Dear Reader !

Once again the Also a warm welcome to our summer is past and newly arrived Press Officers – the winter prepa- Capt Damian Zebzda (POL- rations are now BATT), Capt Tokuhiro Oeda

Editorial underway. Along with the change (J-CON) and MSgt Vladimir of seasons come many changes Radic (HRVCON). I’m sure within UNDOF since the last that we will continue the excel- edition of the Golan Journal. lent and close cooperation that The Force Commander’s new we enjoyed with your predeces- operational focus on greater flex- sors. ibility and mobility is becoming UNDOF soldiers were taking Our team: Alexander, Gerry, Yozo and Utz ingrained in the mindset of every- part in the “14th of July Parade” in one in UNDOF. This renewed operational focus has Paris for the first time – this fascinating account opens really taken hold and is obvious in the attitudes and the new edition of the Golan Journal. I am sure you will actions of all UNDOF members. find this article, along with all the others in the follow- I would like to welcome Ms. Mary C. Roth, the new ing pages, interesting and full of new insights. Enjoy! CMS, who is back at UNDOF along with many new faces that have arrived within the last three months as well. Who? Have a look at the pages 6, 7 and 8. With best wishes, Capt Alexander Unterweger, SOPR

SOPR Editorial ...... 2 Editorial Staff: Unit Press Officers: FC UNDOF Force Commander’s Message ...... 3 Editor in Chief, AUSBATT - Capt Martin Malinowski & COS UNDOF Chief of Staff Words...... 4 Proofreader SOPR Capt Alex Unterweger HRVCON - MSgt Vladimir Radic DMPIO Visits to UNDOF ...... 5 & SSO M/PR&W INDCON - Capt Vishal Vikram Singh New People New People in UNDOF ...... 6 Editor Maj Utz Kuras J-CON - Capt Tokuhiro Oeda New People New People in UNDOF ...... 7 & CMS Coming Home ...... 8 Editor DMPIO POLBATT - Capt Damian Zebzda Capt Yozo Akiyama GIS “Zero, this is NINER FOXTROT” ...... 9 OGG - Capt Kurt Black-Sinclair & ...... Proofreader SSO Pers Miscellaneous UNDOF Crossing Activities 10 MP - Maj Manfred Meyer Maj Greg Penner Miscellaneous UNDOF Crossing Activities ...... 11 Celebration Moments of Pride ...... 12 Editor, Layout Designer & Force Photographer ...... Celebration Moments of Pride 13 WO II Gernot Payer FMO The Medical Aspect of UNDOF...... 14 JOC The Nerve Centre of UNDOF...... 15 Editorial Office: AUSBATT Gopher Hole II/2008 ...... 16 UNDOF HQ AUSBATT UNDOF Olympic Games ...... 17 Camp FAOUAR POLBATT Czolem Zolnierze - Welcome Soldiers! ...... 18 E-Mail: [email protected] INDCON A Glance at the Indian Contingent ...... 19 J-CON At the Highest Level of Competence ...... 20 The Golan Journal is the magazine of the United Nations Disengagement J-CON J-CONDAY - Promote Mutual Respect ...... 21 Observer Force and it is intended to provide information about the Force and events within it which are of interest to its members. The UNDOF MP Change of Command MP Platoon ...... 22 Media, Public Relations & Welfare Office publishes the Golan Journal ...... OGG The Eyes of the Night - Always watching 23 quarterly. While articles and photographs are welcomed from all members of the Force, the view and opinions expressed are those of the individual Front (Page 1): French National Day Celebration authors and do not necessarily coincide with those of the United Nations Photo by French Press or the Force Commander. The copyright of all material in this journal is vested in United Nations Back (Page 24): Syrian Bride Publications except where an acknowledgment is made to another holder. Photo by WO II Gernot Payer No articles or illustrations may be reproduced without the permission of the editorial staff.

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

Dear Fellow Peacekeepers! With the hot summer days behind us and the beautiful fall days upon us I would first like to congratulate AUSBATT for two extremely well organized social events that took place during these last three months, and express my anticipation for the upcoming events planned by POLBATT and LOGBATT this coming quarter. I am speaking of course of the Edelweiss Run and the AUSBATT March which both combined physical activity and esprit de corps. They also enabled people from all contingents to meet and discover the unique conditions in which AUSBATT has to operate. Fortunately, they were both blessed with perfect weather conditions. We live in changing times more than ever. Mostly due to the continued inf lux of people coming to establish themselves in our area of responsibility, our mission can no longer remain static. All these local developments create an ever changing situation requiring dynamic operational and tactical responses. Finished are the days where we can sit in our positions and OPs and only do observation and reporting. We need to make our presence felt and minimize the number of violations that go undetected and uncorrected. We also have changes in the socio-political situation. We only have to look at the events of the recent months. We have, for the first time in memory, an interest in curbing the smugglers activities coming from both Lebanon and Israel. These activities have brought an unprecedented Muhabarat operation and continued presence in the AOS. We must therefore remain alert and vigilant to diffuse possible escalation between the host nations as they are operating ever closer to the A-line. Also the Israeli side has a renewed interest to farmer’s violations. This situation not only requires f lexibility, it also demands diplomacy as some of those farmers have been allowed to harvest their land for many years now. On a positive note, due to the f lexibility and adaptability of the battalions, we now see a trend of substantial reduction in shepherd violations. Unfortunately, whenever one challenge seems solved, another arises that requires continued f lexibility. Our change of mindset must continue to remain effective. Furthermore, we also have to deal with internal change. Unfortunately for us, we have to live with the consecutive changes of the CMS, the COS and CISS in a very short time period. These are key strategic positions and it will require enormous support and f lexibility from everyone in order to complete the transition without affecting UNDOF’s operational capacity and upgrade projects. We also had a lot of change on the tactical and operational level with the new rotations of POLBATT and J-CON. Thankfully, those have gone smoothly due to their hard work and we are now back at full operational effectiveness. Finally, as I mentioned in the last issue of the journal, we have the upcoming change in logistic support. We want to reduce duplication, make the system more efficient, introduce more accountability and provide a more logical assignment of responsibilities. This is coming in the very near future as we have now finished our field research with a visit to UNFICYP. Change can be good, but it requires hard work. I count on all of you to help.

