The Multinational Force and Observers Medal
Overview
The Multinational Force and Observers Medal was created in 1982 to recognise peacekeeping service with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai desert. New Zealand military personnel have been involved in the MFO since 25 April 1982 and that involvement continues until the present day. The Sovereign has approved the wearing of the MFO Medal by eligible New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
In 1989, the Chief of the New Zealand General Staff, Lieutenant General Donald McIver, was appointed MFO Force Commander, becoming the first New Zealand officer to command a major international peace-support operation. General McIver commanded the MFO for two years and was responsible for developing and implementing economic measures to reduce the size and cost of the force.
From March 2010 to March 2014, New Zealand Major General Warren Whiting commanded the MFO. Major General Whiting commanded over 1,600 troops from 13 nations and 800 specialist civilian employees who monitored the 210km common border between Egypt and Israel.
Description
The medal is bronze and circular. The obverse features the MFO emblem: an image of a dove with an olive branch encircled by the inscription "MULTINATIONAL FORCE & OBSERVERS". The reverse bears the inscription "UNITED IN PEACE".
The ribbon has a central white stripe flanked by narrow stripes of green and edged with wide stripes of orange.
Bronze numerals, worn on the ribbon, are awarded for additional periods of six months' (minimum 170 days) of service with the MFO.
Eligibility
New Zealand military personnel who have served for six months (minimum 170 days) with the MFO.
For further information:
The Multinational Force and Observers Medal Directive (PDF, 219 KB)
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Multinational Force and Observers Medal is approved for wear by eligible individuals. It is worn with foreign awards in the New Zealand Order of Wear. Foreign campaign medals are worn in order of date of participation in the campaign, operation, or peacekeeping mission for which the medal was awarded.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this medal
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) does not approve or issue the Multinational Force and Observers Medal.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.