- the UNDOF Journal 1 Dear Reader! fulfill their tasks. The same applies to me with my new UNDOF job as I take over the The first cut is the deepest, reins from my predecessor Rod Stewart sang that line whose excellent work was re- many years ago. The meaning knowned. I have to admit that struck a chord in my life when it is a great pleasure for me I heard it the first time. With and a challenge to do so. Editorial each rotation the personal behavior and quality of work The Golan Journal seems to be given by the newcomers is a perfect media for all UNDOF observed very carefully by members to recount their ex- the mission-proved soldiers as periences and for everyone to well as civilian professionals. read. So do not hesitate to write articles whenever you think Once a UNDOF Battalion there is an interesting topic to Commander told me that the talk about. You are most wel- rotations of personnel are the come. If you will be on holiday biggest challenge to UNDOF. company would survive a soon, enjoy your time away and I was really surprised to change of nearly 100% of its come back with renewed vigor. hear that. But in the mean- personnel within one year? time since I have seen two With best regards rotations, I am now convinced I think the new soldiers are of that. Just ask yourself which trying their very best to Maj Hans Hutter

Editorial Staff: Unit Press Officers: MPIO Editorial ...... 2

FC UNDOF Force Commander’s Message ...... 3 Editor: Maj Hans Hutter AUSBATT - Maj E. Strohmayer COS UNDOF COS Words ...... 4 Managing Editor, CANCON - Capt S. H. Usborne New People New People in UNDOF ...... 5 Layout Designer and J-CON - Lt I Y. Hiramitsu Force Photographer: Visits Visits to UNDOF ...... 6 POLBATT - Capt J. Barczewski WO II Roland Maresch SLOVCON The visit of the Minister of Defense ...... 7 SLOVCON - Lt I T. Hunal AUSBATT Outgoing - Incoming ...... 8 Co-Editor: Capt T. Kobayashi OGG - Maj K. Bring AUSBATT Attention, time is…...... 9 MP - Capt E. Walla POLBATT In Case of Emergency ...... 10 Proofreader: E. Lynn Elvaiah POLBATT Marching Soldiers ...... 11 Chinkie Ani CANCON UNDOF Olympics ...... 12

CANCON UNDOF Olympics ...... 13 Editorial Office: Exercise Only the strong survive ...... 14 UNDOF HQ Exercise Only the strong survive ...... 15 Camp FAOUAR J-CON Club Med / Visit Lt.Gen M. Yazawa ...... 16 Tel: 6130214-5203 MP MP Platoon Change of Command ...... 17 E-Mail: [email protected] OGG OGG UNMO Training ...... 18

Sport Dead Sea Ultra Marathon ...... 19 The Golan Journal is the magazine of the Disen-

Miscellaneous UNDOF continues to reach out ...... 20 gagement Observer Force and it is intended to provide information about the Force and events within it which are of interest to its Miscellaneous UNDOF continues to reach out ...... 21 members. The UNDOF Military Public Affairs Office publishes Recreation Gamla Hike and Winery ...... 22 the Golan Journal every third month. While articles and photo- Civilian Staff Procurement Section ...... 23 graphs are welcomed from all members of the Force, the view and opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not Front (Page 1): AUCON members searching Anthrax necessarily coincide with those of the United Nations or the Force Photo by WO II Gernot Payer Commander. The copyright of all material in this journal is vested in United Back (Page 24): Austrian artist in camp Faouar Nations Publications except where an acknowledgment is made Photo by WO II Gernot Payer to another holder. No articles or illustrations may be reproduced without the permission of the editorial staff.

2 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 3 Force Commander’s Message UNDOF FC

Dear Fellow Peacekeepers

It gives me a great pleasure and satisfaction to address you once again in this issue of the Golan Journal. We have now seen the end of spring and are moving on to the heat and sun of the Golan summer. Since the last issue of the journal, some have already departed from the mission area, some have arrived and some of our comrades are due to depart very soon.

In this opportunity, I would like to welcome those who arrived here to join hands with us in UNDOF and OGG. From leaving very soon, for your other areas outside of our wherever you have came excellent and professional Area of Operation. Stay from, now you have be- support in order to fulfi ll our alert and vigilant, you are come a part of an Organi- mandate and I wish you all responsible for yourselves zation, which is a viable the best. and your comrades. Do not and global force in main- take anything for granted, taining International Peace During the last three be safe. and Security. Do not, for months, UNDOF has hosted one minute, underestimate numerous and varied dele- Lastly, I thank you all. I your importance for the gations from all around the wish you all the best during region and the United world. All of the visitors have your stay in UNDOF. Nations. praised UNDOF on its high morale, effectiveness and Thank you Ďiakujem Indeed, peace is a most maturity. Each and every Danke Dziękuję noble goal to strive for. one of you are ambassa- Arigato Merci Due to your presence and dors for your respective dedicated service here, the countries and armies. Well people of the Golan can done. farm their land and send their children to school. The overall situation in In the mean time, I would the Golan has remained not forget to thank those, calm and stable. This is very different to some Lt. General B. N. SHARMA Force Commander UNDOF 2 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 3 Chief of Staff Words Comrades of UNDOF! It is summer again and these are my last words in the Journal. It has been a very good year for me, full of challenges. Looking back, sometimes I

