized in
teams of at least four in battle dress
uniform. Backpacked and equipped,
the patrols met in the early morning
before sunrise at the starting point.
There they received the final briefing before setting out at 06:00hrs
with the suns first morning light
illuminating the track.
The objective though was not to
be the fastest, but to stay together
team wise and take every member
of your team with you to the finishing line. Besides the endurance
and aching legs, this patrol is perfect for team building and additionally offers you a great panorama
and overwhelming impressions of
natures beauty. Only two participants could not finish. They were

picked up and given medical assistance.

All other participants successfully managed to get through and
you could see the pride in the faces
of each and every soldier, who
crossed the finishing line at Posn
Hermon Hotel, the highest permanently manned UN-position at
2,814m above sea level.
The Force Commander, MGen
I.S.Singha, joined in the march
on the last kilometers to share the
experience of his solders. He gave
his UNDOF Peacekeepers the
honor of a short speech, congratulating the participants for their tremendous efforts and thanking the
AUSBATT for the proper organization of the event.
Article by Capt Rdiger von Gimborn,
PIO AUSBATT
Photos by Capt Rdiger von Gimborn and
Sgt Thomas Zhrer, Photographer/AB

- the UNDOF Journal

15

AU S B AT T

Make it to the top

the call of Mount Hermon

P H I L B AT T

A Golans Nightmare prevented by

PHILBATT!
You me and everybody hope that no one will freeze to death in this very
frightening time. A fight for survival in the upcoming winter season the
search for firewood.

t was a sunny and blustery day

when the wood pickers issue in
UNDOF arose. Before, units from
the A-Side were uprooting bushes
and trees westwards of the TruceLine which then opened the convenient opportunity for the local
people on B-Side to collect the cut
wood in preparation for the upcoming winter. This opportunity often
leads to violations as the wood collectors often cross the A-Line to
gather wood without permission
from the host nations.
It is stated in the Syrian Constitutional Law that nobody is allowed
to cut any wood from living trees.
Forest rangers are always patrolling
to enforce this law so wood and kindling lying on the ground in sight
of the wood collectors proves to be
irresistible.
LtCol Ramon C. Estella, the
PHILCON Contingent Commander, decided to synchronize all
operational deployments of troops
in PHILBATTs Area of Opera-

Syrian locals picking up pieces of woods in preparation for the upcoming winter seasons

tion by using screening operation

techniques. This type of operation was conceptualized in order to
allow a smooth wood picking for
the populace and more importantly
to prevent both sides from committing violations against the 1974
Geneva Agreement. Furthermore,
it ensures the safety and security of
all UN personnel in
that area.
Hence, the grueling seven day-operation by PHILBATT
needed the day-today deployment of
seven Ready Reaction Patrols and three
additional ones from
Force Headquarters
Company UNDOF.
Also
AUSBATT
Collecting the woods monitored by PHILBATT
supported
for two
Peacekeepers

16

- the UNDOF Journal

days by cutting trees with chainsaws.

The operation could not have
succeeded without the help of the
B-Side local village leaders, called
Muktars. The Muktars again were
asked to intervene and help in solving uprising concerns that could
lead to a greater problem between
both sides.
Once again the Philippine Contingent successfully prevented a
probable sensitive violation against
the agreement. The PHILBATT
Peacekeepers fulfilled their tasks
and proved their skills in a very professional way therefore worth of
being part of this prestigious UN
peacekeeping mission. Salute!
Article by Maj Bernadeth D. Tocloy,
PIO PHILBATT
Photos by Sgt Malou Garin

A love to last a lifetime

Solemnly celebrating Mass at the Wedding Church in Cana

ana is the traditional site of the

wedding feast where Jesus performed his first miracle, the transformation of water into wine. In the
biblical account, Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding and
when the wine ran out Jesus turned
water into wine. Cana is also mentioned in the Gospel according to
John as a place where Jesus heals
a royal officials son. It is also the
hometown of the disciple Nathaneal (also called Bartholomew).
The location of Cana is 7 km in the
North of Nazareth.
On 2nd Aug 2012, LtCol Ramon
C. Estella, CO PHILBATT and
NCC PHILCON, and his lovely
wife Charisse renewed their wedding vows at the Wedding Church
in Cana. After 19 years being married, they took the opportunity
committing this emotional act on
this special place in the Holy Land.

than a few tears were shed.

