An Cosantóir

| 21 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE flexibility in a region known for geopolitical instability. We agreed to have alternate APODs (Airport of Departure) and SPODs (Seaport of Debarkation) included on the tender which we could shift to at short notice (namely APOD – AMMAN JORDAN, SPOD - TARTUS/TRIPOLI). The nature of the security situation allowed us both to successfully apply for negotiated/restricted tender processes using defence exemptions. Through both the J3/5 led JOPGs and the briefings/discussions with the Directorates/Fmns at the J4/ G4 quarterly meets potential issues were mitigated and confirmed most notably the inventory plan to ensure we completed the operation to the last point and it demonstrated that this was a whole of DF Level operation with input in the planning from all areas. From June the Logs Ops and Plans cell sent monthly progress key information slides out. This included Factor Deduction Task elements and was updated based on returns to mitigate risks and confirm elements of the planning process. The planning team widened at this point to include SMEs from DF Customs (actions on landing in IRL) & the NSRC (Dangerous Goods (DG) and movement experts). At this point in the planning we had come to a 9 phase Withdrawal Plan as follows: 1. MDMP, planning and preparation, contracts and UN Liaison. From Q1 2023. 2. Advance Recce to UNDOF MA and Lebanon by J4 planning team to Co-Ord with 68 Inf Gp. 28 Nov 23 - 03 Dec 23. 3. Deployment of J4 & Tech teams NLT 18 Mar 24. 2 x separate teams 1 on UNDOF side led by Comdt Branagan (Inv) and one by Lebanon side led by Comdt Barber (Ops). 4. Movement of 4 x convoys from Camp Faouar via the MASNAA Border Crossing to BEIRUT PORT. Final convoy Mil Led with Class 1 DGs – Load vessel and depart for Dublin. (18 Mar –04 Apr). 5. Movement of the 68 Inf Gp to BEIRUT APOD for air bridge to IRL. 05 Apr 24. 6. W/D of J4 Logs Teams – NLT 06 Apr 24. 7. Arrival of Cargo Vessel to Dublin Port. Meet by J4, NSRC teams NLT 01 May 24. 8. Movement of all equipment from Port to NSRC & Ammo Depot. Secured pending clearance by Revenue and Customs. Ship arrival date + 3. 9. All equipment stores returned to Org Owners and in locations. Ship arrival date + 10. It was evident that clear communication and co-ordination between multiple elements was going to be mission essential in terms of achieving the objectives. The JOPGs, monthly updates and J4/ G4 conferences were key in this in addition to direct comms with the overseas units. J4 also conducted meetings with Dublin Port and potential shippers to assist in the planning and shaping. We also began liaising with UNIFIL for 2 key reasons, firstly that we were moving through Lebanon and although not the UNIFIL AO support could be required, and secondly J4's job is also to support UNIFIL so we began assessing if there were elements we could move from UNDOF to UNIFIL to reduce the supply chain requirements for their Logs Sp. The 68 Inf Gp were now forming up and being fully included in the planning process. During their form up there were meetings and briefings based on the plans and updates. From our work with the 67 Inf Gp it was clear that the land bridge element was best controlled by the unit on the ground. This view was shared by OC 68 Inf Gp Lt Col Clear and his team. J4 would resource the land bridge elements and set co-ord dates etc to ensure the key links with the air and sea bridge aspects being prepared by the Branch. On 05 Oct 2023 J4 conducted the rotation of the 67 & 68 Inf Gps to/from UNDOF. The countdown to the withdrawal was now on. The Oct 7th attacks in Israel brought our concerns about regional instability back to the front of our concerns and our contingency planning in contracts was now a key component of our planning mitigations. The 68 Inf Gp were heavily tasked, they had to conduct all operations as per previous groups in a high state of tension due to the above and also conduct the preparation, planning and actions required for the land bridge element of the withdrawal with J3/5 and J4 looking to liaise and co-ord with the strategic plan. On top of this they had to prepare to conduct a HOTO of the FRC role to Kazakhstan. The J4 Ops and Inventory teams conducted a Recce to the Mission Area (MA) to meet the unit and discuss the planning and progress. This recce was mission essential; it allowed the unit understand that they had freedom of action in the planning of the land bridge once it was co-ordinated with our sea and air bridge and also the contingencies we had built for contracts. And that we would resource this plan. It set the parameters that the J4 Ops team would take control of the land bridge elements from the MASNAA crossing to Beirut Port and IRL allowing the S4 team focus up to the Syrian border. From the unit side it allowed them reinforce the lack of flexibility on the Syrian border and that from a strategic perspective we could not just change plans at short notice. We also got to see the huge amount of work being conducted in preparation for the withdrawal under the guidance of the S4 Cell in Capt Andy O'Neill and BQMS Colm Donnelly. Another key aspect of the Recce was meeting with UNIFL Movcon, Port officials, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the movement contractor by the Ops Team. This was a key aspect in ensuring co-ordination and support across the strategic pillars. Both the unit and the J4 teams left the MA with a stronger link to make the mission a success and I believe we had built trust removing potential silos. Contracts were signed over the coming months with the MV Meric being selected as the LOLO vessel (Load On Load Off – type of ship) and ACS (Air Charter Services) being selected as the air bridge provider. J4 began linking these moves together and working with UNIFIL Movcon and both the APODs and SPOD in Beirut in advance of the moves. There was almost daily communication between J4 and the S4 team in UNDOF, as they continued their excellent work. On island JOPGs and meetings continued between J3/5 and J4 to coordinate the overall move and update the directorates. Due to the changing threat in UNIFIL in the period they Mowags were moved by crane onto ships Members of the work party involved in the logistics move of the withdrawal from UNDOF in Camp Faouar

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