COS UNDOF have doubts about how much we have accomplished. But then, thinking of the HQ re- structuring, the many devel- opments in staff work, the solution to integration, several new policies, the work on the questions on the APC fleet, positions, construction, and after wearing two-hats for monitoring of the AOS has even many more aspects, maybe I months, just took over the improved in the last year. am just not fully aware of all function of CLPO. Good luck Keep up the good work! To our achievements. Ultimately, for this challenge! I was happy the AUSBATT HQ staff special I think we can rightfully say finally to welcome LtCol.Trzaska thanks for supporting me in that we improved the Force as the new COO. Good luck, my national role. Many of the to make it a little better than Anrdzej, in this demanding po- civilian staff members have one year ago. Mission accom- sition. I deem myself also lucky always found ways to provide plished? You tell me. to have had LtCol. Pracher and the best support to the soldiers. Andrzejczak in the lead of the Dear colleagues, undoubtedly, This last year was very rich in Battalions. With your staffs, the military contingents need many aspects. Even after having you kept a very good shop, you to be flexible and creative worked with the United Nations congratulations! To my staff in providing your services. in NY for years, I learned a lot in the COS office, Capt Wöhrer Please keep up your efforts for about peacekeeping with the UN. and Sgt Gogl, I can only giving the Force the best support. I enjoyed your company and express my gratitude for your must express my highest loyalty and uncompromised I reiterate my thanks to the FC consideration to many of you. readiness to fulfill any task and the CAO. Serving with you I found myself in a circle of at any time. You always gave was certainly one of the most highly professional Comrades. your utmost best and I think rewarding aspects of my tour. Learning about the different we accomplished a lot together. national backgrounds and mili- The LOGBATT, I congratulate For me, it is time to leave. I tary systems was indeed ex- for the improvement in am thankful having this time tremely rewarding. I will keep so many aspects. Just the VOR together with you all. I wish the best memories of this year. of two APC fleets is one ex- you all, those staying and ample for so many aspects those leaving, all the best for To the CISS, LtCol Carl of your great performance. the future and I am looking Hussey I can just reiterate my While much of the work of the forward to meeting you highest appreciation. The same OGG, AUSBATT and POLBATT somewhere sometime! goes for the CMPO, LtCol. seems to be routine, I am fully Tracz. Thank you for your loy- aware of how good you perform Col Andreas Safranmüller alty and support. LtCol Kaiser, and I think the patrolling and COS UNDOF 4 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 5 People of UNDOF of People New People in UNDOF

The New Chief Operations Officer

LtCol Andrzej Trzaska was born in CRACOW on the 27th of April 1967. He joined the Polish Army in 1986 as an Officer Cadet in Tadeusz Kosciuszko Officer Training School in Wroclaw. Following his commissioning in 1990 he served in a variety of posts including that of a platoon leader, a company commander, a deputy battalion commander and a staff officer in the Corps HQ. During that time he attended several NATO courses as well as NATO exercises.

From 1998 to 2000 he attended the Polish Academy of National Defence in Warsaw. After graduation he served as a staff officer for the operational branch of the 2nd Mechanized Corps in Cracow. In 2003 he was appointed as a senior staff officer to the operational branch of the Multinational Brigade North in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was a part of the NATO Stabilization Forces. After a tour of duty in SFOR he came back to the 2 Mechanized Corps and became an officer, primarily responsible for all operational aspects of the mission rehearsal exercises during preparation process of the next rotation Multinational Division Central South which is a part of Coalition Forces in Iraq. He is married with two children Kalina and Piotr. His hobbies include reading, history and geography.

The New LO-Alpha

Maj Manfred-H. URREGG was born in Austria in the village Gurk on the 17th of January 1943. He grew up partly in Graz/Styria and the other part in Carinthia and finished Technical High-School of Civil- Engineering at VILLACH in the year 1964, after that he joined the Austrian Armed Forces as a One year-Volunteer to the Infantry-School at Glasenbach/Saalfelden. There he was trained on heavy arms and became a tank-hunter at 5th PzJgKp/StB 5 in Leibnitz.

He left the Army in 1966 and was working as a civil engineer and continued also his training as reserve-officer. Due to continuously following up with several courses, he was ordered to the LWB 541/LWSR 54 at Graz in the position of the S3/OPS. After a reorganization he became S4/LogO at the ErsReg 54. Again after a few years the LWSR 54 changed to the KdoB 1 and his position was DCO and S3/OPS. In his civilian profession he was working abroad for about 20 years as a project-engineer at several construction-sites, in , , Iraq, Russia, and Libya. Finally he was project-manager for a hospital-facility-management and finished his job there in February 2004. Due to his new army-position in Vienna at the Territorial Commando in the Training section since 2000 and later as an ADC, he became Project-Officer in the Department of Public Relations and was assigned as Branch-Head until his posting to UNDOF/HQ-Element/LO-Alpha.

4 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 5 Visits to UNDOF Visits

LGen Sonneveld, OGG General from Netherlands Visit of the Governor of at CF (13th April) (15th April)

Syrian Generals meeting with FC Lt.Gen. B. N. Sharma Members of U.S Embassy in , participated in (19th May) UNDOF Operational Briefi ng (25th May)

Further visits to UNDOF American Journalist, Interview with FC, (8th April) Canadian Journalist, Washington bureau of The Globe and Interview with COS and CO- LOGBATT (22th April) Mr.Yasuhide Nakayama, Member of the House of Representatives (30th May) Mr. Juraj LISKA, Minister of Defense, Slovak Republic (30th May) Mr.Murohushi, International Peace Cooperation th Lt-Gen Masashi YAZAWA, Commanding HQ, Cabinet Offi ce (30 June) General of 1st Division, Japan (1-4th June)

6 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 7 The visit of the Minister of Defense

he visit of the Minister of I was extremely SLOVCON TDefense was something pleased how smoothly really extraordinary for everything went dur- SLOVCON and it was a little ing this visit. The bit more because the Chief of guys made a great Staff of Slovak Armed Forces effort because the en- (SAF) accompanied him. More- tire visit was under over, these two key men of SAF the close eye of jour- were accompanied by the nalists from Slovak Chief of Minister’s office, his Press Agency and Personal Advisor, and speaker their colleagues from of Ministry of Defense and television broadcasting. by the leader of Minister’s Former OiC 3rd Coy protocol. Every visit like this Martin and others The Minister of Defense Mr. Juraj Liska one has a great influence on appeared on TV- greets the soldiers from SLOVCON the atmosphere as a whole. screen interviews and were personnel reduction by 30 A great piece of independent published in several news- men and their replacement by work was done by Slovak guys papers. Moreover, the visit itself Croatian soldiers. The work for in preparation of the HQ emphasized the interest in our the United Nations, especially position itself and with prepa- work and consequently had in our peacekeeping mission ration of a reception on every noticeable impact on the moral UNDOF, has been a heartfelt position of 3rd coy. The visit state of the Slovak unit. At the experience. I have been doing schedule and the course of end of the visit the Minister of everything for my homeland events were well thought out Defense announced officially to ensure its honorable place in and prepared. the beginning of a SLOVCON this mission for the future. I am convinced that our presence in this region is in the highest interest for Slovakia, a source of honor and pride. Of course such a major change will take time, long discussions and grave decisions to be made. However, all should be advised to prepare for such a transition. So if you meet me in one of my melancholy moods, the reason is very simple, my last six months in this mission have just started. It is a pity that fewer Slovak guys will have an opportunity to enjoy fruitful and friendly cooperation with our Austrian friends.

