Observers Help Keep the Peace in Golan

Keeping an eagle eye is more than just a saying for United Nations Military Observer Captain John Whiteley.

A member of Team Eagle working in Golan on the IsraeliSyrian border, Captain Whiteley is one of nine members who conduct mobile patrols and static operations as part of Operation Paladin, the ADF’s contribution to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation.

The teams watched for any activities that are, or could lead to, a violation of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria.

“There are numerous civilians in the villages we monitor, which enables us to observe the pattern of life in the area,” Captain Whiteley said.

“When something changes, it allows us to quickly focus in and see if it is anything we need to report.

“The situation in the Golan is relatively calm, but it can change at a moment’s notice.

“For example, in February, rockets were fired from the Israeli Golan side into the Syrian side, destroying numerous buildings within a village.”

Patrolling anywhere from 50 to 200km a day, the military observers work in teams of a minimum of two from differing countries to maintain impartiality.

There are numerous patrolling sectors, with each made up of different areas that the Israeli Defence Force operate out of. This covers both permanent and temporary facilities, where training and operational activity is conducted.

“As a patrolling team, we move freely through all the different sectors,” Captain Whiteley said.

“Should we observe any presumed violations we are able to increase the observation and therefore the awareness for the commanders on the ground.

“An example is any military equipment that is unauthorised to be in the area of limitation, such as surface-to-air missiles, which are a violation of the 1974 agreement.”

The patrol vehicles are white to increase visibility, marked with large United Nations initials and carrying a UN flag to identify their purpose in the area.

Outside the vehicle the military observers wear headwear and vests with UN markings, again to increase visibility.

At the end of the patrols, a report is completed and any presumed violations are sent to the Force Commander of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.

On average, each Team Eagle member will do three weeks of the month on the road, or in observation post 53.

The Australian personnel are deployed on Operation Paladin for six months.

A medical corps general service officer, Captain Whiteley joined the team at the start of the year.

“I have been really able to incorporate my navigation skills, my planning ability, with being able to plan the patrol and taking into account what the Israeli Defence Force are training for,” Captain Whiteley said.

“It is important we are here to ensure, as an impartial party, that the terms of the agreement are adhered to, to prevent any further conflict between Israel and Syria.”

Automatic flood cover and no excess on claims for Defence and veteran community.

The first thought after flooding shouldn’t be whether you’re covered, it should be what you need to recover. With Defence Service Homes (DSH) Insurance’s comprehensive cover, eligible Australian Defence Force and veteran community get attractive premiums, including a range of benefits such as automatic flood cover, no excess for insured events, accidental damage (up to $5,000) and fusion of motor cover at no additional charge. No excess on claims* is a unique feature that helps policyholders getting their home back to a predamage condition without having to worry about paying an excess - helping ease the pressure on many household budgets. Through eligibility expansion, now more than 300,000 additional current and former ADF members, including Reservists and Peacekeepers, regardless of their length of service, can access all-inclusive home insurance. This is particularly beneficial for those currently residing or deployed in areas that have a high risk of cyclones, bushfires and other natural disasters.

Get quick and easy home insurance quotes through DSH Insurance’s online quoting tool: online.dsh.gov.au Why DSH Insurance? • Part of the strong and resilient

Defence community • Seamless claims process • Government-owned with over 100 years’ of insurance experience • Covers events such as fire, storm including automatic flood cover • Flexible payment options at no extra cost • Proudly locally based • 90% Policyholder satisfaction • Access to Dept. of Veteran Affairs support services such as Open

Arms

Check out our range of cover options by visiting dsh.gov.au/insurance or speak to our friendly customer service on 1300 552 662.

Key features

• automatic flood cover • accidental damage • fusion of electric motors that are part of your home • no excess on insured events* • temporary accommodation • tailored claims process supported by a broad network of loss adjusters and contractors

*no excess on insured events (other than for earthquake damage and some accidental damage)

Disclaimer:

The Defence Service Homes (DSH) Insurance Scheme (also known as DSH Insurance or DSHI) ABN 97 191 187 638. This article is based on general insurance advice that only applies to DSH Insurance building Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statements and the Supplementary Disclosure Statements before deciding if the insurance product is right for you, available here: dsh.gov.au/insurance/ home-building. This material does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances.