Colombia Contingent - Multinational Force & Observers

›› COLOMBIA

›› The Colombian Contingent consists of an infantry battalion comprised of thirty-one officers, fifty-eight non-commissioned officers, 265 soldiers and three civilians. The battalion's mission is to observe and report any activities in the central part of Zone C in accordance with the Treaty and Protocol and to provide security for North Camp. The Colombian battalion (COLBATT) also provides fourteen soldiers that augment the Force staff, two medical and dental officers, a Force Liaison Officer and a Force Security Officer.

›› The Contingent

Colombia has participated in the Multinational Force and Observers by providing an infantry battalion since the inception of the mission. Colombians are assigned to the Sinai for an eight-month tour of duty with one half of the battalion rotating every four months. The Battalion Commander serves a one-year tour of duty.

The battalion accomplishes its mission by maintaining elements of the two infantry companies distributed in eight remote sites in the Central Sector of Zone C. The remainder of the battalion provides the security for North Camp and also a quick reaction force for emergency situations.

The remote sites perform their mission by permanently manning, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, their respective sites and by augmenting the remote sites with Temporary Observation Posts and Motorized Patrols ensuring wide and continuous observation in their area of responsibility.

Each of the rifle companies provides a fifty-man guard on alternate days providing the security for North Camp. The company on duty is in charge of the security of the Main Gate, ten watch-towers located around the perimeter of North Camp and the security and access to the South Gate.

In addition to their operational mission duties, Colombian Contingent personnel participate across the range of military, cultural and sporting activities offered by the Force. The Contingent enjoys participating in all team and individual sports programmed by the Force.

Colombia is proud of its contribution to the MFO and the role of the MFO in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East

›› COLOMBIAN MOD: www.ejercito.mil.co