Force Commander Lt.General B. N. Sharma and Author: Maj J.Tomanek Minister of defense Mr. Juraj Liska 6 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 7 Outgoing – Incoming he time was coming! 177 On 7th June TAustrian and 54 Slovakian the outgoing soldiers had to leave AUSBATT. soldiers, who Through two rotation fl ights they were not used were leaving the Golan Hights to handover and back to their homelands. If the takeover, had to

AUSBATT rotation is to be conducted in a say good-bye! perfect way, a well considered Partially a really organisation and running off diffi cult fare- must be prepared. The order for well. At 0945 the rotation was done by COO/ the outgoing FF-brigade/AUSBATT says good-bye in a very wet way AUSBATT, Maj Rosenzopf, after soldiers were dismissed by our After the welcoming, the he had conducted coordination- CO, LtCol Pracher, and he also „Geckos“ were taken over by meetings with the Branch heads. returned thanks for the excel- the Coys for the following duty. lent way of conducting the duty The incoming soldiers had a The major part of the prepa- and co-operation. Following that, oneweek handover and take- ratory work had to be done by the outgoing soldiers left Camp over period with their prede- our logistic soldiers: First, equip- FAOUAR with destination „Inter- cessors. In fact, all had several ment and weapons with ammu- national Airport Damascus“. really busy days. nition had to be returned, cash Until the radio message „This is One week later the same pro- advance for the incoming sold- 18A, Sassa-checkpoint passed, cedures restarted, because iers had to be requested and direction CF, over“ situation in the second rotationfl ight was buses for passenger transport Camp FAOUAR was still calm. conducted. For now AUSBATT loaded to capacity had to be This information circulated will have two months for force made available. faster than it sounds and integration training and for re- in spite of 34 degrees many ceiving the utmost of opera- Also the comrades from the „Golanis“ were assembled for tional readiness. personal branch were stressed. welcoming the „Geckos“ on the They had the order to coor- parade ground. Author: Maj E.Strohmayr dinate the necessary replacing with Austrians International Operations Command and the repatriation lists for the two rotationfl ights with the branch- heads and coy commanders. Two days before the rotation- fl ights the soldiers packs had to be deposited in the logisitic store. Our CLO/AUSBATT, Maj Pschandl had given exact regu- lations for size and weight of the baggage, in fact the luggage depositing was supervised by him. Before that the lug- gage was inspected by the doghandlers and their dogs for drugs and explosives. Dog-check of the baggage 8 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 9 Attention, time is……. AUSBATT very morning, always The third category is spare All five operators are eager to Erecurring, most soldiers time. For four days in a month, help by placing messages in Camp FAOUAR are awakened each member of the ComCen over the intercom during the by the Communication Center will not be charged with twelve hours shift, night or (ComCen) with the call: “Attention, business and he/she is allowed day. We care for all incoming time is 0630, good morning”. to leave the Camp. The main calls from Austria and the rest Indeed ComCen is misused as tasks of the cerebral stimulant. The ComCen ComCen are to of Camp FAOUAR is part of accept incoming the Signals Platoon from HQ- calls from all Coy/AUSBATT and consists of over the world, a leader and five operators. These to page people six soldiers have to guarantee and to conduct that ComCen is prepared for announcements working at any time of the day via the address or night. For that reason readi- system and last ness to work must be main- but not least, to Sgt Kaltenbacher and MCpl Kramer are tained by shifts around the transmit incom- transmitting an incoming call clock. This shift of duty has to ing faxes and to dispatch out- of the world. You can imagine be done by the members of the going faxes. ComCen offers that it is a stressful job, the op- ComCen in three categories. these services to all UNDOF- erator spends the whole shift The first category concluded members in the Camp, Austrians, in the shelter, the phone is A and B-Duty, both duties take Canadians, Japanese, Poles, ringing almost all the time or 12 hours and must be spent Slovakians and so on. These a fax is arriving. in the ComCen. The second soldiers must speak English in category is the D-Duty, also a perfect form. Sgt Kaltenbacher, It is mandatory to be well called as standby duty, allows a one of the ComCen-operators, versed with the Computer certain degree of freedom and has described his feelings and and you must be able to speak relaxation. During this duty impressions about this duty, English to complete this job. ComCen-soldiers must fulfill which is not as easy as it appears It is very important for me to different jobs inside the Signals and as follows: “The ComCen make sure that the soldiers is Platoon and it is forbidden to is inside shelternumber 12. contacted if one of their family leave Camp FAOUAR. The door in the ComCen leads members calls the ComCen for to a room that them. contains the po- sitions indicat- The service of ComCen is ing device for the necessary to the institution and telephones be- benefits the whole community tween all Coys of UNDOF. I request you all to in Camp Faouar. understand that if the operator sounds a bit stressed on the ComCen crew: phone, please do not take it Sgt Kaltenbacher, personally, it is just because Sgt Höbinger, Cpl Pesendorfer, some times working in the SSgt Majanovic, ComCen gets very stressful.” Sgt Mair, MCpl Kramer Author: Maj Strohmayr & Sgt Kaltenbacher 8 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 9 In Case of Emergency he local UNDOF radio Aleksandrowicz receive addi- Fortunately, this is an exer- Tnet broadcasts a car acci- tional information about the cise only. Every soldier in the dent. The vehicle of OGG Ob- condition of the victim. On area of this peacekeeping mis- servers slipped off the road. the spot of the accident, imme- sion is obliged to participate in Polish Medical Team being on diate and professional help is such a training. The scenario call in Camp Ziouani jump to necessary. An initial diagnosis resembles the real situations their feet having been alerted by states – serious injury of neck and threats that can be encoun- POLBATT POLBATT Operations Officer. rings and compound fracture tered in the area of UNDOF. The ambulance is on the way. of the leg. The paramedic seems During the most recent Gopher Doctor Capt Adam Litarski, to be highly experienced. He Hole-exercise, POLBATT medics paramedic WO III Krzysztof had received the relevant train- took the opportunity to train in Kubera and driver Pte Piotr ing during his mission in Iraq. the procedures of crossing the Technical Fence in the vicinity of Observation Post 80 of the 2nd Company POLBATT, though so called Water Gate during medical evacuation to the A-Side.

