An Cosantóir

CIMIC (Civilian Military Co-operation) CIMIC is an essential part of any overseas operations. The CIMIC cell is quite small, consisting of 2 Finnish and 2 Irish, but it is able to draw in battalion assets if needed; such as plant machinery to help dig a well for example. Essentially CIMIC cells liaise with the local civilian authorities and population such as; the mayors and deputy mayors, the Mukhtar���s, and religious leaders, all of whom can provide vital on the ground information about what is happening on the ground. For example do the local population need any assistance? Are there any problems with the UN? ���We try to establish a relationship with all aspects of the community,��� explained CIMIC officer SNR LT Vesa Helama, ���some are more forthcoming then others. For example the Christian religious leaders have no problem talking to us, however the Muslims Sheikh���s prefer to stay neutral they see no reason to have any dialogue with UNIFIL. This is however something which we are working on as the religious leaders have a very good understanding of what is happening on the ground and the feeling towards UNIFIL.��� A big job for the CIMIC team during the tour of 106 Inf Bn was the move from Camp 65 to Camp 245. SNR LT Helama continued, ���We had to meet with all the mayors of all the villages and towns in the former AO. We explained to them that we are moving but not to worry UNIFIL are committed to keeping their homes and people safe and secure.��� On every mission CIMIC runs several projects for the local population both within the battalion AO and beyond. In South Lebanon there are two types; one is UNIFIL funded, and the other is national funded. Some of the projects that Irish/Finn Batt have provided are water filtration for a school in Tibnine, constructing a water corral for agriculture, donating building material for the local Red Cross/Red Crescent, the Chinese engineers helped fix several roads, a water pump system in At-Tiri is currently being fixed, in Yarun a generator is being provided for the Christian church, and special equipment for a school for disabled and special needs children in Tyre, and refurbishing a basketball court in Bint Jubayl. ���We also conduct many sports projects. We constructed a soccer pitch and ran a soccer tournament. However this only attracted the boys,��� said SNR LT Helama, ���So we now have to come up with something that will attract the girls so everyone is included.��� The Chaplaincy | 15 A ccompanying every mission overseas is a Defence Forces Padre. The Chaplaincy provides more than just religious guidance and a place to worship. They are also providing a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and provide a nice quiet place to chill-out. As Fr Pat Mernagh CF remarked, ���Our job is constantly evolving. A little problem at home can become a huge problem overseas. To mange those problems correctly you need a space, someone who has the time to talk, and most importantly you need to make them feel welcome no matter whom or what rank they are.��� Welcome to the soul zone. Like everyone else on the 106 Inf Bn tour Fr Pat was flat out. Operating out of two camps for any period of time was not easy. ���The guys were great. They worked 24/7 to get 245 up and running,��� said Fr Pat, ���Thanks to the guys the battalion now has a great place to worship but also a safe secure room for counselling and to chill-out.��� It doesn���t take you long to realise that the walls along the accommodation lines are very thin. Fr Pat told us the importance of a chill-out room. ���Having a chill-out room is very important. Someone comes in and says ���I���m having a bad day Fr,��� I���ll put on the kettle lock the door and tell him to go in and chill. I���ll let his CO know that he���s with me. He may want to talk he may not. A place like this becomes very important when news has to be broken to someone that has come in from home. It can be broken in a safe and controlled environment.��� A first timer to Lebanon is Fr David Tyndall CF, 107 Inf Bn, he will be continuing on the good work of Fr Pat. ���I���ve been looking forward to this trip for the last year,��� said Fr Tyndall, ���My first time to work with units from the West. Before we got on the plane guys came up to me and asked could they sing at mass.��� The Chaplaincy is also heavily involved in CIMIC work. One of Fr Tyndall���s first jobs was to travel around the AO meeting the village and religious leaders. ���We help out with many CIMIC projects. Getting to know the local leaders is very important. They will be able to tell us very quickly what their priority is.��� There is also another side to having a good relationship with local leaders. In Liberia the Christian leaders were able to warn the Padre���s of any issues that were arising. Both Fr���s remarked, ���Overseas it can be about getting the right information to the right people. An incident can be knocked on the head before it even occurs. It���s about working together so we are all safe.��� www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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