An Cosantóir

lebanon diary | 19 Cpl Dan Fitzpatrick and Capt Denis O'Brien push over for a try On February 10th 105 Inf Bn participated in a challenge rugby game in Tyre against the Lebanese Rugby Federation. Although the Irish battalion won with a score line of 72-7, both teams showed the crowd some excellent rugby throughout, with a very competi- tive edge to the game. The team spirit of both sides ensured the fixture was a great success, with new friendships being formed and the integration of the Irish battalion into the Lebanese community being enhanced through the medium of sport. Force Sergeant Major Dick- son Uwasu and Sgt Major Stan Hurley On February 20th UNIFIL Force Sergeant Major Dickson Uwasu (Ghana) visited the Irish battalion and was warmly welcomed to UN Post 6-5 by Sgt Maj Stan Hurley and his staff. A full opera- tional brief was delivered to Sgt Maj Uwasu by Comdt Sean Dunne (S1) and Comdt Tim Daly (DCO), followed by a reception at which Sgt Maj Uwasu met the battalion's NCOs and privates. Joint LAF/UNIFIL patrol along the Blue Line In accordance with UNSCR 1701, 105 Inf Bn conduct daily joint opera- tions in their AO with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). These opera- tions, which are conducted by day and by night, vary from mecha- nised-, soft-skinned-, and foot patrols, to conducting checkpoints. These operations help both Irishbatt and the LAF in increasing and maintaining situational awareness Our photo shows Pte Mark Slattery as point man in one such patrol. Sgt Michael Fitzgerald and Fawaz Fawaz As a part of the larger CIMIC plan for 105 Inf Bn a num- ber of small but extremely worthwhile projects are taking place in the village of Tibnine. These include English lessons for adults, which are held in the local library twice a week. Our picture shows Sgt Michael Fitzgerald conducting lessons with the assistance of Mr Fawaz Fawaz, president of the local charity committee. Assistance is also provided by Ms Christine Ghostine, English teacher in the local high school. The class is made up of approximately 20 students aged between 16 and 60. Comdt Fergal MacDonald and Lt Danielle Murphy planting trees at Tibnine On March 27th a tree planting project took place in two loca- tions within the Irish battalion AO in the villages of Tibnine and Aynata. The Lions Club of Beirut kindly donated the trees through UNIFIL's Civil Affairs section. The tree planting was performed by a combination of personnel from the Irish and Malaysian UNIFIL battalions, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and locals from the two villages. Mowag patrol along the Blue Line In addition to the daily joint operations conducted with the LAF, the Irish battalion also conducts a range of other operations, including Blue Line-, village-, and area domination patrols. Our picture shows an area domi- nation patrol being conducted in Mowag Piranha IIIs. The planning and preparation for such patrols is meticulous, incorporating full orders, situ- ational update briefs, and rehearsal of drills and actions on procedures for dealing with many potential and probable eventualities. Joint UNIFIL/LAF Blue Line patrol Picture here is a joint patrol along the Blue Line comprising 105 Inf Bn personnel from UN Post 6-52, led by Lt Ian Crowley, troops from the Force Commander's Reserve (FCR), and LAF troops. Such joint operations por- tray the excellent co-operation and relationship that has been built and maintained between the different forces involved. They also highlight the tireless work of the forces involved towards providing a peaceful, safe and secure environment for the people of South Lebanon. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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