Performing all the activities during the training, medics receive wide recognition and the best marks. Everyone is absolutely certain that in case of real threat the emergency team will come to their rescue.

Capt Adam Litarski (on the right) and WO III Krzysztof Kubera during action Capt R.Rzaca PIO POLBATT Marching Soldiers bright morning. The pany and UNDOF as well, was SCORPION March and WADI Arising sun shines down divided into three parts. The Patrol. The whole route amounts on the challengers’ faces. There COYOTE March led the march- to 70 km, 19 km that passes along is a route before them leading ing soldiers from the area of the bed and steep walls of through the paths and wilder- AUSBATT to the area of respon- Wadi Ar Raqqad and finishes ness of the area in which they sibility of the do their military service. The 1st Company blue sky mixes with the blue FALCON to flags waving in the wind, and position 80. tiny spots disappear in the The next ele- distance. With such picture, ments of the each of the three marches in m a r c h i n g the area of POLBATT responsi- puzzle were bility began. The route between First team position 27 and 80A southern- ready to start most position of the 2nd Com- Scorpion March

10 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 11 Marching Soldiers POLBATT ment is worth mentioning. Pte Grzegorz Jakubiak covered the dis- tance of Wadi Patrol at the time of 2 hours and 14 min- utes, setting a new record of that route. He nearly ran the entire route and managed to do what seemed to be almost impossible.

The marches have been finished. A cloud of dust settled on the ground after the last participant completed the Tired but happy Japanese soldiers - ready to face a new challenge at the finish line of Wadi Patrol march. However, at the steep wailing wall right and the main goal is to complete the paths will not be deserted. before position 80A. it, covering the distance and Every day they will be traversed overcoming tiredness, not break- by POLBATT soldiers mandated The most characteristic of ing a record, one of the Polish to patrol them. the marches is not only varied ter- soldiers remarkable achieve- Article & Photos: Capt R.Rzaca rain but first and foremost is its participants. Always smiling, determined to win from the start, highly motivated and full of resoluteness, as well as ready to accept the challenge of their own weakness and tiredness, they made an effort to com- plete the march! All of those who started the march, reached the finish. Tired, many times with facial expressions full of pain, yet somehow, they were happy and after a while even smiling and ready to face a new challenge.

Although the march does not seem to be a sport competition Lt. General Bala Nanda Sharma on the route of Coyote March

10 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 11 UNDOF Olympics Camp Ziouani hosts first ever UNDOF Olympics – 29 April 2005 s the day unfolded, Planning be- AFriday, 29 April turned gan in January out to be beautiful day, sunny to make these and warm, on the Golan Heights. Olympics an ac-

CANCON Finally the long waited for tivity fi lled with UNDOF Olympics would occur! fun for all, par- Originally scheduled as a ticipants and two-day (weekend) event, bad spectators alike. weather forced the rescheduling So, immediately of the UNDOF Olympics not after the parade, once, but twice. Now, with a the games began revised one-day format, teams at 0830 with and spectators from the Bravo teams facing off Goal for the team from Austria side arrived by the bus and in several sports, Ball Hockey, truckloads in order to be on a Relay Race, Soccer, Tennis titive environment, each Con- hand for the offi cial opening and Volleyball while spectators tingent ended up winning at ceremonies. Sharply at 0800 moved around the various least one trophy signifying a hrs, the soldiers of UNDOF HQ, sites cheering on their teams. It Gold medal win for its team. AUSBATT and POLBATT formed was a festive atmosphere with As the Games were to be on up beside their counterparts soldiers wearing coloured T- for the whole day, meals had from the Canadian Contingent shirts to identify them with been planned with a view to and J-Con on the Camp Ziouani their Contingents. After some provide a broad range of choices parade square waiting for the hard played games, the results from each country. Therefore, Force Commander, Lieutenant were provided to the Informa- ethnic foods were prepared General B.N. Sharma to offi cially tion Tent and it is noteworthy and served at the Dining Hall open the games. that in a friendly yet compe- throughout the day while an outdoor eating area was set up near the refreshment stand and an information tent to allow everyone to sit and talk while they ate. The food was very tasty and included soups, Goulash and Pea soup with ham, traditional Japanese foods and also the usual BBQ fare of Hamburgers and Bratwurst. The desserts were also very enjoy- able and it was a good thing for everyone that there were sports to play as most were heavily laden with calories. For those who preferred fruit, there were several choices ranging from Oranges, Kiwi, Bananas, and Apples to Force Commander, Lieutenant General B.N. Sharma opened the games Melons of different varieties.