In the Service of Peace, to EVERYONE in UNDOF, I say ...

Thank you, Hvala, Danke, Merci, Dziękuję, Arigato, Dhanyavad, Shukran, Toe Dah! Major General Wolfgang JILKE Force Commander UNDOF

- the UNDOF Journal 3 Chief of Staff Words

nce again it’s my great plea- violations to pre- sure to review the last few vent escalation. As monthsO of operations in UNDOF. a result, the Battal- I’m extremely impressed and grate- ions have proactively ful for the efforts of everyone here. taken action to deny Your accomplishments and the high entry into the AOS,

COS UNDOF COS level of cooperation within UNDOF crossing the A-line, as we took on many new tasks and expansion of agri- projects to better fulfill our mandate culture and con- and mission are remarkable. struction projects On the operational side your beyond limitations vigilance resulted in timely and agreed by UNDOF. proper reaction to many new events In addition, Posi- in the Area of Operation (AOO). tion Commanders This required a renewed empha- were granted the sis on operational focus and a new freedom and flexibil- mindset. The Force Commander’s ity to change patrol intention is to put more emphasis timings as needed on proactively engaging emerging in order to respond situations in the AOO in addition appropriately and to monitoring activities in support rapidly to an evolv- of the Peace Agreement. While ing situation in order UNDOF performs its monitor- to prevent any poten- ing activity at an excellent level, tial violation. tional manpower to decrease reac- our forces have not always reacted I can assure you that there is still tion times and to ensure effective swiftly enough to movements of a significant amount of activity in surveillance of the AOS. civilians or to new agriculture/con- UNDOF’s AOO. Large-scale IDF These enhanced UNDOF oper- struction projects within the Area exercises in the occupied Golan ations are showing positive results, of Separation (AOS) which may from one side continue and there but at the same time we are encoun- violate the Agreement or impact are increased Syrian civilian activi- tering resistance from some civilian UNDOF operations. ties within the AOS, especially sectors. Our forces have received UNDOF must not only moni- along the A-line, as well as smug- threatening letters and more mines tor, observe and protest violations gling activity in the northern part of have been found on the patrol that contribute to increased tensions the AOS. paths. Thankfully we are receiving on tactical/operational level but to As a result, UNDOF has excellent support from the Syrian act, when appropriate, to prevent adapted to these operational chal- authorities with quick and appropri- events from escalating in the first lenges through 24/7 mobile and ate responses to any hostile action place. Thus, it was directed that the static operations, closer integration against UNDOF. scope of patrols was to be expanded of UNDOF and OGG operations, to take appropriate action to assure expanded spectrum of exercises, that violations are prevented. Of including “no-notice” to increase course, these actions must always be readiness, updated operational doc- conducted within UNDOF’s man- trine and procedures, and revital- date. This means that all patrols ization of force physical protection. will comply with UNDOF’s “Use In addition, it is planned that addi- Colonel Andrzej Ostrowski of Weapon” regulations in order to tional static operations will receive Chief of Staff UNDOF prevent violations and/or contain further augmentation with addi-

4 - the UNDOF Journal Visits to UNDOF by Capt Yozo Akiyama, DMPIO Visitors

Mr. Akinori Eto, Vice Minister, Japanese Ministry of Defense, met LtGen Bronislaw Kwiatkowski, Commander of the Operational Com- FC UNDOF and visited A- and B-Side (2nd and 4th Jul 2008) mand, participated in the celebration of Polish Armed Forces Day and Medal Parade of POLBATT at Camp Ziouani (14th-17th Aug 2008)

LtGen Mag. Günter Höfler, Commander of the Austrian Armed Forces, Mrs. Lisa Buttenheim, Director Asia and the Pacific Division, visited AUSBATT (18th-21st Aug 2008) Department of Political Affairs, visited Force Commander UNDOF and conducted a line tour in POLBATT area (16th Sep 2008)

Mr. Chiken Kakazu, Member of the House of Representatives Japan (1st Jul 2008) Mrs. Ulrike Merten, Chairperson of the Defense Committee of the German Federal Parliament (9th Jul 2008) Mr. Asahiko Mihara, Member of the House of Representatives Japan (28th Jul 2008) Mr. Khouchaba Nissan, Honorary Counsul of Republic of Croatia (5th Aug 2008) H.E. Masaki Kunieda, Japanese Ambassador to Syria (8th Aug 2008) Ms. Annika Hilding Norberg, Project Leader of International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations (25th Aug 2008) Mr. Petros Mastakas, UNICEF Security Officer (26th Aug 2008) H.E. Yoshinori Katori, Japanese Ambassador to Israel (3rd Sep 2008) Mr. Masashi Nakagome, Director of International Peace Cooperation Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, visited Col. Bruno Carpaneto, Defense Attaché of Switzerland Camp Faouar (19th Aug 2008) (20th Sep 2008)

- the UNDOF Journal 5 New People in UNDOF The new CMS Ms. Mary C. Roth, an American of Slavic/Polish parentage, is the new Chief of Mission Support at UNDOF. She has previously served at UNDOF for six years from Oct 1996 until Oct 2002 as CFO/Budget and later OIC Administration for six months. Ms. Roth departed on reassignment to UNMEE, Eritrea/Ethiopia Mission in Oct 2002 and was appointed at P5 level as Chief of Administrative Services. In Aug 2005 she moved to UNMIS, Sudan as Chief of Administrative Services at D1 level and in Jun 2006 to the follow on UNIOSIL Mission in Sierra Leone until Sep 2008 People of UNDOF of People when she traveled “back home” to Syria. Ms. Roth celebrated her 36th year of UN service in Jun 2008 with many friends and colleagues in Freetown. She served first with UN HQ from 1972 until 1983 when she came out to the field and never looked back. She took up a Field Service Officer position reaching until FS7 while at UNDOF. Ms. Roth has served at most of the Middle East Missions including UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNMOGIP, UNIKOM, UNLB, UNDOF and also African Missions MINURCA, UNMEE, UNMIS and UNIOSIL. She looks forward to retiring in four years with 40 years of UN service.

