By Captain Raphael Wiesenberg, Project Engineer, Multinational Force and Observers
Sharm El Sheik, Egypt – The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) employed the drafting and surveying team from 1 Engineer Support Unit (1ESU) across several of their site locations in the Sinai Peninsula.
The MFO supervises the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty and prevents violations of its terms. It is one of the most successful peacekeeping operations in the world. It is also distinct from other peacekeeping operations because it is not a United Nations mission.
From June 19 to July 31, 2019, the 1 ESU team surveyed multiple locations. They collected topographic data for future considerations and proposed projects, including Remote Sites, which are secure observation locations where MFO personnel observe and report any violations to the peace treaty.
The team also worked on a potential entry control point and a new location for the South Camp dining facility. After completing the technical assistance visit, MFO Force Commander, Australian Major General Simon Stuart and MFO Force Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Steph Daigle, presented a Commander’s Coin to the team, which included Master Corporal Gerry Watson, Corporal (Cpl) Carlton Crasto, Cpl Cody Fox, Cpl Ben Wilsons and Sapper (Spr) Adam Spiridi.
Drafting and surveying is a military occupation that has recently been re-established as a trade that provides a great opportunity to employ highly technical skills. These skills are applicable in both the garrison and on operations. Deploying frequently, Drafting and Survey Technicians are a highly trained and coveted resource for military engineer offices around the globe.
Cpl Crasto, Cpl Cody, Cpl Wilsons and Spr Spiridi are some of the first drafting and surveying technicians to go through the training program since the trade’s re-establishment.
The MFO was created on August 3, 1981 following the signing of the protocol to the peace treaty. Since the declaration of the independence of the State of Israel in May 1948, the region had been dominated by war and instability. In the late 1970s, Israel and Egypt agreed that this continuous conflict was not in their best interests. Following lengthy negotiations and the Camp David Accords, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty was signed on March 26, 1979.