12 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 13 UNDOF Olympics

For my part, I am glad that CANCON the Olympics are over, it has been a wonderful challenge to coordinate the games and bring the member nations of UNDOF together to share in the experi- ence of sporting competition and in closing, I would be remiss if I failed to mention Volleyball Ball Hockey the hard work of all supporting On completion of the fi nal the 12 KM distance by the members from all Contingents games, teams assembled back eight runners of the team. It is to ensure that the First UNDOF on the Parade Square to wait important to understand that Olympics were a huge success. the arrival of the Force in order to cover the 12 km Commander for the presenta- distance within the time stated, Article: Capt. P.A. Kallaghan tion of awards. With music J-Con runners averaged a time Team results playing on the Public Address of three minutes, thirty-three system, soldiers danced and seconds, (3:33), per KM, truly Ball Hockey played air guitars while pass- amazing. The Silver medal Gold Canada; ing the time and all assembled team from AUSBATT took Silver Austria / Slovakia including the spectators and slightly longer at 45 minutes managed to go around the 08 seconds while the Bronze Soccer square twice doing the “Wave”. Medal team from LOGBATT Gold Austria Silver Poland With the sun shining and (Canadian Contingent) placed Bronze Canada music to lend an air of relaxa- at 46 minutes 47 seconds. tion to the day, everyone en- With positive results such as Tennis joyed themselves. noted above, the Force Com- Gold Austria Silver Japan As for the sports themselves, mander was happy to tell Bronze Poland noteworthy is the head to head everyone during the closing competition of the Relay Race ceremonies that he had per- Volleyball Gold Poland where J-Con overpowered sonally seen the high level Silver Austria / their competition with a Gold of Esprit-de-corps evident in Slovakia Medal winning time of 42 UNDOF and was very happy Bronze Undof HQ minutes 44 seconds to cover with the results.

12 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 13 Exercise

The HQ UNDOF exercise Unfortunately For 31 years UNDOF has this “fact find- been in existence in the Golan ing” trip never Heights. But even previous materialized, so Golan UN soldiers do not re- that for some member anything happening comrades, the like this. A very special edition answer may al- of a command post exercise ways remain a took place under the command mystery - that of COS Col Safranmüller in is, until the ex- May 2005 for the soldiers of ercise will prove UNDOF. It lasted eleven days its worth in including the weekend. Please the future. note that the normal day-to- But it seems day work were not to be inter- obvious that Welcome to the exercise rupted. That was the reason any training has the goal to im- To give you a taste of the why the exercise started after prove the knowledge and the scenarios that occurred, we the usual working hours, lasting ability of every UNDOF soldier invite you to the following: For normally until late at night. and employee to be proactive example - a heavy earthquake and reactive in a better and was simulated, leaving destruc- What was the reason for this faster way, if some risky inci- tion in its wake in the UNDOF exercise? Someone wanted to dents happen. This exercise was area of responsibility. Therefore, seek the wisdom of the Greek certainly unique in significance plans for rescue task and refugee Oracle of Delphi, which certainly as well as duration and intensity handling were developed. No could have given an answer. in the history of UNDOF. doubt a task not easily solved by

Decision making process supervised by Why did you do this thing to me? COS Col Safranmüller Maj Kuras, the CPX organizer 14 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 15 Exercise

Civilian staff members fight against power of nature a think tank within one night. The results however, were really What had to be done? Firstly So let’s ask now: did only admirable. the room was sealed. Secondly the strongest survive? Well, all the persons affected by the pow- survived like nearly always in Besides many other incidents der were cleaned and put under such exercise situations. Remem- a possible Anthrax attack was quarantine for possible medical ber the ones who valiantly fought simulated. White powder trick- treatment. Then special NBC in the first battle lines in front of ling out of an envelope was forces collected the substance for ancient Troja? The others, who found at the Austrian field post- analysis and the affected areas perhaps behaved like subma- office. had to be decontaminated. rines lying silently on the safe ground of the sea, invisible with all engines stopped only to resur- face after the threat certainly survived. Not to mention those comrades who may have been on leave! Or were they simply being smart? I do not think so, because it was an exercise that needed to be undertaken as pre- paration for emergency situa- tions. Anyone who missed this training opportunity may not be ready for the worst case. For those who already have the expertise and those who participated in the exercise, we are counting on you. Author: Maj Hans Hutter Photos: WOII Gernot Payer Anthrax alert in the post office 14 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 15 Welcome to Club Med! ’d like to introduce the Medical Staff also have ad- one or two patients come into IJapanese mini-medical team ditional work; driver at CZ and the MIR on average. Sometimes, to our readers, operating from supply Sgt. at CF, respectively, we have no patients in a whole the small room at the MIR in so they can’t spend all their day! SMO has a lot of free time. Camp Ziouani. The Japanese time at the MIR because their He can even sleep here much

J-CON contingent is small enough as other tasks keep them very more than he does in Japan. you know, including only 43 busy. Usually at the Japanese However, if we have com- members, therefore our medical room in the MIR, there is a plicated cases or need emer- team is also small. It’s composed lonely and only one Japanese gency treatment, kind and of one Senior Medical Officer guy, SMO (like Buddha). I don’t professional Canadian Medical (SMO: Doctor, it’s me) and 2 know exactly what he is doing Staff is always there to support Medical Staff including a cer- there, but probably some kind us! I’d like to pass on my tificated nurse. However, the 2 of job. Except for duty medical personal, sincere appreciation inspection, SMO to them in this article. So far, must ask our we are patiently waiting for sick government to persons, so please feel free to supply additional drop by the J-CON Club Med, at equipments and any time. We can offer not only keep them up professional medical service, to date. but also Japanese traditional Because most green tea “Ryokucha”, excellent members of our conversation, and medical alco- contingent are hol through the night (Sorry, young and rarely we don’t have Japanese Sake). have past medi- Enjoy your health! cal history, just MEDIVAC training with multi-int. medical team. Article: Lt(N) T. Motosuneya Visit of LT.GENERAL M. Yazawa s we approached the garding past achievements and Many thanks to those who Asecond half of our future cooperation between J- assisted in preparations and UNDOF tour, J-CON had the CON and UNDOF. Both Gen- supported this visit. honor of receiving a very im- erals as well as UNDOF COS portant visitor. Lt.Gen M. Yazawa, and CAO enjoyed a traditional Article: 1Lt(A) Y. Hiramitsu Commanding Officer of JSDF st1 Japanese lunch, Division, visited 19th Japanese including Sushi, Contingent of UNDOF. ADJ, of course. Maj A Gokon was accompany- The General’s ing him on this important visit. visit was a me- After intense preparations, on morable one, 1 June 2005, the General arrived which included and was welcomed with a guard many different of honor at the Parade square in activities, brief- CF. On 4 June, he was welcomed ings and tours at CZ. Lt.Gen Yazawa met with on the Golan UNDOF FC for a dialogue re- Heights. Guard of Honor for Lt.Gen Yazawa

