An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 29 1,218 all ranks, near its authorised level of 1,250. UNDOF's mandate as set out in UNSCR 350 is to maintain a credible presence in the Golan and use its best efforts to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, and see that it is scrupulously observed. The mandate is renewed every six months and is currently operating under UNSCR 2394, which will run until 30th June 2018. The Syrian Arab Republic and Israel are the custodians of the agreement, and the UN, through UNDOF, is essentially an independent arbitrator, endeavouring to ensure that both parties live up to the individual respon- sibilities they committed to in their agree- ment. UNDOF endeavours to maintain the status quo between Syria and Israel pend- ing a final political solution. The commencement of the current conflict in Syria in 2011 has presented a considerable challenge to UNDOF and its personnel. This challenge culminated in 2014 when the decision was made to withdraw UNDOF from Bravo-side operations. However, since 14th Novem- ber 2016, operations have recommenced in Syria with the incremental return to Camp Faouar and Bravo-side operations. The UNDOF area of operations is located on the Golan Heights and consists of an area of separation (AOS) and an area of limi- tation (AOL). Intended to be an UNDOF-only zone, the AOS is enclosed by two boundar- ies, east and west, referred to as the Alpha and Bravo lines in which no military deployment by Israel and Syria is allowed. The AOL is three lines of 10km, 20km and 25km on either side of the AOS in which only certain levels of troops and armaments are allowed. In October 2017, 56 Inf Gp rotated into the mission area, under the command of Lt Col Dermot Hanifin. The unit contains 130 personnel of all ranks (14 officers, 115 enlisted personnel and a chaplain) drawn from 27 units of the De- fence Forces. Over a third of the unit (44 personnel) were on their first overseas mission. They were replaced in April 2018 by 57 Inf Gp, under the leadership of Lt Col Mark Brownen. The deployment of Irish troops in 2013 was not Ireland's first involvement with UNDOF. In June 1997, former Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Dave Stapleton was appointed as UNDOF Force Commander and Head of Mission. Sta- tioned in UNDOF HQ Camp Faouar, Syria, Lt Gen Stapleton served in this appointment until August 1998. Col Tony Hanlon also served with UNDOF, as an acting brigadier general, holding the appointment of Deputy Force Commander from September 2014 until March 2016. Recently, Col Michael Dawson was appointed UNDOF Chief of Staff. He is the Senior National Representative and is one of eight DF officers currently serving in UNDOF HQ. UNDOF Force Commander and Head of Mission Maj Gen Francis Vib- Sanziri viewing the Irish Force Reserve Company's (FRC) medal parade ceremony on 15th March 2018. The FRC is made of members from the 56th Inf Gp under the command of Lt Col Dermot Hanifin. Photo: UNDOF

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