Defence forces Deployment to UNDOF

[Rhodes]

More bullshit from Jim Cusack, who are your "senior military sources" this week?

[Herald]

A Javelin?? I'd prefer to be firing a couple of thousand 12,7 or 30mm from a RWS/Turret at those scummers than a bloody Javelin.

[DeV]

"Only .5" ??? Ever been to a firepower demonstration, check the max range of Javelin -v- .5

"..... the exact reasons ...why Javelin missiles were not deployed remains unclear" ?? Did you read your previous paragraph?

Oh and the Minister needs to read the mandate (if the quote is correct)!:
- UNDOF is legally not allowed get involved in the Syrian Civil War
- UNDOF is a chapter 6 mission so there is no mandate for peace enforcement
- you can't peace enforce if there is no peace



In other news, the US is going to train and arm "moderate" Syrian rebels... Afghanistan in the 80s anyone?

[GoneToTheCanner]

Having a Javelin on hand means that you can defeat any armour they bring up, whereas a .50 is nice but when they have plentiful Dshkas, 14.5s and possibly 23mm on hand, you may as well increase the odds in your favour. Just in case. It's why the Dutch had TOW in Unifil. Once the potential opposition knew they had TOW, they were less likely to kick off. UN mandates aren't of much value if the potential enemy is making up the rules as he goes along. You won't get much help from New York in a firefight.

[Mick O'Toole]

Hmmm, I was chasing this story for a few weeks as I too heard about it. But after checking with various people , I came away satisfied that they weren't refused the Javelins at all. I was just told that it was judged that they were not necessary. The people who told me that know way more than I ever could about DF tactics, etc, so I left it at that.

[hptmurphy]

MRV would be my preffered option, along with clatter of 84s.

[B Inman]

Lots of 84s and MRV, but bring Javelin and 81mm mortar. Its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
The Irish are the Force Reserve and should have multiple options re firepower when it comes to a call out to a difficult situation.
The are no other UN contingents on the Golan to call on for extra fire power.

[pym]

Hopefully none of these wind up further south..



Regarding the nice chaps in Al Nusra:



https://twitter.com/aron_ld

[apod]

Remember lads that Israel has a big say on vetoing certain equipment.Usually if it means the UN would have any advantage over them.When the DF first got SINCGARS the Israeli would'nt allow us to us them in the old UNIFIL.

[B Inman]

UNIFIL in the early years, Irishbatt had mortars 120mm, 81mm and 60mm. There was also 90mm and 84mm rcl. The equipment was shipped through Ben Gurion without objection from the Israeli Government. I wonder who decided what equipment the Irish on the Golan should have.

[DeV]

It could be due to the wording of the mandate

[B Inman]

Whatever the reason for the lack of heavy weapons, the Irish goverment should be addressing the issue with a view to ensuring the the troops have everything that they need.

[hptmurphy]

[QUOTE]Whatever the reason for the lack of heavy weapons, the Irish goverment should be addressing the issue with a view to ensuring the the troops have everything that they need.[/QUOTOr take them out if they can't have that which could be used to protect themselves.

[Smithy]

Whatever weapons are brought to UNDOF, it is likely that any organisation they are likely to be in conflict with will be able to access more and heavier weapons. Don't think we can win an arms race there.

[sofa]

Whatever the reason for the lack of heavy weapons, the Irish goverment should be addressing the issue with a view to ensuring the the troops have everything that they need.

Am beginning to think that the top brass in this county are so desperate to get out and about, that they would agree to send our troops off in the nip.