16 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 17 MP Platoon Change of Command MP-Platoon On 13th July 2005, at Camp Faouar, command of the Mili- tary Police Platoon was re- linquished by Capt P. Mellema and assumed by the new Force Provost Marshal Capt E. Walla. The FPM is both a staff position (Police and Security Advisor to UNDOF) and a line position (CO MP Platoon). At present the MP Platoon consists of 28 members from four different nations (Aus- tria, Canada, Poland, Slovakia) serving at three Detachments (Camp Faouar, Camp Ziouani the Force and is responsible senior leadership on security and between A and B Gate) for all military UNDOF and and police related matters. Spe- and at MP HQ Camp Faouar. In UNTSO personnel in the MP cial tasks include security es- addition, two Regimental MPs AOR ( and ) – for civil- corts, ICRC crossings and Physi- are serving with J-CON and ian personnel only in UN com- cal Security Reviews. UNDOF cooperating with the UNDOF pounds & UN vehicles. Main MPs are producing almost 200 MP, another Regimental MP tasks of the MP PL are investiga- reports on traffic accidents a is attached with POLBATT. tions, traffic enforcement, the year and in addition approxi- UNDOF Military Police covers enforcement of UNDOF regula- mately 400 reports on various all operational and administra- tions, crossing inspections, pre- incidents. Our motto: Five na- tive Military Police aspects of ventive policing and advising tions, one mission and one goal.

The New FPM The New DFPM

Capt Erwin Walla joined the Capt Renee Point was born Austrian Armed Forces 1977. in North Bay, Ontario as the He has served several years eldest of three children. She in Austria and in Missions grew up in a small French abroad and now belongs to community called Astorville the militia system, holding the where she stayed until she rank of a Major. He completed left to attend the University of several tours with UNDOF, Sudbury, Ontario. Capt Point UNFICYP, UNIKOM and KFOR in different MP has a degree in Psychology and Law. She has positions. Last year he was in charge as MP Plans spent the past 11 years in the Canadian Forces, and Operations Officer of a Multinational MP 5 years as a reserve MP NCM and transferred to Brigade in Kosovo, consisting of 160 MPs from the Regular Forces as a Military Police Officer five different nations. He was one of the founders where she has completed 6 years of service. Capt of the Austrian Military Police Course and the Point has three tours – Bosnia 1998 and 2003 and Course Director for many years. Besides of his Haiti 2004 – and has completed two postings, military career he has studied Psychology at the one in Security Intelligence and the second as University of Vienna and is looking forward to a DCO of the Military Police Unit serving the serve as a military psychologist in Kosovo. Canadian Forces Naval Pacific Fleet. 16 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 17 OGG UNMO Training As with any military orga- The medical nization, OGG UNMOs are training of the expected to achieve a high new UNMOs level of proficiency in all skills is focused on required for employment as an car accidents, OGG UNMO on the Golan Heights. the most likely To aid this process Observer cause of seri- Group Golan (OGG) has a train- ous injury on ing cycle that provides indi- the Golan. vidual and collective training UNMO’s are to all OGG members. These trained in ap- activities are designed to ensure proaching and a smooth progression between dealing with basic skills and more advanced casualties of an Medical training focused on car accidents training. Training, like any accident and aspect of operational capability, conducting basic first aid until The Chief’s Challenge is is a command responsibility the UNDOF ambulance arrives. designed to ensure sound lev- and commanders at all levels els of individual skills. Good from Team Leader through to In a briefing from the individual skills are the build- Station Chief are responsible CANLOG Training Cell, new ing blocks of more advanced for ensuring high levels of UNMOs are made aware of collective training activities. training. mines present on the Golan. This Several collective exercises are UNDOF supports both OGG basic training has a follow up scheduled every month and Individual and Collective train- period later during the UNMO’s these are designed to test in- ing activities. UNDOF provides tour of duty, with a practical dividual skills when they are initial medical, mine aware- training given by the UNDOF employed in a realistic exer- ness and fire fighting training EOD teams on each side. cise environment. These activi- to new UNMOs during their ties practice both OGG mem- initial training and in-processing After completing their initial bers and UNDOF staff in re- period. This training provides training, UNMOs start their sponding to a range of emer- enough skills to ensure that first OP. After their 3rd OP, gency scenarios around the UNMOs can deploy onto their UNMOs are expected to pass AOR. 4 types of training are first OP safely. the Chief’s Challenge. In this conducted and these are Rapid test UNMOs Reaction Group Training, am- have to display bulance training, lost vehicle a sound knowl- procedures and Mine aware- edge of SOPs, ness/Mine Extraction training. armored vehi- In all these activities both OGG cles and Air- and UNDOF staff are tested in craft recogni- realistic and demanding envi- tion. After pass- ronments in order to ensure the ing the Chief’s safety and operational effective- Challenge an ness of all personnel. All these UNMO is con- activities require close coordi- sidered a senior nation between OGG and UNDOF. and can help train Authors: Richard Bushby & Fire fighting training for new UNMOs new UNMOs. Paul Vannisselroij 18 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 19 Sport

