Having arrived to UNDOF in October 2020 and having completed their area familiarisation, NEPCON IX welcomed the Force Commander and Head of Mission, Lt Gen Ishwar Hamal, to UNPs 12 and 12A on Mount Hermon. NEPCON IX are positioned in several important UNPs in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, including the top. Most of the troops of NEPCON IX are mountaineers, trained extensively in movement on many difficult terrains, including snow, rocks and the harsh cold.

Lt Col Pankaj Pokhrel, Officer Commanding NEPCON IX, greeted Lt Gen Ishwar Hamal with a comprehensive program of events designed to show the breadth of peacekeeping functions that NEPCON perform every day. Stressing the challenges and obstacles that await NEPCON in the winter, Lt Col Pokhrel emphasised the excellent training and preparation his troops are undergoing in order to remain ready to fulfil UNDOF's mandate.

One of the highlights of the visit, aside from the impressive view (albeit cloudy) from the top of Mount Hermon, must have been the rock-climbing and mountaineering demonstration provided by the highly-skilled troops of NEPCON IX. Following a demonstration of their 'basic' rock-climbing skills, such as single and multi-pitch climbs, abseiling and tactical manoeuvres, a scenario of a casualty extraction was conducted. The scenario involved using a rope slide to extract a badly injured soldier from the top of the rock-face and securely deliver him to the ambulance. The casualty was delivered safely, in good time, and with adequate protection - an undoubtedly impressive display by NEPCON IX and Lt Col Pokhrel.

The Force Commander, Lt Gen Hamal, spoke with the troops of NEPCON and reiterated that, although they faced unique challenges in the winter months on Mount Hermon, they were also some of the best-trained and most capable troops for the job. He closed his visit with the UNDOF motto - 'One Mission, One Team, One Goal'.

More photos of the visit and display can be found in the photo gallery.