The new CPO Mr. Ard Venema, born on 10th Feb 1969 in the Netherlands, joined UNDOF in Aug 2008 as the new Chief Procurement Officer. After graduating as an Industrial Engineer in 1993, he served as a Reserve Officer in the Royal Dutch Navy. He then joined KPN, a Dutch telecommunications firm, as a logistical planner. Soon he changed to a position as buyer, which was the start of a long and progressive career in procurement. Before joining the UN in 2005, Mr. Venema worked for more than ten years in the private sector, fulfilling several consulting and management roles with KPN (the Neth- erlands), eircom (Ireland), and AT Kearney (Australia). Starting his UN career with the Procurement Division in New York as a Procurement Officer, he was initially responsible for the sourcing of aircraft and airfield services. After one year he moved to the Procurement Reform Implementation Team, where he was responsible for the develop- ment and roll-out of a procurement training program, reaching out to more than 850 UN staff from UNHQ , OAH and all DPKO missions in less than twelve months. He likes to play golf or go sailing, and has finished two marathons: Sydney in 2001 and New York in 2007.

The new FPM Maj Manfred Meyer was born 1968 in Graz, Austria. He joined the Austrian Armed Forces in 1994. He joined the Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt and graduated to Officer’s rank in 1998. Maj Meyer was transferred to one of the oldest former Infantry Regiments of the Austrian Army, the Infantry Regiment in Vienna, as Platoon Com- mander and Company Commander. In 2002 Maj Meyer assumed Commanding Officer of a Territorial Infantry Train- ing Coy in Styria. Then he served in UNDOF as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Coy/ AUSBATT in 2004. Maj Meyer decided to change to the Military Police branch in 2005 and underwent national and international Military Police training. He was subsequently appointed MP Coy Commander. Presently he serves as the DCO of the Austrian Military Police Bat- talion in Vienna. In Jun 2008, Maj Meyer took over as the Force Provost Marshal of UNDOF. He is married and has a nineteen-year-old son and fourteen-year-old daughter.

6 - the UNDOF Journal People of UNDOF The new COO LtCol Rainer Winter was born on 6th Nov 1971 in Vienna, Austria. After finishing the Technical High School for Electrical Engineering, he joined the Austrian Armed Forces in 1991. LtCol Winter served two years as a Squad Leader in an Infantry Regi- ment; afterwards he joined the Military Academy and graduated as an Engineer Officer. From 1997 to 2003 he served as a Platoon Leader, Company Commander of a Technical Engineer Company and Staff Officer for Training and Planning in an Engineer Battal- ion. During that time LtCol Winter participated in several Border Security and Disaster Relief Operations. After passing the selection procedure LtCol Winter joined the Command and Gen- eral Staff Course at the National Defense Academy from 2003 to 2006 in Vienna. At the same time he studied at the University of Vienna and graduated in both studies as General Staff Officer and Master of Arts in 2006. He also participated in several international exercises and trainings. Then LtCol Winter was posted in the Austrian Ministry of Defense for two years. There he was a member of the strategic steering board of the “Management Austrian Armed Forces 2010” project with the purpose of trans- forming the Austrian Armed Forces into a modern military force with proper capabilities to meet future require- ments. Since Jun 2008 LtCol Winter is the acting COO at HQ UNDOF. LtCol Winter is married to Sonja and has an eleven-year-old daughter named Selina.

The new CO/POLBATT LtCol Dariusz Adamczyk was born on 12th May 1968 in Toruń in the central part of Poland, in a family where serving in the army has been a long tradition. After graduating from the Military High School of Artillery in 1992 he served as a Platoon Commander in the 4th Artillery Regiment in Kołobrzeg. Until 2000 he occupied various positions from Company Leader, Chief of Staff in a squadron, Deputy Squadron Commander to Squadron Commander in this Regiment. In 2000 LtCol Adamczyk was sent to study at the National Defense Academy in Warsaw and graduated in 2002. Soon afterwards LtCol Adamczyk joined the Land Forces Command; there he was responsible for the training of the artillery troops. In 2006 he served in UNDOF as the POLBATT Senior Operations Officer. After his return to Poland, LtCol Adamczyk took over duties as a Squadron Commander within the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade. LtCol Adamczyk is married and has a daughter named Karolina. He is interested in computer engineering and cars.

The new CO/J-CON Maj Munenori Fujita was born in Ishikawa, Japan, on 13th Feb 1973. Just after gradu- ation from National Defense Academy of Japan in 1996 with the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering, he joined the Officer Candidate Course and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1997. His military career includes Platoon Leader in the 1st Coy of the 9th Engineer Battal- ion from 1997 to 2000, Instructor at the National Defense Academy from 2000 to 2001, Staff Officer in the Operations Section of the 13th Engineer Group from 2001 to 2003, 358th Company Commander of 13th Engineer Group from 2003 to 2004, Staff Officer in the Operations Section of the 2nd Engineer Brigade from 2005 to 2007. Maj Fujita has completed Command and General Staff Course in 2007 and also com- pleted the United Nations Staff Logistic Officer Course in India in 2008. After that he was assigned as the Commander of the 26th J-CON on the Golan Heights. Maj Fujita enjoys all kinds of sports like baseball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. He also likes reading books and relaxing at spas.

