Multinational Force and Observers Medal

The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) is an independent international organisation, headquartered in Rome, with peacekeeping responsibilities in the Sinai. The origins of the MFO lie in Annex I to the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel, in which the parties undertook to request the United Nations (UN) to provide a force and observers to supervise the implementation of the treaty. When it did not prove possible to obtain Security Council approval for the stationing of a UN peacekeeping force in the Sinai, the parties negotiated a Protocol in 1981 establishing the MFO “as an alternative” to the envisioned UN force.

The MFO is maintained by 11 nations including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Fiji and France. 25 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members working under Operation MAZURKA assist the MFO in the Sinai, Egypt. Australia’s involvement in the MFO began in early 1982 with the formation of an Australia-New Zealand combined helicopter squadron. ADF members assist in the peace process by monitoring the border, preparing daily operational briefings and supporting the Headquarters.

The MFO Medal is a meritorious service medal which is awarded to military and observer members of the MFO in recognition of honourable performance of duty with the MFO. The MFO Medal is governed by the MFO Directive.

The Australian Government has officially accepted the MFO Medal for wear by ADF members.

Eligibility

The medal is awarded for six months (minimum 170 days) of honourable duty with the MFO. Eligibility for the initial award will also be considered satisfied for those who:

1. die during their service with the MFO; or
2. are medically repatriated due to MFO service - incurred injuries or illness; or
3. complete a contingent tour of less than six months, as agreed between the Director General and the respective Participating State.

The MFO Medal can be awarded only once to a member. Subsequent to that award, a member will be eligible for the award of consecutive numerals to denote each additional six month (minimum 170 days) period of service.

Accepting, wearing and recording the medal

The names of eligible members are sent to the Directorate of Honours and Awards on Routine Orders (RO) through administrative channels in theatre. The ROs are verified before being processed for approval by the Governor-General. Once approval notification is received, PMKeyS is updated to reflect the award. Please note that the medal cannot be mounted or worn until it has been approved for wear and recorded on PMKeyS.

Web page last updated 12 December, 2011