Vol. 431 No. 6
86 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence the basis on which Army personnel were selected for UN service; if soldiers were given full information of the type of operations they were likely to experience, in a military and civilian sense; if, after selection, a soldier could opt out of UN service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Selection for United Nations service is normally from among personnel who have volunteered in writing to serve overseas. Personnel selected must be recommended by their commanding officers. In determining the suitability or otherwise of an applicant for overseas service the commanding officer will take account of the applicant's conduct, military qualifications, medical grading, age and family circumstances.
Personnel are trained specifically for each overseas mission and every effort is made to ensure that they are familiar with the mission and the country in which they will serve. Briefings are given on local conditions both in the military and civilian area.