I never knew then that someday I
was going to bring my wife here to the
Holy Land to celebrate our marriage again. It wasnt easy to convince Charisse to make a trip to the
mission area, but after much encouraging she eventually changed her mind.
The groom said that after a
period of almost 20 years, he and
his wife understand what the vows
truly mean. Marriage hasn't been an
easy vocation for us, but our love is still
strong and God is truly present in our
marriage. I urge that the excitement I
see around us will be long lasting and
shared with many. At the end of the
religious ceremony Padre Maj Bermudez blessed the happy couple.

The Catholic ceremony was

officiated by the
Chaplain of PHILBATT, Maj Cirilo
O. Bermudez and
witnessed by the
Filipino UNDOF
Peacekeepers TSgt
Melody Mendoza,
SSgt Lida Mier,
Cpl Ethyl Dimaano
and Cpl Widmark
Caceres.
Like any marriage, we have ups
After saying I do, and renewing their vows, the couple
and downs, but
sealed the deal with a kiss
there have been a lot
of good times when you work at it,
Ramon and Charisse Estella
LtCol Estella said, as he reached were married last 13th Sep 1993 at
over and kissed his wifes hand. Butuan City, Philippines and are
There is a give and take, but shes the blessed with two loving children.
boss.
Article by Maj Bernadeth D. Tocloy,
It was a special and moving
PIO PHILBATT
Photos by Cpl Widmark Caceres
moment for the couple and more
- the UNDOF Journal

17

P H I L B AT T

The renewing of a marriage is a special act that shows the love and trust
of a wife and a husband. The PHILBATT Commanding Officer and National
Contingent Commander gave this promise again to his wife at a holy site in
the mission area.

INDCON

Indian Independence Day

The 66th Independence Day was celebrated by
INDCON LOGBATT on 24th Aug 2012.

he Independence Day in India

is observed annually on the 15th
August, commemorating its independence from British rule in 1947.
India attained freedom following an
independence movement noted for
largely peaceful non-violent resistance.
The celebrations for this special
Indian Independence Day commenced with the unfurling of the
Indian National Flag by the Force
Commander and Head of Mission
UNDOF, MGen I.S.Singha. The
occasion was particularly special,
as the new Force Commander from
India had taken command just a
few days earlier. After saluting the
Indian National Anthem inside the
Khetarpal Hall (named after the
Indian Officer LtII Arun Khetarpal, a recipient of the Param Vir
Chakra, Indias highest gallantry
award), an impressive colorful exhibition of India was presented by
Indian officers. They highlighted
the diverse culture, religions, customs, traditions, languages, values
and achievements of their home
country. The presentation also

included information about the

Indian Armed Forces and Indias
contribution to the United Nations;
India has been part of the United
Nations since 1945. India is the seventh-largest country by area, the
second-most populous country with
over 1.2 billion people and the most
populous democracy in the world.
India contributes more than 7,000
military personnel to the United
Nations (August 2012).
The presentation was followed
by a cultural display comprising of
different traditional Indian dances:
Bhangra, a folk dance coming
from the state of Punjab which has
been practiced since 1880, Lezium
from the state of Maharashtra,
named after a wooden idiophone to

The show

with Indian traditional dances at Khetarpal Hall

18

- the UNDOF Journal

Unfurling of the Indian National Flag

which thin metal discs are fitted as

well as the Karagattam from the
state of Tamilnadu. That is a Tamil
folk dance involving the balancing
of clay or metal pots or other objects
on the dancers head.
The host of the celebration, CO
LOGBATT LtCol Rahul Doegar,
welcomed the Indian Defence
Attach to Israel, Gp Capt George
Thomas and his wife, the Governor of Majdal Shams and the COS
UNDOF, Col Andreas Rotheneder
amongst the VIP guests present.
The event culminated with a
sumptuous lunch at the International Kitchen. On the menu were
a host of dishes whipped up by the
Indian chefs. The courses included
Indian as well as specially prepared
dishes to suit the tastes of all the
attendees.