- the UNDOF Journal 7 Coming Home … CMS UNDOF

elcome Home, welcome Back in the Middle East where But no matter where the UN back to Syria, to Damascus, I had worked for 20 years, people sends me to work, I always meet Wto UNDOF…, they said. asked: “How do you find the Mis- colleagues I have worked with I had served for six years in the sion, the area? Is it much changed?” before – even during the time Mission, six years ago as CFO/ The city is more populated, has more away in Africa and, of course, have Budget and later as OIC Adminis- cars. Shopping malls have sprung made new friends, have acquired tration for six months. up! Rents have doubled. As for the more godchildren. Now even mili- I had been away for six years on Mission, I am sure it has changed tary colleagues are re-introducing an African sojourn to East and West and improved. I look forward to themselves to me. We have worked Africa. I was breathless in Eritrea/ realizing all of these in due course together before. I am happy to be Ethiopia UNMEE Mission due to after I have had the opportunity to back in UNDOF, the Middle East the high altitude, learned to drink travel around the region and meet and look forward to working with the traditional three cups of coffee old and new Mission colleagues. all of you for the benefit and better- for good luck, had sand in my eyes I had forgotten the serenity of ment of our Mission – UNDOF! from the “haboobs” (dust storms) of the countryside until I recently Sudan at UNMIS. I visited down joined old friends on a recent expe- South in the tropical jungle like sur- dition to the mountains. We enjoyed roundings of Juba and out west in the usual mezze lunch under the the arid lands of Darfur. In Sierra cool, swaying trees where the run- Leone as CMS, I had frequently ning spring water ran tinkling in ridden on a helicopter across the bay the background. I was home again to Lungi airport and out on visits to – back in the Middle East after the Ms. Mary C. Roth, the regional offices with our section intrigues of the large, dark conti- Chief of Mission Support UNDOF chiefs. nent.

8 - the UNDOF Journal “Zero, this is NINER FOXTROT” GIS Unit t the beginning of my tour, in Sep 2007, the new sophis- Aticated equipment, the compli- cated tasks, the Geographic Infor- mation System (GIS) and my new comrades in the UNDOF GIS unit scared me a lot. To handle all the equipment properly wasn’t so easy – especially for a field soldier like myself. Furthermore, my pre- decessor was a very experienced one. But my boss, Ms. Ayako Kagawa, repeated again and again that I shouldn’t worry and that GIS is not a rocket science. Step by step, together with the help of The GIS Staff in their office my boss and colleagues, I man- aged to become an experienced Also fieldwork is part of our job. the history of this region – from Mapping Officer. Together with Ms. Kagawa and our the First Middle East war in 1948 For me it was an interesting friends from the AUSBATT EOD until the last war in 1973. Now, after job with a lot of challenges almost Team we spent weeks outside in the every day because we had to ful- AOR. Working in the open, sum- fill tasks for all UNDOF contin- mer sun with up to 45 degrees Cel- gents. sius (I lost four kilos!), sometimes in During my duty I had the dangerous areas, was very challeng- chance to experience a lot. First ing for us. Finally we succeeded and of all, I had to cre- created maps show- ate the maps – for ing the field viola- example the patrol tions. They make the maps for our troops daily business for the in the field, topo- troops much easier. graphical maps and An excellent part special maps like of my job at the GIS minefield maps unit was the oppor- Fieldwork in the AOR and field violation tunity to attend in maps. I’m con- training courses con- 18 months of duty, it’s time to say vinced that every- ducted in Beirut. The good bye to all my comrades from one knows about highlight there was UNDOF. Thank you for your sup- this activity. The original UNTSO treaty map that I could take part port and I hope that I also could But it’s not in what will become give a small input to your duty. much known how much time has a part of UN history. I was involved “Zero, this is NINER FOX- to be spent to create such maps. in archiving the original treaty TROT, leaving your location to desti- Unfortunately, it’s not only “please maps in the UNTSO Headquarters nation Poland.” push the button and print a map.” in Jerusalem. As a big fan of his- Article by Maj Mariusz Reichel, To create a proper map it takes you tory, it was a great experience even Mapping Officer UNDOF at least three to four tough hours to touch the original documents – Photos by WO II Gernot Payer, on the computer. at that moment I could really feel Force Photographer

- the UNDOF Journal 9 UNDOF supports the humanitarian crossing activ- ities, which are organized and conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Crossing from Israel to Syria 19th Jul: 1 funeral 7th Aug: 19 students 28th Aug: 388 pilgrims, 5 mourners 15th Sep: 104 students 24th Sep: 109 students 25th Sep: 26 students, 1 bride Crossing from Syria to Israel 1st Jul: 91 students 2nd Jul: 90 students 10th Jul: 71 students 1st Sep: 386 pilgrims 22nd Sep: 26 students, 2 pilgrims, 5 mourners

Moments of Pride UN Blue Berets presented at French “14th of July Parade” for the first time. UN peacekeepers, including 35 soldiers from UNDOF, demonstrated its presence at the Military Parade in Paris, France, on 14 th Jul in response to the invitation from the Republic of France to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

he 14th Jul, “Le Quatorze Juil- In recent years France has ten AUSBATT, ten POLBATT, Miscellaneous let” in French, is a French invited many foreign military par- six INDCON, five HRVCON and NationalT Day established in Jul 1880 ticipants to the parade, such as in four J-CON soldiers. The delegation in order to commemorate “Prise 2000, when soldiers from the Brit- departed from Damascus Airport de la Bastille” and the following ish Army and Marines participated for Evreux Air Force Base on 7th Jul. French Revolution in 1789. There- and included a demonstration flight Commanded by Col B. Commins, fore the 14th Jul is also called “Bas- by the Red Arrows of the British UNIFIL Chief Liaison Officer, the tille Day”. Nowadays, many events Air Force. Last year officers and sol- 145 UN peacekeepers were engaged that celebrate the French Revolution diers from all EU member countries in intensive training during the and the importance of freedom and were invited. week before 14th Jul. What had to be democracy are organized on this This year, 145 UN peacekeepers done first, as you can imagine eas- day each year. In the morning an from 23 countries had the chance to ily, was resolving differences in drill international military parade is held attend this parade of international of each participating countries. This on the Champs-Elysees reviewed by renown, including 98 members of may have been somewhat difficult the French President and other dis- UNIFIL, twelve of UNFICYP for soldiers from some countries, tinguished guests from all over the and 35 members of UNDOF. The but we could manage the diversity world. UNDOF delegation consisted of in UN peacekeeping missions.

