An Cosantóir

15 UNDER GOLAN SKIES STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT At the time of writing, the FRC has just recently completed a reinstatement of barrel positions along the Alpha Line. This consists of 155 barrel positions, which periodically require restoration or replacement in order to clearly delineate the area of separation between the parties to the disengagement. The restoration of this boundary is an inherently complex and sensitive task. That the FRC was selected for its completion is testament to the esteem in which Ireland's contribution to UNDOF is held and speaks to the confidence expressed by FC UNDOF on his recent visit. The FRC provides a range of significant operational capabilities to the UNDOF mission and it stands ever ready to respond to such requests as may contribute to the overall achievement of the mission. Its composition of specialist sections in support of the mechanised infantry company ensures that the FRC is self- sustaining through the full spectrum of its operational tasks in theatre. 63 Inf Gp will continue to build on and to serve in the best traditions of the Defence Forces, to support UNDOF HQ in enhancing its operations and embody the mission motto: "One mission, one team, one goal." VOX POPS CPL DARREN CLARKE Role: APC Crewman Age: 42 Home Unit: 1 Cn Cois Trips Overseas: 8 Best thing about overseas service: This is my eighth tour of duty overseas and it is one of the main reasons I joined the army. I always wanted to go to different places and help people. The biggest challenge for me is being away from my family for such an extended period, but they know that this work is important and we'll be together again soon. LT OWEN MCNAMARA Role: Platoon Commander Age: 25 Home Unit: 3 Inf Bn Trips Overseas: 1 Best thing about overseas service: This is my first trip overseas. What I've enjoyed most out of this entire experience was training my platoon and seeing them develop and operate here in Syria. The biggest challenge for me is operating in such a reactive environment, where anything can happen when you're on patrol and you must adapt to every situation in that moment. PO SHARON DARBY Role: Advanced Paramedic Age: 39 Home Unit: Naval Service Trips Overseas: 2 Best thing about overseas service: What I enjoy most about being in UNDOF is being able to work as part of a medical team in a high tempo environment. Since I've deployed to Syria we have been involved in deployments as part of the QRF on operations, conducting medical training as well as PCR testing and rapid antigen testing. My biggest challenge over here is being away from my children and partner, who I miss very much. PTE PADDY BRIGGS Age: 24 Role: Rifleman Home Unit: 1 Cn Coi Trips Overseas: 1 Best thing about overseas service: For me, getting to deploy to Syria is the best thing in my career so far. Overseas service is the reason I joined the army and something I always wanted to do. I find being away from my friends and family the toughest thing out here, but the work and experience are worth it. PTE STEPHEN O'HALLORAN Age: 23 Role: Rifleman Home Unit: 1 Cn Cois Trips Overseas: 1 Best thing about overseas service: The best thing about being in UNDOF for me is getting to soldier overseas. I'm getting to use the skills I've spent years training for. Reacting to the environment, particularly the heat and terrain in Syria, has been my biggest challenge so far and I've enjoyed every minute of it. STA Detatchment provides overnight security for ESSC operation day and by night, and the FRC is to the fore in providing that capability, not just in the form of its QRF, but also in organic, deployable assets such as the STA detachment, which offer a sophisticated range of skillsets and equipment to enable FC UNDOF to deliver on the mission's objectives. Indeed, on visiting the FRC, FC UNDOF, Lt Gen Ishwar Hamal expressed his confidence in the ability of the Irish FRC to deliver on whatever they were tasked with.

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