An Cosantóir

12 | Maj Gen Alberto Asarta Cuevas (Spain) UNIFIL Force Commander salutes an Irish Guard of Honour An aerial view of UN Post 6.5 and Camp Shamrock become a vital component of daily operations. The possibility of IEDs also remains a real threat; and this is where both pre-deployment and in-theatre training are proving vitally important. All UNIFIL’s activities are carried out in close co-operation and co-ordination with the LAF, who have primary re- sponsibility for security and law and order in the area. In addition to joint patrols, UNIFIL has also set up co-located checkpoints with the LAF at key locations within its area of operations. The LAF have primary responsibility in ensuring that the area between the Litani and the Blue Line is free of illegal weapons and is not used for any hostile activity. UNI- FIL assists and supports the LAF in this endeavour but in cases where specific information is available regarding the movement of unauthorised weapons or equipment, the LAF will take any required action. UNIFIL’s long term objective is to grad- ually transfer responsibilities currently carried out by the force to the LAF and to have the LAF assume effective control over the mission’s area of operations. There have been substantial changes to UNIFIL since 89 Inf Bn left Lebanon in November 2001. The total strength of the mission at present is 12,000 troops in-theatre, including land, maritime and air elements, as well as 1,000 civilians. (The mission’s authorised strength is 15,000 troops supported by international and local civilian staff). The budget for the year to 30 June 2011 was close to $520 million. There are 12 peacekeeping battalions operating in two brigade-size sectors: Sector East, based in Marjay- oun, and Sector West in Shama, not far An Cosantóir August 2011 from UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura. The Force Commander also has a reserve of more than 1,100 troops available, if required. When 89 Inf Bn withdrew from Lebanon in 2001 the strength of UNIFIL stood at 3,000 troops. In addition to being a much larger mission, UNIFIL is now run more along NATO/EU-type lines and consequently Irish soldiers who have served in KFOR or EUFOR may be more used to the type of ‘battle rhythm’ that pertains in this Spanish-led mission. There are 437 personnel serving with 104 Inf Bn of which 22 are female. The accommodation is of a high standard with the majority of troops living in quite spacious air conditioned 4 man rooms. A new catering centre is currently under construction and will be completed in the very near future. Huge credit must be paid to the catering personnel who are doing an excellent job in very dif- ficult, temporary conditions. The canteen is also currently under construction and, again, is nearing completion. A contract has recently being agreed to provide broadband wireless internet, which will greatly improve internet speed and ac- cessibility for personnel throughout the camp. All personnel have the facility to make telephone calls on the DF network at local call rates, and troops can buy lo- cal phones, SIM cards and credit, and use these to text and phone home. The bat- talion also provides 15 minutes of Skype for each individual. Much work has been completed since the battalion arrived; however, it is still early days. Post 6.5 had been unoccupied for a number of years and as a conse- quence, was in need of significant repair. There remains a considerable amount of work to be completed but it is particu- larly gratifying for me to see the determi- nation displayed at all levels in the unit to tackle this workload and to improve conditions. The work ethic of each individual soldier speaks volumes for the professionalism of the Defence Forces. We have just taken operational responsibility for, and occupied, the two Blue Line posts, 6.50 and 6.52, from Frenchbatt. These posts also need some repair works and these works will now be prioritised by the unit. The reaction of all ethnic groups within the local population has been extremely positive since 104 Inf Bn arrived in- theatre. The Mayor of Tibnine and the Governor of Bint Jubayl have expressed their satisfaction and pleasure at the return of Irish troops to the area, and both have said that the Irish battalion will enjoy the full support of the local population. Throughout Ireland’s 28 year participation with UNIFIL a strong link has been created and maintained with all elements of the local population. Tra- ditionally Irish troops have always got on well with the Lebanese people and there has always been a special bond between the two. Irish troops serving with 104 Inf Bn who have served with UNIFIL in the past will also notice substantial changes to the infrastructure in the area. When I last served in this area there were few tarmac roads nor were there any municipal or state services in place to repair and maintain the roads; it was up to UNIFIL to do that. However, a proper structure exists now with local municipalities in place to take responsi-

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