Notes from SPTBATT CSM (CSM Fisher):
Welcome to the 1st U.S. Army Support Battalion
1. On behalf of LTC John F. Wharton and myself, Congratulations on your assignment to the
Multinational Force and Observers and the 1st United States Army Support Battalion. The
MFO was established as part of the Camp David Peace Accords. It should be emphasized that
the MFO is not part of the United Nations (a popular misconception), yet the MFO is
comprised of 11 nations. Our mission is to monitor the peace between Israel and Egypt.
This is accomplished by constant patrolling of the Sinai and monitoring of activities from
the checkpoints and observation points in the Sinai. The actual patrolling is accomplished
by members of the US Infantry Battalion (USBATT) located in the Southern sector; the
Colombian Infantry Battalion (COLBATT), located in the Central sector; and the Fijian
Infantry Battalion (FIJIBATT), located in the Northern sector. The other nations
participate as part of the Force Commander's staff and MFO special agencies.
2. North Camp is located at El Gorah, Egypt, in the northeastern Sinai near the
Egyptian/Israeli border. You probably will not find El Gorah on any map. It was called
Eitam Airbase when the Israelis occupied the Sinai. It is about 25 miles east of El Arish
and 11 miles south of the Mediterranean Sea. Our other camp, South Camp, is located near
Sharm-El-Sheikh, at the southern most point of the Sinai on the Red Sea.
3. Once you have received your orders, you need to ensure the orders state the following:
report to Ft Bragg for inprocessing; hold baggage must be sent through Tel Aviv; you are
authorized to travel in civilian clothes; and you will receive your passport at Fort
Bragg. You must not depart Fort Bragg before you have received your Red Official Passport
with Egyptian visa. Fort Bragg will make all travel arrangements to Tel Aviv, Israel,
where you will be met by myself and the rotation crew from the 1st US Army Support
Battalion. It is a four-hour bus ride to North Camp. When you arrive, you will be assigned
to a company and met by your assigned sponsor.
4. Before you leave Fort Bragg you will be issued two pair of brown boots. You will be
issued four sets of DCUs upon your arrival to the Sinai. You will also need to ensure you
have brown t-shirts as well as black socks because there is not a military clothing sales
store located in the Sinai. Do not bring your BDUs or black boots, unless you are a fuel
handler (77F), Aviation Crew Chief, or Pilot, flight medics also, if you have flight suits
issued, you must bring them as well. You will also need to bring your Class As. If you own
Dress Blues, I highly encourage you to bring them. You will also need to bring additional
rank if you think that you will be promoted while in the Sinai. You will be required to
have no less that six (6) Army Green nametapes and U.S. Army. Do not bring the brown
nametapes!!!
5. Ship your hold baggage as soon as possible. It sometimes takes in excess of 12 weeks to
arrive. Stress with transportation officials that your hold baggage must be directed
through Tel Aviv and NOT Cairo. This will ensure your baggage is not delayed.
6. Most facilities in North Camp are within easy walking distance, but I strongly
recommend you bring a bicycle. The Force Exchange does not sell any items of military
clothing. Bring all necessary ribbons, brass etc. Also bring an additional ribbon holder
because you will receive the MFO medal after completing six months.
7. There is ample opportunity for sight seeing to such places as Jerusalem, Cairo, the
Dead Sea and many other places of interest. Morale Support schedules weekend trips, many
of which are free. Additionally, the DOD, USO and other MFO nations often sponsor special
show groups and events. Leave is encouraged, and many US personnel take mid-tour leave so,
you must ensure you manage your leave balances because advances are not likely to be
granted unless an emergency arises.
8. Soldiers live in three different types of quarters, according to rank. Field grade
officers live in shared two or three bedroom duplexes. Each unit has a bathroom, living
room, dining room and kitchen. Each officer has his/her own bedroom and all furniture is
provided. Captains live in bungalows-house trailer types. Each occupant has a bedroom and
bathroom, all furnished. They are small but offer privacy. Lieutenants, Warrant Officers,
NCOs and enlisted live in a single floor barracks. Each has his or her own room, with a
common latrine and shower. Space is at a minimum in all quarters, so be selective in what
you ship.