16 Austrian and one Canadian Masada, Mount Nebo and Jesus We took off at 0630 hrs from UNDOF participated in Baptism site, among many other for the Ultra Marathon race, the 12th Dead Sea Ultra Marathon historical features. The high sa- the start was slow going and held on 15 April 05 in Amman, linity of the water provides the temperature was cool but Jordan. A fundraiser for “The swimmers with natural buoy- quickly warmed up to a balmy Society for the Care of Neuro- ancy without any efforts. 24-Celsius halfway and contin- logical Patients”. ued to rapidly rise to the end The experience: Regardless with a blistering 38 degrees The Dead Sea: The lowest of the distance, all runners with no wind. point on earth: Lying in the heart had to put their rucksack la- of the Syrian-African rift valley belled with a different color The course was uphill for the at the southern outlet of the depending on the distance they fi rst 10Km, and then downhill Jordan River. The Dead Sea region were registered for. Full and for about 25Km (Extremely is internationally known for its Half-Marathoners took appro- demanding for the quadriceps unique geological, historical priate buses to their starting muscles) and fi nally the last and biological characteristics. points and the Ultra partici- 15 Km was mostly rolling Geologically this region lies at pants left directly from the hills. After the run obviously, the lowest point on earth and center (+900 meters altitude). we went for a dip and fl oated contains the saltiest large water for a while in the amazing body in the world. Historically, The idea was that everyone Dead Sea, to relax our aching the Dead Sea Basin is the site of was to fi nish at the same place muscles. the lowest Rank First Name Surname Event Finishing Time place on the I would like to personally Capt Klaus Profanter 50 Km 3:36:24 earth at the thank all the runners, Sgt Sgt Danny Lagacé 50 Km 4:03:38 SSgt Christoph Cizek 50 Km 4:45:02 Dead Sea (- Christian Berger (the bus driver) Sgt Ronald Martschini 50 Km 5:35:36 403 meters for keeping us safe during the Capt Andreas Bruckner 50 Km 5:40:37 altitude) a entire trip, Lt I Gröppel (AB SSgt Klaus Suppan 50 Km 5:40:39 difference of Welfare Offi cer) for organizing SSgt Holger Preslmayr 21.1 Km 1:31:15 almost 1400 the trip, and fi nally Capt MCpl Christian Bauer 21.1Km 1:31:17 meters. This Klaus Profanter who at the last MCpl Thomas Ruby 21.1km 1:41:11 year’s event moment took over as the OPI WO III Ludwig Oberhoeller 21.1km 1:42:54 b r o u g h t and did a great job. LCpl Stefan Weissenbacher 21.1Km 1:43:08 about 1600 SSgt Christian Weilpoltshammer 21.1km 1:44:41 people from Thank you all for making MCpl Martin Karner 21.1Km 1:44:52 all over the this trip a truly enjoyable and Mrs. Barbara Heidinger 21.1Km 1:54:35 world, repre- memorable experience. Maj, MD Wolfram Heidinger 21.1Km 2:03:23 senting 45 Cpl Gerhard Zikulnig 21.1Km 2:14:37 countries. Author: Sgt Danny Lagacé Sgt Christian Berger Driver N/A 18 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 19 UNDOF continues to reach out The most recent humani- On a lighter note, an auction of tarian activities undertaken by various traditional handicrafts all members of UNDOF, both locally produced and donated by here, in the local community, UNDOF members, was recently as well as abroad, continue to conducted in Camp Ziouani. demonstrate their unfailing The proceeds of this enjoyable commitment to making an as and interesting project were effective and direct impact as donated to benefi t local charities

