Has anyone here participated in United Nations Peacekeeping? What is it like?

2020-06-15T20:57:38-04:00

I'd like to know the process and possible requirements for going on UN peacekeeping missions (particularly from the Army's perspective [Active and Reserve Components]). For those who have done it, how was your experience, both professionally and personally?

Response by SFC William Goodwin made Jun 15 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-06-15T22:13:28-04:00

Did missions in Bosnia as a UN peacekeeper in all depends on who is the command in control we where still under US Army control so it was business as usual

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jun 16 at 2020 4:47 PM

2020-06-16T16:47:21-04:00

Generally speaking a Unit is assigned to a Peace Keeping Mission, and US rules are US Soldiers serve under US Officers. There may be a Liaison Office in the area where US and other Aligned Soldiers work together, but that is usually a staff function. At the field level, depending upon how far progressed the mission is you may be in some very austere conditions for the time you are deployed.

UN Rules of Engagement/self protection are also politically influenced, that is why there was no heavy weaponry or armor support for the UN Forces in Bosnia in the 1990's prior to NATO's IFOR mission there. The Dayton Accords fairly well dictated to the multiple parties in the Former Jugoslavia, now Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia I Herzigovinia what the ground rules would be for the Peace Keeping Troops going in and how the Combatants were to disengage.

But as SFC Goodwin stated, US Troops will be under US Command.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 16 at 2020 11:45 PM

2020-06-16T23:45:36-04:00

1. They take units not people. 2> It sucks, mega conflicting orders, etc.