HISTORY:
Since 1998 New Zealand has actively participated in the work of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission in Korea.
In 2004, NZ agreed to send one officer to be Assistant Operations Officer in UNCMAC.
Since October 2005 NZ has increased this commitment to four officers to fill posts within the various operations teams of UNCMAC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the Demilitarised Zone?
The Demilitarised Zone is a 241km long and 4km wide buffer zone that separates North Korean and South Korean forces. It was created following the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the Korean War.
What type of events take place in the DMZ?
The DMZ has an interesting history. While it remains calm for the vast majority of the time it has seen a number of violations such as weapons discharges and hostile incidents. It is also an area of interest for defectors.
What does contingent commander Colonel Harry Cockburn do?
Colonel Harry Cockburn works as both the senior national officer for the New Zealand contingent and the New Zealand Defence Attache in Seoul.
In his role as senior national officer he is responsible for the actions of the three NZDF personnel in the DMZ. This includes participation in inspections and Armistice violation investigations and provides him an opportunity to meet ROK soldiers on the job to keep familiar with operations.
What do the other NZDF personnel in the DMZ do?
Major Nigel Gattsche works as the Operations Officer. His role involves inspecting fortifications within the DMZ, investigating and documenting armistice violations, completing reports and returns, meetings, and planning future activities and missions under the auspice of the Armistice Agreement.
Lt Matt Harrison is the Assistant Joint Duty Officer based in Panmunjum, and Lieutenant Cam Bolstad is assigned to monitor activity in Transportation Corridor West.
As UNCMAC representatives, the NZDF officers are responsible for monitoring activity through the corridors, ensuring it complies with the Armistice Agreement, and reporting violations through their chain of command. They also participate in inspections and investigations.
The NZ officers' work also includes representational and escort duties. Visitors include high-profile embassy staff from the 16 countries committed to the separation of forces and peace within the Korean peninsula.
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