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Multinational Force and Observers

by Eugene Ipavec, 12 August 2009

Multinational Force of Observers
Commander's Pennant
Swallowtail Standard

See also:

Multinational Force of Observers

MFO - Multinational Force of Observers in Sinai is a force that was established under Israel-Egypt peace treaty. It is not a UN force but is sponsored by both sides and USA. Image originally located at www.ejercito.gub.uy/dimope/
Dov Gutterman, 9 March 2002

The Sinai MFO flag is a bright orange flag that flies at its two headquarters and in the observation posts and checkpoints along the peninsula. The Sinai area is considered a military zone. The flag is composed by a circle with the MFO words and logo in the center of an orange background. The logo is composed by well-known peace symbols: dove and olive branch in white but fimbriated in red.
Santiago Tazón, 6 September 2003

The Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) peacekeeping force supervises implementation of the security provisions of the Peace Treaty between the Governments of Egypt and Israel in the Sinai Desert and the Strait of Tiran and Gulf of Aqaba. The MFO logo is a white dove with a white olive branch, as a symbol of peace, on a circular logo with the words MULTINATIONAL FORCES & OBSERVERS, on orange and white background.
Esteban Rivera, 23 July 2005

The mission of the MFO is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violation of its terms. Article II of Annex I to the Treaty of Peace establishes four security zones, three in the Sinai in Egypt and one in Israel along the international border. Limitations on military forces and equipment within each zone are stipulated in Annex I to the Treaty. To execute the assigned mission, the Treaty Parties assigned to the MFO the following tasks:

Operation of checkpoints, reconnaissance patrols, and observation posts along the international boundary and Line B, and within Zone C.
Periodic verification of the implementation of the provisions of Annex I, to be carried out not less than twice a month unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.
Additional verifications within 48 hours after the receipt of a request from either Party.
Ensure the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Tiran.

Source: Official MFO website http://www.mfo.org/site_tree/4/28/base.asp.

The countries that make up the MFO are eleven as follows:

Esteban Rivera, 1 November 2005

Commander's Pennant

by Eugene Ipavec, 12 August 2009

The two stars indicate the rank of Major-General.
Miles Li, 24 October 2009

The MFO also has a Commander's Pennant, which is seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FCflag.JPG

Swallowtail Standard

image located by Jan Mertens, 15 September 2009

The swallowtail version of the above flag: reduced from a photo found on Marktplaats, Dutch auction site, offer no. 5823929313, accessed 30 Oct 2006, put up by “HJB”. Dimensions given as 51 cm x 80 cm.

The Flag Bulletin XXI:3/94 (May-June 1982) contains an article, undoubtedly by Whitney Smith, dedicated to ‘Multinational Force and Observers’ pp. 88-92. Quote from p. 91:

“A special variation is used during the nighttime and on vehicles by the MFO. The “standard” is a swallowtailed version of the MFO flag; it is 20” x 27 ¾” (50 x 70 cm.) and flown only at night. Half its size is the “vehicle standard”, of the same shape and design, to be displayed on specified MFO vehicles operating in the Treaty Area.”

This standard is shown in b/w on p. 89 but the emblem is much larger, in fact taking up most of the area (tails not included). Given the size of the Marktplaats item this must be the nighttime variation not used on vehicles.

A rank flag (fringed orange, by the way) may be seen on this Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_Force_and_Observers.
Caption (quoted): “The Force Commander's Flag. The Commanding General of the Multinational Force is authorized to fly a flag with two stars (symbolizing the FC's rank) and the MFO symbol.”
Jan Mertens, 15 September 2009

More, but not much, on the MFO rank stars. Smith’s 1982 article (p. 90) shows in b/w the flag of the MFO Director General (civilian) flying a rank flag similar to the one shown on the Wikipedia page, only there is a star in each corner. According to the author (p. 91) this flag is “4’4” x 5’6” (130 x 165 cm.) and has a 21/2” (6 cm.) orange fringe on three outer sides”; there is one in the DG’s office and a smaller one on this automobile (used with the standard mentioned previously).

The Commander (Smith p. 92) flies a similar flag with one star (my emphasis) “centered between the emblem and the fly edge of the flag”. Dimensions: 3’ x 4’ (91.4 x 122 cm.), orange fringe on three sides, office and vehicle use (standard not mentioned).

I hope someone will be able to come up with an explanation (evolution? or higher rank of present commander?) of the difference in number as there is after all photo showing two stars in the hoist.

Note: on the warship photo mentioned previously two men are busy with a jack but details are not clear.
Jan Mertens, 16 September 2009