Miscellaneous possible, wherever and when- on the A side. As a measure ever it is needed the most. An of the success and popularity earlier issue of “The Golan Jour- of this activity, it will soon be nal” recounted how UNDOF replicated on the B side. rapidly responded to the re- In one of UNDOF’s farthest gional plight of Tsunami vic- reaching and ambitious hu- tims around the Indian Ocean manitarian projects to date, basin. UNDOF’s concern was members undertook to organ- also demonstrated in response ize the distribution of nearly to the more profoundly per- two and a half metric tons of sonal suffering of a local fam- school supplies to needy school ily facing the daunting pros- children in the most deprived pect of life threatening pedi- and remote areas of rural Af- In a scene repeated at some 22 schools atric surgery. ghanistan, as well as through- throughout Quneitra Governorate, In recent weeks, I am pleased out the Quneitra Governorate, these children in Khan Arnabe excitedly to report that all members of here on the Golan. In the end, it await distribution of the school supplies donated by UNDOF UNDOF, both military and ci- was the scale of this effort that vilian, have steadfastly rejected presented the most interesting for the provision of basic school the notion of “donor apathy” challenge. supplies for local distribution and have continued to respond The project started out as a to desperately impoverished to a wide variety humanitarian private appeal from a member school children. When this issues with remarkable personal of ISAF, the NATO-sponsored appeal was communicated to generosity and enthusiasm. The international peacekeeping the membership of UNDOF at tangible results of their efforts force deployed in Afghanistan, large, the response was, per- ought to make each and every one of them justifi ably proud. In response to a tragic ac- cident in the vicinity of Camp Faouar, during which a local boy lost his life and another sustained injuries, an appeal went out among UNDOF mem- bers to raise funds for the fami- lies, as a neighborly gesture of sympathy and support. In no time, a total of 20,000 SYP was raised and presented to the fami- As a token of our appreciation, the FC UNDOF, Lt. Gen. B.N. Sharma presents lies, together with a bed to aid in Mr. Maher Shweiki with a commemorative plaque, as Mr. Nadeem Meerza, the the recovery of the injured boy. Deputy Governor of Quneitra Governorate, looks on 20 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 21 UNDOF continues to reach out Miscellaneous haps predictably, overwhelm- were to ship the ing. In addition to the school consignment from supplies that came pouring Damascus to in, UNDOF members demon- Dubai, they would strated their usual enthusiasm undertake to trans- by donating cash for the local ship it from Dubai purchase of school supplies on to Kabul. and materials. Once that was de- On top of what had been cided, all that was collected, and in an extraor- required was to dinary gesture of generosity, a fi nd the funds nec- local businessman in Damascus, essary to ship the Mr. Maher Shweiki, of the Al- supplies to Dubai. Manar Printhouse, donated Again, an appeal A member of the Canadian ISAF Contingent in some 2250 kgs of ideally suited, was launched to Afghanistan poses with two happy young recipients of school supplies sent by UNDOF, high quality school supplies the members of during the distribution process in April including notebooks, binders, UNDOF, and, once pads, folders, etc. In the end, again, the response was swift expressions of thanks. nearly 2500 kgs of supplies were and un-reserved. Indeed, a total While all UNDOF staff collected. It was quickly rec- of $ 1,400.00 USD was raised in members may take satisfaction ognized that there were suf- a matter of days from UNDOF in a job well done, we owe a fi cient resources available to staff members in Camp Faouar, debit of gratitude to Mr. Maher split them up and donate a Camp Ziouani and ROD. Shweiki for his donation. Also, certain amount to the school With the funds available, special thanks must go out children of Quneitra, in ad- arrangements were made with to Rasha Al-Abed and Jihad dition to that which would be a local freight forwarder and, Hasan, in connection with the sent to Afghanistan. before long, the consignment school supply project, as their was on its way to Dubai. tireless efforts made the whole In the face of such a Within a few weeks, the fruits thing possible. Kudos as well, successful collection process, of our labor became apparent, to Aida Bichara-McNally, for the question then became how as photos of the distribution her clever negotiating skills were we going to physically get activities in Afghanistan began in the souk. all the supplies all the way out to arrive back in UNDOF. to Afghanistan? As this was Finally, we extend our what amounted to a private In cooperation with rep- thanks and gratitude to our initiative, we needed to raise resentatives from the Governate friends and colleagues in the shipping costs on our own. of Quneitra, the balance of the UNAMA and ISAF, both After literally scores of e-mails supplies, amounting to nearly in Dubai and in Kabul, for and telephone calls, it was our half a ton, were divided up demonstrating how, working sister mission, UNAMA, the among some 22 local schools together, we can extend the United Nations Assistance and distributed to 1200 individ- reach of UNDOF’s humanitar- Mission in Afghanistan, that ual primary and high school stu- ian arms, not only throughout fi nally came to the rescue. As dents on their last day of classes. our own neighborhood, but they operated a regular UN I can report that their joy and ap- well beyond. fl ight out of Dubai to Kabul, preciation was evident on their they agreed that if UNDOF faces, as well as in their excited Author: John Mackenzie 20 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 21 Gamla Hike and Golan Heights Winery Visit Those who love nature, re- Gamla has also a great his- mote places with great views or toric aspect worth mention- well kept cultural - historic sites ing. The ancient city of Gamla are highly recommended to visit was located on a steep ridge one of the 54 National Parks that has a shape like a camels and Nature Reserves located hump, hence its name. Tracks Recreation all over Israel, many of them of civilization go back to the in northern Galilee and on the Bronze age, most prominent Golan. Of the latter I would like however became Gamla as the to mention Nimrod Fortress town where Jews fought the (large Moslem fortress built in Romans. They joined a revolt 1227-1230, that controlled the against them, but had to pay northern Galilee on the route their price. Since Gamla was to Damascus) Banias (Caesarea strongly fortified and located Philippi), Tel Dan (natural re- very exposed it was hard to be Good mood after a good tasting sort at the Dan river that is the taken. First it was king Agrippa most important source to the who besieged the rebellious city, The steep descend to the Jordan river) and Gamla. but was forced to retreat. Finally archeological site and even more however it was the ascent may have been a little king Vespasian challenge for some of us, but it who succeeded was absolutely worth making it to break the and it was a great impression walls. The vast in splendid nature. majority of the Jews were kil- For those who like tasting led by being wine more than hiking the driven to death second part of our excursion at the steep cliff offered something special, a of this hill. visit to the Golan Heights Win- Those who are ery. It was established in 1983 able to read in Quazrin and may not be the Latin may wish biggest winery in Israel, but to look into the definitely produces exclusive View to ancient Gamla authentic source of Josephus and top quality wines. Its vine- A group of 35, civilian and Flavius, the Jewish War. Ac- yards extend to some 600 hec- military staff from UNDOF cording to him some 9000 tares located at altitudes from visited the Gamla Nature Re- inhabitants had been killed 400 to 1200 meters above sea serve on 22nd May, which is lo- then. Yet in 1968 it was redis- level. The soil is volcanic and cated some 20 km south of covered on an environmental basaltic with ideal climatic Quazrin at the brink of a pla- survey of the Golan, then conditions to cultivate wine. teau offering a great view to archeologists began excava- The production of grapes per the Sea of Galilee. At the Gamla tions and revealed amazing harvest is some 5000 tons. reserve you find two deep discoveries such as remnants There are many delecious types canyons, a high waterfall and of the city wall, the synagogue of wine that make it worth to go as a very special attraction of (one of the oldest ever discov- there and taste them by yourself. this place the biggest birds of ered in Israel) and residential prey nesting colony in Israel. quarters. Author: Maj Siegfried Perr, FWO 22 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 23 UNDOF Procurement Section Staff Civilian We are a team of sixteen We are proud to announce purchases undertaken by the personnel responsible for pro- that we have demonstrated our UN System, we encourage new curing a wide variety of equip- professionalism and efficiency vendors to partake in the bid- ment, goods and services for in delivering the complete re- ding process. In April 2005, UNDOF. We procure requisite quirements for the UNDOF Mod- UNDOF actively participated in commodities through competi- ernization Programme. Whether a Business Seminar in Damascus tive solicitations from qualified it was a matter of constructing and Aleppo which was well re- vendors. Depending upon the a new building,refurbishing an ceived by the business community. complexity of a requirement armored personnel carrier, the and the value of the commodity purchase of radome equipment Our procurement personnel to be procured, solicitation is or construction of a communi- have been actively supporting issued. UNDOF’s acquisition cation tower, all programmed DPKO’s newer Missions by un- activities are regularly posted activities were fully accom- dertaking both short-term and on the UN-HQ website. plished by the Prourement long-term duties. DPKO Mis-

Average we produce 650 Section, in a timely manner. sions in Iraq, Ivory Coast and Purchase Orders and 100 con- Haiti are just few examples. tracts each year. UNDOF’s In close coordination with purchasing volume ranges be- the Requisitioners, we continu- We also provide cross train- tween USD 12 million to USD ously establish multi-year sys- ing by encouraging other UN 14 million each year. tems contracts and openended offices to visit UNDOF. contracts that result in cost sav- We are also responsible for ings and operational effectiveness. We will continue to remain selling UNDOF’s used and as a backbone to the Mission written-off properties by under- Although UNDOF’s purchas- support activities. taking a competitive bidding ing volume is considerably process. smaller compared to the global Author: Balakrishnan Amirthalingam 22 - the UNDOF Journal - the UNDOF Journal 23 24 - the UNDOF Journal