An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/35286
on parade | 9 of the important part our Defence Forces play as peacekeepers throughout the world. Minister Shatter also noted that not underestimating the dangers that our troops may face and the recent attack on the Italian UNIFIL troops in May, the general staff he said has assured him that the appropriate force protection assets and capabilities are being deployed to operate in the current and future environment in Lebanon. The battalion under the S command of Lt Col Frank Bolger deployed to Lebanon in two rotations (June 22nd and 29th) and is currently bedding into its new posts and area of operation, which measures some 140sq km, extending from Tibnine to the Blue Line along the border with Israel. The battalion is primarily drawn formed from 4th Western Brigade units bolstered by troops also drawn from DFHQ, DFTC, Air Corps and Naval Service. Once established, the battalion will deploy two mechanised infantry and one recce companies with armour, anti-armour, fire support assets and an extraction capability. They will operate from one main and two platoon-size posts and will be tasked primarily with patrolling, reconnaissance, and occupying static posts, while operating in close co-ordination and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces in UNIFIL’s Sector West. The day after the review (June 3rd), Defence Forces logistical and Naval Service personnel loaded over 122 wheeled vehicles on the Ark Futura of Poland in Ringaskiddy, Cork for the voyage to Lebanon. The fleet included Mowag APCs, LTAVs, engineering plants, fuel bowsers, recovery vehicles, trucks, pajero jeeps and an assortment of trailers. peaking at the review, the minister said it is at occasions such as this that remind us Brig Gen Conor O’Boyle (GOC DFTC) reviews his troops from his command heading overseas with the battalion. Comdt Tom Fox (OC B Coy) salutes Mr Shatter before he reviews the soldiers of his Company. Comdt Fergal Costello (OC Recce Coy) escorts the minister. The minister reviews the troops on parade, ac- companied by Lt Col Frank Bolger (OC 104 Inf Bn). The minister takes the salute. THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE