APPENDIX F

This appendix provides an outline as guidance for the preparation of an area handbook for peacekeeping operations. The headquarters deploying as the US contingent to a peacekeeping operation prepares this pocket-sized handbook. The book contains information on the peacekeeping organization, the history and culture of the people, the terrain, the weather, and the local armed forces. Its graphics portray the insignia, markings, and identifying characteristics of armed forces, military weapons, and equipment. Each member of the peacekeeping force should receive a copy of the handbook.

SAMPLE OUTLINE

The area handbook should contain sections or parts describing--

• Rules of engagement.
  
• The AO, including maps and descriptions of the topography.
  
• Organization of the peacekeeping forces, their location, and terrain features.
  
• General climatic data and the estimated effects of weather and terrain on operations.
  
• Descriptions of the armed forces engaged in the conflict, including:

- Size and organization.
- Uniforms with rank and branch insignia.
- Weapons and equipment characteristics and markings.
- Culture and customs including interpretation and significance of possible offending gestures and body language.
- Common and frequently used phrases and words.

• Descriptions of each of the national contingents providing peacekeeping forces, with the same type of information provided on forces engaged in the conflict.
  
• Location and markings of known minefields, areas suspected of having unmarked minefields, and descriptions and safety precautions concerning mines which may be found in the area.
  
• Operational security, including physical security against terrorist attacks, document security, communications security, and personnel security.
  
• Training requirements.
  
• Pictures and sketches of vehicles and aircraft.
  
• Local environmental hazards such as poisonous plants, dangerous animals, diseases, or heat.
  
• First aid references and medical evacuation procedures.
  
• Flags or symbols of forces engaged in the conflict.
  
• Status of forces' agreements and pertinent host nation laws (for example, laws concerning drug trafficking).