Article by Maj Himmat Singh,

MAINTO LOGBATT
Photos by SSgt Gernot Payer

Indian Engineers at work

he blue helmet experience has been a challenging

time that every LOGBATT engineer will cherish for
the remainder of his life. With the changing security situation in the UNDOF mission area, it was important for
LOGBATT soldiers to rise up to the requirements of the
mission and to promptly cater for the needs of all users.
With users we mean every UN unit and location within
the UNDOF deployment. The engineers support all battalions and contingents, the Camps Faouar and Ziouani
with their facilities and every UN position, regardless of
whether in the South at Posn 80A (PHILBATT) or on
the top of the Mountain at Posn Hermon Hotel (AUSBATT). It is worth a mention that LOGBATT soldiers
have to cover an area between these two UN-Positions
with a linear distance of about 75 km and a height difference of more than 3,000 meters through all seasons of the
year.
The key within UNDOF is to be quick to respond to
tasks and to ensure all tasks are charted when complete.
The various sections like Plumbing & Heating, Electrical,
Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Construction are very
professional in all their endeavors. All of these sections
complete much of their work outside of normal working
hours to get the job done.
Indian Engineers were tasked with many different
projects. A few of them had to be completed within the
Area of Responsibility in construction, plumbing and various repairs. These tasks were vital to sustain the operations
of UNDOF as a whole. The engineers are currently working on the placement of freezer containers for the Supply Section in Camp Ziouani and assisting in the Facility
Reduction Program.
Due to the changed situation on B-Side, spares have
not been very forthcoming. The ingenuity of the engineers has been a daily feature of their duties. All in all
it has been a wonderful experience for Indian engineers
and especially for the Chief Construction Officer of the
LOGBATT the last six months. Finally, I have to mention to all LOGBATT Engineers:

Electrical repair done by Indian Engineers

Grounding work for freezer container

Job well done!

Article by Capt YK Gautam, CEO LOGBATT

Photos by LOGBATT

LOGBATT's efforts in the Facility Reduction Program

- the UNDOF Journal

19

INDCON

The first ones in and the last ones out - this is the motto of engineers all
around the world. In the UNDOF mission also engineers have to learn to
become warrior peacekeepers.

J- CON

Out with the old, in with the new!

The Commanding Officer of the Japanese Contingent, Maj
Mamoru Nanjo handed over command to his successor
Maj Fumihiro Kayanuma on 5th Sep 2012. The Change of Command
ceremony took place at Khetarpal Hall in Camp Ziouani.

ithin a solemn atmosphere,

the Change of Command
was celebrated with several distinguished and international guests
attending. On this sunny and
clear Wednesday the outgoing
and incoming Commanding Officer of J-CON welcomed the Force
Commander UNDOF and Head
of Mission, MGen I.S.Singha,
the Ambassador of Japan to Israel,
H.E. Mr. Hideo Sato, and the
Defense Attach of Japan, Col Rio
Hashimoto. The CMS UNDOF,
Mr. Bernard Lee and the COS
UNDOF, Col Andreas Rotheneder
were also welcomed to the ceremony. Furthermore, the NCCs and
COs of AUSBATT, HRVCON,
PHILBATT, LOGBATT and
CANCON and the UNTSO Chief
of OGG were present. All the VIP
guests sat together on the podium of
the hall facing to the viewers area.

Maj Nanjo saying Goodbye!

20

- the UNDOF Journal

The ceremony
was opened by
an in-marching
Guard of Honor
commanded by
Capt Masayasu
Tetsuka,
followed by a cornet signal. In his
farewell speech,
the outgoing CO
J-CON,
Maj
Mamoru Nanjo
MGen Singha with H.E. Mr. Sato flanked by the outgoing
thanked
the
and incoming CO J-CON
Force Commanders UNDOF, MGen Singha and original Japanese food. Since 1996
MGen Ecarma III for their lead- J-CON has been an important and
ership and comradeship. He also reliable partner to UNDOF and
praised the excellent work of the has been praised by HQ UNDOF
Japanese Peacekeepers.
and other foreign forces. As a part
In his inauguration speech, the of LOGBATT with manpower
new Commanding Officer of the of 44 soldiers, J-CON is the only
34th J-CON, Maj Fumihiro Kay- unit in UNDOF equipped with
anuma, emphasized in English and heavy engineer vehicles like excavaJapanese language, how impor- tors, bulldozers and wheel-loaders.
tant United Nations Peacekeeping The operators fulfill their tasks for
Operations were especially in the various construction works like the
Middle East region and promised demolition of buildings or the repair
to contribute and cooperate with of roads, patrol tracks or water pipes.
UNDOF and the other contingents The officers of J-CON increased by
in the same professional manner one this rotation, increasing their
as his predecessor. He additionally strength to nine. The 34th Japanese
mentioned the policy of Itto Syou- Contingent will provide its best
guu - which means, that each per- efforts to the UNDOF mission, tryson is a part of the whole and has to ing to succeed in the Japanese tratake responsibility by himself. Maj dition.
Kayanuma also asked each J-CON
Article by Capt Masashi Kaneko,
member to do his best efforts.
PIO J-CON
After the ceremony a reception
Photos by WO III Tsutomu Murakami,
was held for all guests and attendHQ J-CON
ees who really enjoyed delightful