12 - the UNDOF Journal Miscellaneous Secretary-General On a personal level, all the partici- Ban Ki-moon, pants had the opportunity to meet Syrian President with colleagues of other peacekeep- Bashar Assad and ing missions. the Israeli Prime Finally, all UN peacekeepers Minister Ehud could take pride in the importance Olmert, who both of their mission and their daily participated in the responsibility, when wearing the Mediterranean Sea blue beret. Summit the day before, were a few Article by Maj Kentaro Yushita, of the dignitar- CO/J-CON Champs-Elysees under the Blue Flag ies present, while thousand of citi- Together with the other partici- zens lined the street to watch the pants, the Blue Berets had many parade pass by. rehearsals on the Champs-Elysees This event will have lasting in the every early morning, between meaning for all participants rep- five and seven, because of the heavy resenting the UN and the Troop traffic at daytime. After the morn- Contributing Countries (TCC). ing rehearsal on Champs-Elysees, The parade demonstrated the we all went back to Satory Training presence of UN peacekeepers in Area in Versailles, where we con- the arena of international resolution tinued the intensive training. The conflict as well as the contribution by parade training was not the only each TCC. It also showed the pres- part offered by France; we also had ence and importance of UNDOF in the opportunity to enjoy wonder- the Middle East peace process, as ful and historical sites of Paris such this was highlighted by the atten- as the Versailles Palace, the Eiffel dance of both President Assad and Tower and the Seine River. Prime Minister Olmert, who had Paris from a bird’s eye view Celebrated by a clear blue sky, just resumed indirect peace talks. the parade on 14th Jul began with the inspection by the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Follow- ing that, all participating UN Blue Berets, includ- ing the 35 UNDOF sol- diers, proudly marched on the Champs-Ely- sees heading all march- ing units consisting of 4377 soldiers, 241 horses and 312 vehicles. Nearly 100 military aircraft and helicopters overflew the marching troops as well. In front of French Presi- dent Nicolas Sarkozy, UN UNDOF Soldiers presenting at the Military Parade

- the UNDOF Journal 13 The Medical Aspect of UNDOF

he UNDOF Medical Branch not only cares about your medical treatment but isT also responsible for hygiene and preventive measures. Three medical centers with their medical professionals take care of all military and civilian members of UNDOF. In case of emergency they also provide medical assistance

Medical Branch to the civilian population of their respective host nation. Additionally, all coys are manned with highly trained medical assistants. Still there are even more contributors to this func- tioning medical system, than sometimes meet your eyes. Judging by the 600 to 800 treatments per- formed by the medical centers each month, Medical check-up at the AUSBATT Medical Center there is a good chance that some of the Camp members have visited them at some stage. Have you ever spotted some mysterious early bird scooping water from a fire-fighters’ pool into a little bottle? Have you ever passed by a building with an ugly smell? Have you ever witnessed anybody with a gas flame who tried to melt a tap, only to fill up water in vials? Or have you ever observed anybody straying though the camp with blood-filled tubes? You have undoubtedly guessed it by now – that’s the team working in the laboratory. Their daily business is to deal with water, blood and stool samples. Not forget someone who chases after our cats and dogs, and unexpectedly appears in Working in the Laboratory kitchens and positions, rummages around in fridges and asks for odd temperature records. You are right! The Force Hygiene Officer (FHO) always strives to prevent us from debil- itating diseases. The Warrant Officer Medical Logistics (WO MED LOGS), who, armed with stacks of paper is constantly searching for facts and figures, also belongs to the Medical Branch. Still there is somebody missing. The Force Medical Officer (FMO), he’s the head of the Medical Branch. That’s me; but that’s another story! Article by LtCol Wolfram Heidinger, FMO UNDOF Photos by WO II Gernot Payer, Force Photographer Veterinarian surgery of the FC’s dog “Oscar”

14 - the UNDOF Journal Joint Operations CenterJoint Operations

The Nerve Centre of UNDOF

hen I arrived on the Golan to protect the JOC/JMAC against Advisor, the Force Medical Officer, Heights last November, my infantry fire and artillery splin- a representative of the Logis- Wnew office – the HQ Duty Officers’ ters at least from three tics Branch and Liaison office in Camp Faouar, didn’t meet sides. New furniture, Officers to the Battal- with my expectations. This disor- updated maps, and ions also provide their ganized shabby shelter occupied by IT equipment were expertise and inputs three soldiers should be my future installed. After some to UNDOF`s assets working environment?! This should dusty, noisy and strug- of operations in order be the “nerve center” of UNDOF?! gling weeks the work to provide the FC and After a few days of getting was done! COS with a detailed pic- familiar with my duty and tasks I Since June, the Opera- ture of the operational situ- heard the term “JOC/JMAC” (Joint tions Branch is now ready to ation on demand. Operations Center/Joint Mission face the situational challenges with The effectiveness of the JOC/ Analysis Center) for the first time. appropriate measures. The JOC/ JMAC was already employed several JMAC is perma- times not only during exercises but nently manned also in real incidents. Two excellent by an UNDOF examples were the coordination of Operations Offi- UNDOF activities during a police cer, an OGG raid against smugglers in the vil- Duty Officer and lage of Hadar and the coordination a Signals NCO. of the handover/takeover of arrested This team sorts civilians. out and analy- Despite some resistance during ses incoming the planning and development stage information and the installation of the JOC/JMAC takes first mea- proved to be a big and positive step sures, reports for UNDOF’s and OGG’s opera- and keeps the tional performance. Working in the Joint Operations Center FC and COS updated on a Article by Capt Thomas Pittracher, OpsO UNDOF JOC/JMAC? Similar to NATO regular basis. In addition to that, Photos by WO II Gernot Payer, missions, here on the Golan the JOC/JMAC is supported by Force Photographer Heights? Operations Warrant Officers, Mis- Based on a guideline by UN sion Analysis and DPKO every UN Mission has to Planning Officers establish a JOC and a JMAC. The of both UNDOF aims of these are to enhance the and OGG during quality and speed of operational routine working processes in a mission. hours. If there is All branches of UNDOF took an operational a massive effort to create this facil- need, additional ity, which was built up on the exist- personnel are ing infrastructure. Within three called in from months, parts of the Operations the Headquar- Branch were moved to the attached ters and the three shelter. The rest of the rooms were Battalions. The emptied. Gabion boxes were placed Force Security The Joint Operations Center Staff

