Unifil(3)

[timhorgan]

David Murphy has a good piece on the Irish in Lebanon in todays Irish Time. I am afraid I could not copy it but someone else may be more successful.

[Rhodes]

Patrolling the Blue Line.

[Rhodes]

26th April 2012 - Irish and Finnish Defence Forces Troops Complete First Joint Exercise

331 Irish soldiers and 10 Finnish Defence Forces soldiers have completed the final phase of an intensive three week joint training exercise in the Glen of Imaal, Wicklow today. This is the first time a joint pre-deployment exercise has been carried out in Ireland involving both Irish and Finnish soldiers. The 10 Finnish staff officers are part of a larger group of 177 Finnish soldiers who will form one combined unit under Irish command, the 106 IRISHFINN Battalion, and will deploy to Lebanon in May.



The 106 IRISHFINN Battalion’s mission will involve the monitoring of the cessation of hostilities along the International ‘Blue Line’ between Lebanon and Israel, ensuring no armed elements other than the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are operating within the area and joint patrolling of South Lebanon with the LAF.

Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Sean McCann visited the exercise today and remarked:

“Peace Support Operations have become increasingly complex and it's important that both the Irish and Finnish troops were rigorously tested. The professionalism, cooperation and thorough preparation that I have seen here today will ensure that they can carry out their mission and represent Ireland, Finland and the United Nations with pride.”

This “Mission Readiness Exercise” puts commanders and soldiers through a demanding series of complex Peace Support Operation scenarios based on the current situation in Lebanon and potential threats that may be encountered in this volatile mission area. The scenarios involved encountering roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), violence escalation scenarios, first aid, negotiation techniques, medical heli evacuation and the use of conventional military weapon systems and equipment.

The 106th IRISHFINN Battalion will deploy to Lebanon in May, taking over duties from the all Irish 105th Battalion who have been serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November last year.

Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Brian Monahan from Dublin, the 106 IRISHFINN BATT is drawn principally from the 2 Eastern Brigade (mainly Leinster) and has been in training for the past three months. Lieutenant Colonel Monahan when discussing the challenge ahead stated.

“While the command of Irish Soldiers deployed overseas is a great honour and the highpoint of any officer's service, to lead an IRISHFINN Battalion is particularly special. I am looking forward to the experience of working with my Finnish colleagues in this challenging mission."

[The real Jack]

Christ could they make any less of an effort for the MRE video? Every couple of months they make the exact same video on the same road doing the same shit.

[Rhodes]

Christ could they make any less of an effort for the MRE video? Every couple of months they make the exact same video on the same road doing the same shit.

These are staged demos in Coolmoney for the media but they rarely show up so the Air Corps film them and send the videos and pictures of to RTE and the papers but they rarely broadcast or print them.

[Rhodes]

106 IrishFinn Batt MRE.

[RoyalGreenJacket]

lookin good.

[Goldie fish]

These are staged demos in Coolmoney for the media but they rarely show up so the Air Corps film them and send the videos and pictures of to RTE and the papers but they rarely broadcast or print them.

If you had them in the brugha the media would hardly turn up. Unfortunately, as Dublinmick has said many times, it is the editors who decide what gets published/broadcast, not the DF/DoD.

[sofa]

My Co was doing a launch. and to get a few reporters and photographers to turn up they laid an food drink and two top Irish mod dolls.

[Rhodes]

"Minister for Defence Alan Shatter reviews the troops of the 106th Battalion along with Lieut Col Brian Monahan and Lieut Cdr Neil Manning (right) at McKee Barracks, Dublin, before they depart on a six-month tour of duty in Lebanon later this month."

Irish troops to play key peace role in Lebanon mission

Irish peacekeepers, who are about to depart to join Finnish soldiers in a joint deployment in Lebanon for six months, were reminded yesterday that their role in stabilising the area had been acclaimed by the United Nations.

After a review of the 332 troops of the 106th Battalion at McKee barracks in Dublin, Defence Minister Alan Shatter told them that the dangers they faced as peacekeepers shouldn't be underestimated.

But he had been assured by military chiefs that appropriate protection and capabilities were being provided to allow them operate in the current environment in Lebanon.

He said the UN had particularly singled out the part of south Lebanon adjacent to Israel, where the Irish troops are deployed.

Last month the Irish and the Finns completed the final phase of an intensive three-week training programme in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow, in preparation for serving together.

It was the first time that troops from the two countries had been involved in a pre-deployment exercise.

The battalion is being led by Dubliner, Lieut Col Brian Monahan, who said that while the command of Irish soldiers deployed overseas was a great honour and the high point of any officer's service, to lead an Irish-Finn battalion was particularly special and he was looking forward to the experience.

The Irish soldiers are drawn from 24 counties and almost a third of them will be on their first tour of duty overseas.

Meanwhile, Mr Shatter confirmed that six unarmed military observers from the Defence Forces will fly out next week to join the United Nations mission in Syria.

Their role is to monitor a cessation of armed violence "in all its forms by all parties" in the strife-torn country.

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...n-3097523.html

Troops inspected before Lebanon duties

More than 330 troops, who are leaving for peacekeeping duties shortly in Lebanon, were inspected today by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence.

The soldiers are drawn mainly from the Dublin and Leinster area and are members of the 106th Infantry Battalion.

They will be working alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Irish/Finnish battalion.

Many family members of the Irish peacekeepers were at the ceremony at McKee Barracks in Dublin.

The Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sean McCann, was also present.

Minister Alan Shatter said Ireland's participation through the years in UNIFIL has illustrated the very positive and practical difference that small countries such as Ireland can make in the world's trouble spots.

Six members of the Defence Forces are due to leave next week to serve as observers in Syria.

The minister said there were some very disturbing reports that some people in Syria have been killed after having contact with observers from other countries.

He said the Government would monitor the situation to ensure that Irish troops are safe and can fulfil their role as monitors.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0502/tro...on-duties.html

[Flamingo]

Best of luck and stay safe!

[BANDIT]

I must admit they look very smart and soldier like.. Pity they can not retain thieir black berets

[Goldie fish]

I must admit they look very smart and soldier like.. Pity they can not retain thieir black berets

Many of them in the review are not wearing black berets. Why would they want to keep them?

[Rhodes]

I must admit they look very smart and soldier like..

+1

Although I think its a shame they are changing the arms drill as it does look very smart especially the Tairgig Airm which always looked and felt great.

Pity they can not retain thieir black berets

The colour of their berets wont affect how good they do their job.

[Bravo20]

First chalk leaves tomorrow, best of luck lads and stay safe