9. The Dining Facility (MDF) serves three meals a day. The quality and quantity of food is
good to excellent, though high in calories. SSG(P) and above are on separate rations and
the cost of the meal is deducted from their pay. SSG and below are not given separate
rations.
10. Work hours are generally 0800-1700 Sunday thru Thursday. Weekends are normally free.
Plenty of off-duty recreation is available; tennis, racquetball, soccer, baseball,
basketball, aerobics, weight lifting and more. The gym has equipment but you may wish to
bring your own racquet, glove or bat. Swimming is available at the outdoor pool at North
Camp. Snorkeling is also popular at South Camp with its crystal clear water and coral
reefs.
11. All electrical power is 220 volts/50 cycles. Consequently 110 volt/60 cycle motor
driven appliances, such as tape players, clocks, turn tables run at a slower speed than in
the US. The exception is 110 volts items that use an AC adapter. Transformers are
available in the Force Exchange. Consider bringing a TV and VCR. There is a radio/TV
station at each camp, which broadcasts AFRTS out of Italy via satellite dish. There is a
large selection of videotapes at the library, along with books, records, cassette tapes,
and CDs.
12. Each contingent has its own club, open to all members of the MFO. In addition, the
Force sponsors an International Club for enlisted members and NCOs, as well as an
Officer/Civilian's club. Among all the clubs, there is seldom a night without a special
activity.
13. The Force Exchange sells personal items such as soap, towels, shaving gear,
food/snacks, beer, wine, and sodas. It also offers a selection of clothing and sportswear
for both men and women. Considering its size, the FX has a good selection of electronic
equipment such as radios, tape players, cameras, and local Egyptian souvenirs. If there
are special brands of items you prefer, bring a stock of them or have someone send them to
you. The FX also offers film processing. All transactions in the FX are made with U.S
dollars.
14. The Force operates a barbershop for men. Haircuts are $2.00. There is a beauty shop
and the price is approximately the same as in the USA. The Force has a contract with the
barbers, but the beautician for females is independently run. The Force also has a free
laundry and tailor service. The Bank of Alexandria has an office on each camp for check
cashing, money orders and currency exchange. There is a US Army finance office on each
camp. Personalized checks and money orders are accepted, but not two-party checks. Get any
legal actions settled before arriving. The Force legal office only serves the Force
Commander, not individuals. However, 1SB and the USBATT can do powers of attorney.
15. Medical services are good at a dispensary level. Any serious illness or injury is
handled in Israel. The Force has also contracted with excellent hospitals for emergency
medical treatment for Force members. Get your dental work up to date. The dental services
are very good, but they are here mostly for emergency work.
16. The education center offers college-level courses. Courses available are generally
lower level, though upper-level seminars are often available. CLEP, DANTES, and SAFE
subject exams are available, as are the GREs and GMATs. Ongoing language classes in Arabic
and sometimes Spanish or French are offered, as well as computer seminars and Mideast
studies. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, be sure to obtain an agreement
with your college through the Education Center. Bring a copy of your transcripts with you,
as having a college degree affords you the opportunity to teach some of the college
classes offered.
17. Chaplains conduct religious services for both Catholic and Protestant services.
Additionally, the chapel is open 24 hours a day and many MFO members have taken this
opportunity to form Bible studies and Fellowship groups. The Chaplain often conducts Holy
Land tours.
18. Visitors are welcome to the MFO. 1SB visitors are authorized to stay on North or South
Camp for a total of 14 days/nights. Currently, billeting and meals are free. Make sure you
coordinate with the Force before finalizing any arrangements.
19. There are a few part time jobs available after duty hours at the TV station, the
library, and the unit's club (SandCastle).
20. If you need a DA photo, obtain it before you leave your present assignment. Photo
facilities are not available in the MFO.
21. This is a unique assignment, I hope you are excited about coming to the Sinai. We will
do everything possible to make your transition go smoothly.
22. If you have any questions, please contact me at 011-972-7628-1801 ext. 2912/2913/2940.
Please call me if I can help make your transition easier or if your orders change to
another duty station. Contact us at the earliest possible time with a correct address so
your sponsor can get in contact with you. You can write to:
Commander
1st U.S. Army Support Battalion
ATTN: Command Sergeant Major
Unit #31520
APO AE 09832
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