- the UNDOF Journal 15 Gopher Hole II/2008 - a New Operational Mind From 09th to 11th Sep 2008 AUSBATT Gopher Hole exercise took place. This exercise was different to all exercises conducted before. The overall aim of this exercise was to train the new concept of operations.

he idea of this exercise was to the progression of the situation new

AUSBATT create a high tension scenario at elements created by the AUSBATT theT battalion level. This, and not to HQ-Coy had to reinforce the line- train tasks at the position level, was coys. The medical team also trained the clear intent of CO AUSBATT, to triage a significant mass of injured LtCol Hans-Peter Hohlweg. Rather people. And due to a lack of its own every incident in the exercise should transport capabilities the movement be recognized as a challenge that of fire fighting troops to the hot spot was needed. On the second day of the exercise the main focus changed to the operational capacities. The security measurements in Camp Faouar were increased with two additional armored vehicles “M113” and extra ship containers to fortify the Camp gates. The AUSBATT Fire Brigade in action On the third day of the exercise, convoys of joint mili- could be managed only in a com- tary and police forces of each of the bined effort of the AUSBATT Staff conflict parties entered the AOS at together with the coys. Under these almost the same time at four differ- circumstances a flexible operational ent locations. Under the command concept was needed. of LtCol Hohlweg the AUSBATT “The whole exercise scenario con- Reserve succeeded in stopping the sisted of incidents comparable to such convoy of the entered military and occurred within the last three months police forces in the Jabatta area. in reality. A very high level of time After successful negotiations the pressure and a simultaneous occur- convoy was escorted out of the rence should bring the commanding AOS. level also under time pressure and the “This exercise was a test of the capacities of the battalion to its lim- new operational mind of AUSBATT its,” explained Maj Georg Schiller, and finally we assessed that we are COO AUSBATT. ready to fulfil any demanding tasks in On the first day a shooting inci- UNDOF,” DCO AUSBATT Maj dent and a huge demonstration Miroslav Vagner concluded. forced the line-coys to provide clear Article by Maj Georg Schiller, COO/AB situation updates straight from the Photos by MSgt Martin Austerhuber, hot spots to the battalion. Due to Photographer/AB

16 - the UNDOF Journal UNDOF Olympic Games AUSBATT This summer the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, took place. But far away from China on the Golan Heights the UNDOF Olympic Games were held. The disciplines conducted were tennis, soccer and kart race. Organized by AUSBATT, members of all UNDOF contingents participated in this event.

he Games started with the ten- Croatian team “CRO Caffee” won formula one drives were struggling nis tournament on 1st Aug at the grand final after a tough but fair on the Spa Francorchamps in Bel- theT tennis courts in Camp Faouar competition. gium, twelve Austrian and Croa- with ten multi- tians drivers cut national players curves to become participating. The the champion of tournament lasted formula UNDOF. three days and With the go-karts consists of a start- it was possible to ing round, a lucky reach a maximum losers round, the speed of 70 kmph. semi-finals and After a hard and the final. The Aus- exhausting fight trian MCpl Mario WO Florian Ambros need five Fliesser from 2nd won matches to Coy AUSBATT become the Num- became the Cham- ber One of the pion of “Formula “Faouar Tennis MCpl Ambros, the UNDOF tennis star “Formula UNDOF” in Damascus UNDOF.” Masters.” The UNDOF The AUSBATT Soccer Cup The third discipline of the Olympic Games received excellent took place on 29th Aug and 30th UNDOF Olympic Games took feedback which made the organiza- Aug at the Camp Faouar soccer place on the circuit of Zaman Al tional team very proud. court. Eleven teams with seven Khair close to the Damascus Inter- This event showed and under- players were joining the great sports national Airport. On 7th Sep, when lined the good mood, fairness and event. Players from well trained physi- India, Japan, Syria, cal conditions of the Poland, Croatia and participating soldiers. Austria were fight- Therefore we are look- ing for the champion- ing forward to the next ship. The matches were year when UNDOF monitored and led by members hopefully will two professional refer- fight again for these ees. All matches had a titles; and so strengthen duration of 14 minutes the peaceful spirit of except the final last- UNDOF. ing 20 minutes. After Article by Capt Martin a two groups league Malinowski, OpsInfo/AB system the best three Photos by MSgt teams played for the Martin Austerhuber, championship. The “CRO Caffee” - the Croatian winning team of the Soccer Cup Photographer/AB

- the UNDOF Journal 17 Czolem Zolnierze - Welcome Soldiers! On 8th Sep 2008 on the parade square in Camp Ziouani, the Polish Change of Command ceremony took place in the presence of Force Commander UNDOF MGen Wolfang Jilke.

