Foreign Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The Multinational Force and Observers Medal
About the Multinational Force and Observers Medal
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.
The MFO Medal is awarded for six months' (minimum 170 days) service.
Early in 1989, the Chief of the New Zealand General Staff, Major General Donald McIver, was appointed MFO Force Commander. Major General McIver was promoted to Lieutenant General and took up his new post at the end of March 1989, 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 economy measures to reduce the size and the cost of the force.
From March 2010 to March 2014, New Zealand Major General Warren Whiting was the second New Zealand officer to command the MFO. Major General Whiting commanded more than 1,600 troops from 13 nations, together with 800 specialist civilian employees, who monitored the 210km common border between Egypt and Israel.
For further discussion of the involvement of New Zealand military personnel with the MFO between 1982 and 1995 please consult John Crawford¸ In The Field for Peace: New Zealand’s Contribution to International Peace-Support Operations: 1950-1995, pp.27-29, published by the New Zealand Defence Force in 1996. This book is available in public libraries throughout New Zealand.
Medal Regulations
The Regulations for the Multinational Force and Observers Medal can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
Silver numerals worn on the medal ribbon are awarded for additional periods of six months' (minimum 170 days) service with the MFO.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
Other Campaign Medals awarded to New Zealanders for service with the MFO
The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 (non-warlike) with clasp "Sinai"
Media Statements and News Items concerning service by New Zealand personnel recognised by the MFO Medal
- 6 June 2016 - NZDF personnel named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2016
- March 2014 - 'Kiwi hands over command of Multinational Force and Observers', Army News, Issue 450, p.2 - opens as a pdf
- 29 July 2010 - Tour of Duty with the Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai, Egypt
- 3 March 2010 - New Zealander takes command of Multinational Force in Sinai
- 10 April 2008 - Postcard from the Sinai
- 10 September 2007 - NZ Soldier receives Commendation for Actions after Attack by Suicide Bomber (Sinai)
- 27 April 2006 - Update: Explosion in Sinai - New Zealand Defence Force Member Involved
- 26 April 2006 - Explosion in Sinai - New Zealand Defence Force Member Involved
Media Statement about the MFO Medal
- 18 April 2002 - Medals announcements - Indian Ocean and MFO, Sinai