The fourth and final part to the series regarding the new office building
No. 33 in Camp Faouar: the final construction phase is unveiled. In July
and August no one would have guessed that the biggest challenges still lay
ahead.

n recent weeks the overall building and fitting-out has culminated and the grand impact of the
project and its schedule is now
apparent to all. A strong hand was
required to balance some tough
alternatives to the original plan to
continue to progress works. When
you look back, the original groundbreaking took place less then a year
ago on 13th Oct 2011. It was quite an
effort to deliver only eleven months
after this milestone a completed
building and to handover the key to
the Supply Section on 14th Sep 2012.
Prior to reaching this goal quite
a few preliminary measures were
required to be completed by several parties. For instance, UNDOF
Engineering Section who coordinated the implementation of external ground works, asphalting, and
landscaping need to balance the
sequence of construction so that
the finishing of the interior works
could be finalised without undue
delay. Concurrently, the installation
phase for information technology

and power services has also to be

coordinated. Without a doubt, this
success resides with the UNDOF
CITS and the UNDOF Electrical
Unit who managed to choreograph
all these tradesman and supplies to
achieve a great effect.
The assigned project team members spent countless hours wiring
the thousands of metres of cabling
throughout the building, now hidden behind plaster and ceiling panels. The accomplishment of this
roll-out was undertaking under the
technical eye and support of the
UNDOF Battalions. AUSBATT,
PHILBATT, and LOGBATT
committed their best technicians
to enable a successful build on
time. In particular, I would like to
express UNDOFs appreciation to
the contracted master builder, Mr.
Grandoqa Ahmad and his team. He
maintained strict control over the
project and fully engagement with
UNDOF over the entire construction period. At times we wondered
how he could solve all the interre-

The key is handed over to the Civilian Staff

lated tasks and complex tasks spanning provision of resources to delivery of materials, asset and manpower outputs, and the building of
the structures. To do this in a timely
manner when taking the current
circumstances into account is testament to this mans skill. Of course,
without singling out any one person
from UNDOF, One Mission One
Team One Goal, those involved
did a great job and should be proud
of their workmanship and the final
result.
To conclude this series of articles in the UNDOF Golan Journal,
I would personally like to address
and thank all project team members
throughout all UNDOF Sections
with the follow:
You may be justifiably proud
of your services and your engagement with this construction and its
realisation of the new office building
No. 33. Great Performance!
Article by Maj Roman Zaller, FCEO
Photos by SSgt Gernot Payer

A proud project is completed: Office Building No. 33

- the UNDOF Journal

21

Engineer ing

New Office Building moving in soon

MP -Pla toon

In the footsteps of the Apostle Peter

The confirmation is one of the most important parts in the life of a Christian
and one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church
of Annunciation in Nazareth is a popular place for Christians to take their
confirmation. Another sacred place is the Sea of Galilee, also known as the
Jesus Lake, where an UNDOF member took confirmation.
On 2nd Sep 2012, the
UNDOF
Military
Police special investigator and dog handler, SSgt
Friederike Hlzl was confirmed
in the Benedictine Church of the
Multiplication of the Loaves and
Fishes in Tabgha, on the northwest
shore of the Sea of Galilee. The history of the church began in the year
350 A.D. when a small oratory of
the Feeding of the Five Thousand
was first built on this site (Luke
9:10-17). The confirmation place is
the same location where Jesus reinstated Simon Peter as head among
the Apostles about 2000 years ago.
The ceremony was then conducted within a Holy Mass, held
by the Benedictine Brothers on the
shore of the Sea of Galilee under
the beautiful blue sky. About 100
pilgrims from various countries like
Belgium, Germany, Israel, Italy,
Philippines, Poland and Austria