his morning a nervous atmo- that FC UNDOF

POLBATT sphere prevailed in the Polish MGen Wolfgang Jilke CampT in connection with such an would soon appear important event as the Change of in Camp Ziouani. A Command. This is because the 29th Change of Command Rotation Polish Military Contingent ceremony can take had already finished its mandatory place only with the tasks formally and practically and FC’s presence as he the 30th Rotation was taking over signed the appropri- full responsibility for operational ate certificate between tasks. In spite of anxiousness, each outgoing CO LtCol soldier who participated in prepar- Krzysztof Malankie- ing the ceremony had known what wicz and incoming Signing the Handover/Takeover protocols he should do and it was certain that CO LtCol Dariusz everything was proper organized. Adamczyk. time of strenuous work in order to The celebration was honored with After outgoing CO’s report to continue maintaining peace in the the presence of many distinguished FC, MGen Jilke greeted all sol- region, which has been successfully guests: Mr. Pawel Lesiak, Deputy diers in Polish: “Czolem zolnierze!” carried out for almost 35 years. of the Polish Ambassador in Tel Soldiers, who arrived to the Golan Half-yearly duty under the “Blue Aviv and Col Mariusz Jurek, Head Heights the first time, were very Flag” of the United Nations is a of Polish Delegation from Opera- surprised and delighted about that. very short period in a mission’s life. tional Command. Also the Com- Handing over the POLBATT’s In the life of each soldier it’s a time manding Officers of others Military standard to the new CO was the cul- of fulfilling new tasks and gaining a Contingents, soldiers – peacekeep- minating point of solemnity. After lot of experience, which is quite dif- ers and numerous arrived civilian that the COs and the FC signed ferent than the daily military life in staff participated at the Change of the handover/takeover protocols. homeland. Command ceremony. Together they planted an olive tree 15 minutes before 11 a.m. the as a symbol of peace. Article and Photos by Capt Damian Zebzda, PressO/PB POLBATT troops took their places For soldiers from the 30th Rota- on the parade square. It was a sign tion the next six months will be a

Honor Coy during the Military Parade Planting an olive tree for peace

18 - the UNDOF Journal A Glance at the Indian Contingent INDCON The Indian Contingent celebrated its 60th Independence Day with full spirit. Prior to that they have had a busy schedule in successfully conducting “Exercise Iron Fist.” This can be seen by a total role reversal in both events, one with utmost professionalism and one with great joy and pride.

t was a very busy time in the Contingent. The Logistic Battalion’s working event started with Ischedule. In addition to normal the DCO unfurl- logistic activities, they also orga- ing and saluting nized “Ex Iron Fist” from 2nd to 4th the national flag in Aug. In this exercise, along with the Camp Ziouani. All J-CON’s active contribution, the the officers together officers and soldiers all took a keen with the Com- interest and made it a successful manding Officer event. By performing the requisite LtCol G. S. Sidhu actions as per the directions given were invited to the by the higher HQ in case of emer- Indian Embassy gencies, the INDCON have shown in Tel-Aviv. There their commitment and professional the Ambassador knowledge in the field of opera- unfurled the national tional exigencies. flag and delivered After a hectic exercise schedule a message from the Colorful dance from local Indians the nation’s Independence Day was Indian President. celebrated, in which the jubilation Afterwards a buffet lunch was The next significant event in and sense of pride can be seen on organized in honor of the IND- line was the medal parade on 20th each and every soldier of the Indian CON soldiers in UNDOF. Aug, where the Force Commander MGen Wolfgang Jilke, Chief of Staff Col Andrzej Ostrowski and CISS LtCol Neil John presented the proud soldiers of the Indian Contingent with the UN Medal on completing 90 days in UNDOF. The medal parade was followed by spicy Indian culinary delights served in the International Kitchen in Camp Ziouani.

Article by Capt Vishal Vikram Singh, SMO/LOGBATT Photos by Maj Soumya Ranjan Sahu, Adj/LOGBATT and Pte Hemant Kumar Singh

CO LOGBATT presented with the UN Medal

- the UNDOF Journal 19 At the Highest Level of Competence The CO J-CON Maj Kentaro Yushita handed over the command of J-CON to his successor Maj Munenori Fujita. J-CON

Shaking hands - MGen Jilke, Maj Yushita, Maj Fujita

n 3rd Sep 2008, J-CON held lent hospitality of UNDOF. Then their Change of Command he praised the outgoing members CeremonyO in Camp Ziouani. The of the 25th J-CON for completing outgoing 25th CO, Maj Kentaro their mission safely and encouraged Yushita, handed over command of the new members to perform their J-CON to the incoming 26th CO, mission to the best of their ability. Maj Munenori Fujita. In honor of The CO of the incoming 26th this ceremony, the Japanese Ambas- Contingent, Maj Fujita, expressed sador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Yoshinori his appreciation to Maj Yushita and Katori, Force Commander MGen his soldiers for completing their mis- Address by the new CO J-CON Wolfgang Jilke, Col Takaharu Shi- sion successfully and their important mazu, the Japanese Military Atta- and highly considered contribution in order to contribute to UNDOF che to Israel, UNDOF Branch to the UNDOF mission. operations. Heads, contingent COs, and many Maj Yushita stated that the 26th Following the official part of the special guests arrived to celebrate Rotation will succeed what their ceremony, the reception was held this great and solemn event. predecessors have built up in these at the Japanese Club “A-Line” in a Maj Yushita and Maj Fujita both 13 years since the first Japanese pleasant atmosphere. signed the handover/takeover proto- Rotation was sent to this mission. Article by Capt Tokuhiro Oeda, col. Maj Yushita sincerely expressed He also declared that they - as mili- Adj/PressO/J-CON his gratitude for the partnership, tary professionals - will perform Photos by SSgt Takao Watanabe, very close cooperation and excel- at the highest level of competence Signal Sgt/J-CON

20 - the UNDOF Journal J-CONDAY - Promote Mutual Respect

On 8th Aug J-CON held the “J-CONDAY”, a Japanese celebration event. This J-CON event has been celebrated since J-CON first played a role as a member of UNDOF. Among others J-CON performed Budo, Japanese culture and Japanese food.

