I’m very proud and fortunate to have recently returned from my first overseas tour with the Army Reserve as part of United Nations’ peacekeeping operation in Cyprus, Op TOSCA 39. I was one of 30 lucky Army Reservists from 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) to have been deployed on this 6 months operational tour. This was in support of the ongoing United Nations Peacekeeping presence that has its roots going back to 1964.
After lots of planning, I was able to get the support from work and home to be able to deploy to the Buffer Zone running across Cyprus. The journey began at Inverness in Scotland as we joined Royal Engineers from across the country and began our build-up training. These preparations ranged from green-skills in the field, to understanding the history of peacekeeping in Cyprus, as well as public order training should we need to support the authorities in any eventuality.
Once we’d waved goodbye to loved ones, we departed for the Mediterranean and the Regiment’s Sappers were posted to join the UN’s Mobile Force Reserve – the team of troops on 24-hour standby, ready to respond in support anywhere on the island. We were put into the field near the town of Pyla and provided round the clock support to the UN Police. Our presence helped to stabilise some very tense situations which could have escalated dramatically had we not been there.
We all learned additional skills whilst away. We worked to investigate environmental crime along the 180km demilitarised Buffer Zone, preventing poaching and hunting in the fragile ecosystem. There were many opportunities for personal development; with troops learning languages, gaining core English and Maths qualifications, participating in Adventure Training courses, and individuals representing the Regiment in military skills competitions. My personal highlight was offering historical tours of Nicosia Airport. These tours for UN Diplomats, Cypriot civil/community groups, and British Forces, gave a fascinating insight into the complex historical and political context of UK troops wearing the blue-beret and managing the fragile ceasefire here since 1974.
Since returning home, I’ve used the skills and experiences gained from the operational tour during my Commissioning Course at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where I undertook the prestigious training shortly after being demobilised. I’m proud to have been commissioned as an Army Reserve Officer in the Corps of Royal Engineers and am looking forward to an exciting career in the Army Reserves.
2Lt Ferghal Crowley
221 Field Squadron 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD&S)