Friederike saying Yes to God

joined the Holy Mass. Before the

confirmation ceremony took place,
the Benedictine Church of Tabgha had to ask for permission from
the German Bishop of Regensburg, which was granted. In a very
touching ceremony
the priest Father
Matthias confirmed
Friederike,
who
strengthened
her
believe in God and
the Roman Catholic
Church. WO I Erich
Weiss, MP Master
Warrant Officer in
Charge, officiated as
Friederikes godfather during the whole
Confirmation ceremony at the Jesus Lake
confirmation.

22

- the UNDOF Journal

A small delegation of the

UNDOF Military Police Platoon also participated in the event
together with their MP sniffer dogs.
The confirmation itself was as a very
emotional and personal moment for
Friederike and for all the people
present. Normally a confirmation is
done within a church and not in such
a historical place, at a younger age
(normally between 13 and 15 years)
and together with family members.
At the end of the Holy Mass Father
Matthias emphasized the importance of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in the region.
Finally he said a blessing.
Article and photos by WO I Herbert
Bachmayer, UNDOF MP Investigator

Chiefs Challenge: Not a normal Day on the Line

ithin OGG-T, there is always

a steady stream of UNMOs
and staff arriving each month,
to join the team. To ensure that
UNMOs, who all come from different nationalities and backgrounds, achieve a baseline
standard in proficiency, new
UNMOs undergo a month
long period of training
and assessment, commonly
known as the Chief s Challenge.
From a new UNMOs
perspective, induction into
OGG-T takes about eight
days of training in both
Jerusalem, at UNTSO
Headquarters and Tiberias
at OGG-T Headquarters, before
the UNMO ventures out into the
Area of Operations (AOO). Induction training focuses heavily on UN
policies, procedures, safety, security,
administration and logistical issues.
Once the theoretical phase
is over, the On the Job
Training commences. This
sees new UNMOs (Juniors)
paired with experienced
UNMOs (Seniors), who are
sent out into the AOO to
man the Observation Posts
and conduct mobile patrolling throughout the region.
Because the OPs are positioned along the AlphaLine, these duties are known
as Working on the Line.
Juniors are also required to
undertake night studies to learn
military equipment recognition,

mission essential tasks and medical responses for their summative

operational effectiveness test: the
Chief s Challenge. That is a five
hour long testing sequence that cov-

Call for UNDOF medical evacuation

ers the normal daily tasking of an

OGG-T UNMO.
The test begins with a simulated visit by a high ranking officer
that requires the UNMO to deliver
safety and security briefings and an

Documenting the medical situation

operational overview of the Golan

Region, allowing the knowledge
to be checked. This is followed by

a two hour long area patrol of the

AOO where the aspirant has to
demonstrate local knowledge of features, operational trends as well as
A-Side capabilities and units. Furthermore he will be given
several scenarios, ranging
from military equipment
violations and unusual activities, through to emergency
response scenarios.
The patrol usually culminates in a life-threatening
vehicle accident or serious
injury scenario that requires
First Aid to be provided.
The medical emergency is
conducted in real time with
the UNMOs being required
to manage local traffic, call for assistance and treat simulated casualties.
Finally the UNMOs enter the
final phase of Chief s Challenge
that involves an hour long questioning session upon the OP platform
by the Training Officer and
Team Leader, commonly
known as the Spanish
Inquisition. Each UNMO
is expected to know all
emergency procedures and
mandated reporting requirements to enable him to perform effectively. Failure to
achieve the required standard means a retest, which is
feared by all new UNMOs.
Article by Capt Alex Rubin,
Training Officer OGG-T
Photos by Capt Andrew Thomas,
UNMO OGG-T

- the UNDOF Journal

23

OGG

The OGG-T consists of about 45 civilian and specialist military officers.

To become an OGG-member and United Nations Military Observer (UNMO),
a comprehensive assessment must be passed.