festival dance. Wahuku. Kakigoori is a Japanese Most of the 25th summer sweet - shaved ice with sev- J-CON is from the eral kinds of syrup. J-CON mem- Aomori prefec- bers taught Origami, a folded paper ture located in the art which shape is similar to a bird northern part of called “common crane.” Shodo is Japan and Nebuta is their regional traditional dance. In the Japanese food corner, Sushi and Yakitori was Performing Nebuta Dance served by J-CON cooks. Sushi is t was a sunny day on which COS well-known as the most famous Col Andrzej Ostrowski, the food of Japan, and many people Serving Japanese food IAmbassador of Japan in Syria H. E. formed a long queue to get it. So it Mr. Masaki Kunieda and the Mili- was no surprise that all the prepared the traditional way of writing Kanji tary Attaché in Syria Col Kazuyoshi food was snapped up. At the handed down from the ancient Suehiro, among other guests and culture corner the visitors China. The visitors were very keen friends were invited to this event. gained an insight in on getting their name written in Many soldiers and civilians from Kakigoori, Ori- Kanji. several countries gami, Shodo and On this occasion J-CON mem- participated in this bers made it possible to enhance event, too. the relationships within the The theme of nations and promote mutual this rotation’s J-CON respect for each others cul- DAY was “Touch Japan” ture, history and tradi- - to let everyone become tion. familiar with J-CON and expe- For those of you rience Japan. who missed this special After the opening ceremony, a event: don’t worry, the next Budo exhibition was performed: J-CONDAY will take place Judo, Kendo, Jukendo, Iaido and soon! Karate. Nowadays especially Judo Article by Capt Yusuke and Karate are well-known and very Yamamoto, famous around the world. The audi- Judo exhibition Adj/PressO/J-CON ence was impressed by the “throw- Photos by SSgt Kenichi Osanai, ing bodies” of Judo and the smashed Signal Sgt/J-CON boards of Karate. In addition to that, a main part of the program this time was Nebuta, a Japanese

- the UNDOF Journal 21 Change of Command MP Platoon

n 29th Jul 2008, the outgoing speech, Maj Rathore thanked his lege to work with the international Force Provost Marshal (FPM) soldiers and emphasized the pro- Military Police Platoon, consist- MajO Siddartha Rathore handed over fessionalism with which they ful- ing of Austrian, Croatian, Indian the command of the MP Platoon to filled their duties. He also thanked and Polish Military Policemen. Maj his successor Maj Manfred Meyer. the HQ Staff, Branch Heads, his Meyer accentuated the importance MP PlatoonMP

Signing Ceremony

Handover/Takeover of the MP Banner own Staff and all of Police work, especially the work the civilian person- of Military Policemen abroad. He The FC MGen Wolfgang Jilke, nel of UNDOF for their assistance, assured that he and his team will do COS Col Andrzej Ostrowski, CMS support and patience throughout his their best for fulfilling the MP tasks Mr. Patrick Devaney, the CO AUS- command. Finally he wished the of UNDOF. Following the official BATT LtCol Hans-Peter Hohl- new FPM all the best of luck during part of the ceremony, all honorable weg, UNDOF Branch Heads and his tour of duty. The new FPM Maj guests were invited to a reception at all other COs were present to honor Meyer thanked his predecessor for the MP ‘C-Detachment.’ this ceremony. Maj Meyer took his good advice and useful informa- over Command of the UNDOF tion during his time as Deputy Force Article by Maj Manfred Meyer, FPM Photos by WO II Gernot Payer, Military Police Platoon consisting Provost Marshal. He explained Force Photographer of 29 personnel. In his valedictory that it was a great honor and privi-

MP Platoon with all honorable Guests

22 - the UNDOF Journal The Eyes of the Night - Always watching It’s late, very late. Marcus and Mark are getting ready to doing their job, while most of the Golan is sleeping. OGG

t OP56 Capt Marcus Oster- in the same area of operation, it is the given mandate and reduce pos- berg is doing the final prepara- essential to establish close opera- sible tensions. Using the best efforts tion.A It’s almost midnight. The next tional and support links to enhance to maintain the cease-fire, and see four hours will be spent in a patrol that it is scrupulously observed by car, together with his team-col- the parties. league from Ireland, Commandant “My intent is, through the night Mark Staunton. operations, to maintain the cease- “We are going to patrol a pre- fire, and to prevent any escala- planned route, and along the tion of tensions between both route we will stop to observe parties,” stated in the task with night vision goggles, order by MGen Wolfgang usually close to main access Jilke, Force Commander roads in and out of the area UNDOF. of responsibility,” the Finn- Since the Observer ish Captain says. Group in Damascus The reason for con- (OGG-D) and Tiberias ducting a night patrol is to (OGG-T) is under opera- observe any movement of tional control of the Force military personnel and equip- Commander, the two outsta- ment by Syrian and Israeli forces tions now regularly conducts during the hours of darkness. night patrols. Commandant Mark Together with UNDOF, Observer Prendergast as operations officer is Group Golan (OGG) provides responsible to plan and coordinate better coverage by working also at overall unity of effort and coor- these patrols on the behalf of Chief night. dinate day and night operations. OGG-D. As UNDOF and OGG operate Night patrols will better fulfill He states, “Our job is to moni- tor the routes in and out of the area of responsibility to assess the extent of mil- itary or para-military activity during the hours of darkness with particular emphasis on movement of equipment before or after scheduled inspections.” As a result of these night patrols OGG-D and OGG-T is able to provide the Force Commander with a clear picture of the type, size and nature of military activity in the area in order to increase his situational awareness and increase compliance with the 1974 Agreement.

Article and Photos by Most of the time Marcus and Mark, together with about 45 observer colleagues, Maj Hanne Olafsen, patrolling, observing and reporting during daytime. Since May this year they have Deputy Team Leader Sultan/OGG also been working at night.

- the UNDOF Journal 23