Uruguay has provided a contingent to the MFO since 1982. Currently, the Contingent provides a Transport and Engineering Unit (TREU) in support of the MFO mission and authorized strength is 87 personnel
The Transport Section of experienced drivers operates and drives the fleet of trucks, busses and light vehicles transporting personnel and cargo throughout the mission area. Uruguayans drive more than 3,000,000 kilometers annually, making a significant contribution to the Force. The high standard of the drivers contributes strongly to decreasing vehicle accidents, reducing repair costs and undue wear and tear on the Force's fleet of vehicles.
The Engineering Unit is responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of the Sector Supply Route, access roads to Sector Control Centers and Observation Posts, gravel roads within North and South Camps, helipads and support construction activities as directed by the Force Engineering Officer.
The Contingent provides a Staff Officer as well who operates as a Liaison Officer linking the Force Transportation Office and the Uruguayan Transportation Unit. Additionallly the Contingent provides a Medical officer to support the Force Medical Center, providing medical assistance to all MFO personnel.
Contingent personnel are posted unaccompanied to the Sinai and rotate every twelve months. The Uruguayans serving with the MFO are all volunteers and are trained three months in advance to joining the MFO mission at the Uruguayan Army Peace Keeping Operations Center. Approximately half of the contingent has been with the MFO two or more times and has also served in UN missions.
In addition to mission tasks, Uruguayan personnel are enthusiastic participants in all Force sporting activities and social events. They also use their time in the Sinai to travel extensively around the region.
Longstanding and extensive commercial and diplomatic relations are maintained between the Uruguayan government and both host nations. The Uruguayan Ambassadors in Egypt and Israel frequently visit the troops deployed in the field to help maintain a high level of morale.
Serving with the MFO is a unique experience and Uruguayan soldiers are very proud to contribute their knowledge and experience to enhance the effectiveness of the mission.