His daily duties include compiling regional security reports, advising on force deployment, drafting operational orders, and directly participating in patrols, including demanding aerial missions.
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Major Ngo Quoc Cuong (left) and one of his colleagues in the Operations Office. |
The Operations Office, where he works, is also tasked with inspecting equipment from troop-contributing countries, so he joins evaluation teams assessing units from India, Pakistan, and Ghana.
Amidst increasingly complex security conditions, the workload has grown heavier, especially as the mission reduces personnel due to financial constraints. The office staff has been halved from 12 to six, sometimes only 3 during leave periods.
During an inspection of a Ghanaian infantry battalion in the Southern sector, officer Cuong undertook two tasks, checking combat equipment and fulfilling other operational duties despite long-distance travel between dispersed units.
Maj. Cuong worked through midday, had a quick, late lunch, and returned to UNISFA headquarters to draft urgent deployment orders for force protection tasks in a timely manner.
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Maj. Cuong (first from right) during an inspection session at a Chinese unit |
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He inspects weapons and equipment at a Chinese unit. |
Aerial patrols are routine but highly demanding, especially during the rainy season, for any operations staff officers. In one mission, Cuong and his team successfully prevented a major violent incident threatening civilians’ lives.
That mission took place in severe weather conditions, with many areas isolated by flooding due to prolonged rains, requiring reliance on helicopters. Flying over Um Khariet area, a hotspot of pillaging, the helicopter Mi-17 endured turbulence as he closely monitored the ground for signs of unrest.
At over 3,000 meters, distinguishing between dust and gun smoke required intense concentration, while maintaining altitude to avoid potential rocket attacks from armed groups below.
Spotting columns of black smoke, he quickly identified signs of an attack. His report, completed immediately after landing, enabled timely infantry deployment, preventing violence against civilians. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that in Abyei, every aerial patrol is a battle of wits to safeguard the lives of local residents.
Following the aftermath of the Sudan conflict in 2023, Abyei remains a hotspot of ethnic tensions, resource disputes, and armed groups. In this context, his role goes beyond reporting. He serves as the mission’s “eyes and ears” to help protect civilians.
In those life-and-death moments, precision is paramount and there is no room for errors; so an operations staff officer must be calm, experienced, and decisive in any extreme pressure.
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Aerial patrol conditions are cramped and noisy. |
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Maj. Cuong and his team in an aerial patrol |
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Aerial view captured during a patrol mission |
According to Major Abdou Jatta, Deputy Chief of Operations Office, Maj. Cuong is highly professional, often working late despite heavy workloads, earning strong trust from colleagues.
Having previously served as a military observer in South Sudan in 2020, Cuong adapted quickly to Abyei. Equipment inspections, though new, are valuable learning opportunities for him.
During inspections with China’s Quick Reaction Force, he carefully examined weapons and machinery, impressing international colleagues with his technical expertise and attention to detail.
Behind the "steel shell" of an operations staff officer is a close and friendly blue beret soldier. Nicknamed the “smiling ambassador,” he is known for his smiles and willingness to help teammates.
Maj. Sunil Bhattarai from Nepal noted that Cuong is always seen with a smile, ready to assist, from fixing a computer to sharing field experience with newcomers.
In rare free moments, he shares stories about his family and Vietnamese culture with international colleagues.
Maj. Abdullah Al Amin from Bangladesh described him as warm and inspiring, helping promote an image of a friendly, peace-loving Vietnam.
Translated by Mai Huong