Mission Logistic Deployment Study

Congo, April 2008

            In the 12 – 17.04.2008 timeframe, a team of SHIRBRIG PLANELM members (G2, G3 Training, G4, G4 Deputy, G4 MOVCON and G6 Deputy), augmented with one non-permanent member, LTC Seán Clancy – Air Ops, from Ireland and chaired by SHIRBRIG Chief of Staff Colonel Tatschl conducted a Mission Logistic Deployment Study visiting the United Nations mission in DR CONGO – MONUC, based on the SHIRBRIG Annual Operating Plan 2008.

            The mission had been approved by Mr. Jean Marie Guéhenno, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and effectively supported during the entire planning phase by OMA/DPKO.

Day 1 – 12.04.2008

            It was a dedicated day for deployment from Copenhagen to Kinshasa via Brussels, with administrative activities related to customs and lodging. Transportation from the airport to Grand Hotel Kinshasa was provided by MONUC and continued until the end of the mission, accompanied by the Malawian visits officer, Cpt. Helen Soko and a very skilled driver, given the traffic conditions, Cpl. Acosta from Uruguay.

Day 2 – 13.04.2008   

            The first real mission day started with an introduction briefing given by the Force DCOS Ops, Col. Acton Kilby, Canada, held at the MONUC HQ, followed by a visit to the Uruguayan Riverine Unit. The Chief Riverine Ops, Maj. Diego Rombys, Uruguay, explained the role, tasks, capabilities and missions of this unit which has mainly tactical role but a limited logistic capability also. The visit included an exciting three hour trip on Congo River with two UN fast boats. The day ended with a tour of the city of Kinshasa, with many useful explanations given by the officer responsible for the visit from the MONUC side, LtCol. Jens Hansen, Chief Information Operations, Denmark.

 Sailing on Congo River (Photo courtesy Cpt. Morten Billing)

Day 3 – 14.04.2008

            This day was mainly dedicated to a very comprehensive briefings session at the Force HQ. It started with an Operations Intro and continued with G5 Plans, G2 Mil. Info, G3 Operations, Information Operations, MONUC FARDC Liaison and G4 Logistics Conclusions and discussions followed until lunch. After lunch the presentation of MONUC resumed with JOC and JMAC briefings. Meanwhile COS SHIRBRIG attended an office call with the Force COS, BG Alain Kerriguy, France, which concluded with the presentation of the SHIRBRIG plaque. The day ended with a meeting at the DSS office where the main mission security issues were discussed. The trip back to Grand Hotel offered the chance for a short shopping brake at a local souvenir market.

Briefing at DSS (Photo courtesy Maj. John Yorke)

Day 4 – 15.04.2008

            The emphasis for the first part of the day was on the logistic side of the mission. At CONGOBAT, the SHIRBRIG members received a detailed presentation of the Integrated Support Service structure, mission and functions. The logistic challenges MONUC is facing represented another important topic. After this presentation the SHIRBRIG team split for discussions with their ISS counterparts, with a short interlude for lunch. In the afternoon the FMO presented the main medical issues for MONUC.

CONGOBAT MAOC (Photo courtesy Cpt. Morten Billing)

Day 5 – 16.04.2008

            It was a very dynamic day, with an interesting visit at MONUC Air Terminal where the SHIRBRIG team had the opportunity to familiarize with the specific terminal, transportation and MOVCON operations. The remaining of the day was dedicated to branch meetings at FHQ and CONGOBAT. Later on, COS SHIRBRIG hosted a pleasant dinner with key military MONUC personnel and the SHIRBRIG team at Chateau Margay restaurant.

MONUC Air Terminal (Photo courtesy Cpt. Morten Billing)

Day 6 – 17.04.2008

            The last day in Kinshasa meant preparation for redeployment and a hot wash-up with the DCOS Col. Kilby followed by a back brief to the Force COS, BG Alain Kerriguy on the conclusions for this fruitful visit. After a challenging trip to Kinshasa International Airport, SHIRBRIG members redeployed to Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Dublin. Redeployment was completed on 18.04.2008.

SHIRBRIG Team at MONUC HQ (Photo courtesy Major van Kemenade)

            The trip achieved the desired aims and revealed the complexities of the logistic support, communications and security for an UN mission with a huge area of responsibility. The lessons learned from this trip permit SHIRBRIG to adapt and improve its SOPs and use them in the future planning for deployment.