The Defence Forces do not operate a parcel post service to personnel serving on overseas missions. In most cases families and friends are able to use the existing postal service of An Post to send parcels to troops serving overseas. However, because of the remoteness of the location of Irish troops serving with the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT), the sending of parcels through the normal post is discouraged as it is not supported by UN logistics systems and delivery cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the Defence Forces are organising the delivery before Christmas of one parcel from each family to Irish personnel serving with MINURCAT. The service will be similar to the one provided to the Irish personnel who were serving with the EUFOR mission in Chad last Christmas.