An Cosantóir

April 2014

An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.

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www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 21 The initial deployment, to Ebel El Saqui in 2006, lasted for one year, and, based on that successful model, Novem- ber 2012 saw the deployment of the first UNIFIL IrishFinn battalion to our present area of operations in Sector West. Since then the Irish/Finnish working relationship has demon- strated a model of professional co-operation and dedicated service between two countries that produce soldiers and peacekeepers of the highest calibre. In accordance with UNSCR 1701, 213 FinnIrish Bn monitors the cessation of hostilities in Sector West, paying particu- lar attention to the Blue Line and sensitive areas; supports the government of Lebanon in extending its full authority throughout the country by supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Within 213 FinnIrish Bn's AO humanitarian support is provided via CIMIC (civilian military co-operation) activities, while extensive joint mobile patrolling and training with the LAF assists the local population by contributing to a safe and secure environment The battalion has a wide range of capabilities, affording excellent operational effectiveness while also providing force protection. These capabilities include CBRN defence; direct and indirect fire support; armour; EFP; 4th generation ISTAR; battalion mobile reserve (BMR), crowd riot con- trol (CRC), counter-improvised explosive device detection (C-IEDD); CIMIC; humanitarian assistance; patrolling; mine awareness; and extraction and recovery. The battalion's operations are conducted on a high-visibili- ty, low-profile basis. 213 FinnIrish Bn has been extremely active since its deployment and its activities have included: providing training support to the LAF through an intensive week of CRC training (led by 42 Inf Gp); combined operations with the LAF; counter-rocket launching operations; and a range of other projects. CIMIC tasks have included; key leader engagements with local municipalities and NGOs, and community relations en- hancement activities; providing hygiene seminars and first aid and fire safety training; and the identification, funding and implementation of a number of local assistance projects such as well refurbishment, road repair and power supply. Through all these tasks 213 FinnIrish Bn hopes it will have enhanced its (and UNIFIL's) relationship with the local popu- lation and authorities, and will have demonstrated that we are an impartial force working for the good of the people in our area of operations. Crowd riot control training conducted with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Mowags prepare to depart for RV with UNDOF. 42 INF Gp & UNDOF pers on the Syrian Border during the hand over of vehicles. Groupshot taken on the day of the transfer of authority ceremony. CIED drills form an integral part of the Group's training. Lt Gowran, CIMIC, on a visit over the Christamas period.

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