Starting Point
Lieutenant Colonel Chea Maysarosis (Lt. Col. Chea) is a force for peace. She has distinguished herself through her unwavering dedication to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Her career is a testament to her commitment to fostering peace, ensuring security, and championing women's empowerment within the military and peacekeeping realms. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Human Resources and Education Department at the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mines and ERW Clearance, Lt. Col. Chea's path to this pivotal role began with an early career as a kindergarten teacher, which is a stark contrast to her subsequent military service that commenced on 12 February 2010.
Lt. Col. Chea's academic foundation is robust, comprising a bachelor’s degree in accounting from ASIA EURO University and an Association Degree in English Communication from ASIA EURO Institute, complemented by her High School Diploma from Russey Keo High School. Her pursuit of knowledge and professional development is ongoing, evidenced by her extensive participation in a diverse range of both in-country and overseas training courses. These include specialised programs focused on Gender, Women, Peace and Security, Gender in Military Operations, United Nations Staff Officer responsibilities, and United Nations Military Observer training. Her commitment to broadening her expertise has taken her to various countries, including Australia, Italy, Lebanon, Mongolia, and Indonesia, reflecting her global perspective and adaptability.
Peace Journey
Her military career is characterised by active involvement in numerous field training exercises, both within Cambodia, such as the Angkor Sentinel exercises, and on the international stage, including participation in exercises like Shanti Doo-4 in Bangladesh, Khaan Quest in Mongolia, and Araya Guardian in Thailand. These experiences have honed her operational skills and strategic thinking, thereby preparing her for the complex challenges of peacekeeping missions. Lt. Col. Chea has held significant leadership roles in several UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating her capacity to command and manage diverse teams in challenging environments. Her service includes deployments to UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan), where she served in various capacities, including Unit Commanding Officer and Deputy Commanding Officer, and to UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), where she held the position of Deputy Commanding Officer of Demining and head of the Gender Section.
A compelling figure in international peacekeeping, Lieutenant Colonel Chea Maysaros, a 37-year-old Cambodian military officer, embodies a deep and personal dedication to service. Unlike her four siblings, who pursued civilian careers, Lt. Col. Chea's path led her to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, a decision driven by a profound sense of duty and a desire to contribute to global peace and security. Her military career began in 2010, coinciding with Cambodia's hosting of the Global Peace Operations Initiative exercise, a pivotal event that ignited her passion for peacekeeping. Since then, she has consistently engaged in rigorous training and participated in numerous international exercises, both domestically and abroad, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to professional development and operational readiness. Her experiences include deployments to South Sudan, where she served as an operations and logistics officer and later as a military observer. During these missions, she navigated complex and often volatile operational environments, collaborating with diverse international teams and honing her skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Lt. Col. Chea's accounts of her field experiences offer a vivid and often challenging glimpse into the realities faced by women peacekeepers. Frequently the only female member of patrol convoys, she confronted not only the physical demands of traversing harsh terrains and enduring extreme weather conditions but also the inherent vulnerabilities of operating in remote and potentially dangerous areas. Her duties, which ranged from driving through treacherous landscapes to coordinating dynamic air patrols, underscored her remarkable resilience, adaptability, and unwavering courage. These experiences shaped her into a highly capable and resourceful leader, able to thrive under pressure and inspire those under her command. Currently, she is deployed with UNIFIL as a deputy commanding officer for CAMBMEU, where she plays a critical role in overseeing de-mining operations along the Lebanese-Israeli border. This vital humanitarian effort, aimed at clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war, directly contributes to the safety and well-being of local communities. Her leadership extends to managing the gender unit, where she works to ensure the well-being of her troops, which includes a significant number of female deminers. In this role, she not only manages military operations but also addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by women serving in peacekeeping missions.
Her time in Lebanon has presented new and complex challenges, including navigating unfamiliar and often harsh weather conditions, as well as adapting to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Lt. Col. Chea has consistently maintained a high standard of operational readiness, emphasising the importance of strict adherence to safety guidelines, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual support, and prioritising the well-being of her personnel. She is a vocal advocate for the increased presence of Cambodian women in UN missions, viewing it as a tangible demonstration of the progress made in achieving gender equality within the Cambodian military and a testament to the capabilities and resilience of women in uniform. Her message to fellow women warriors is one of solidarity, moral integrity, and continuous self-improvement, encouraging them to strive for excellence and to challenge traditional gender roles within the military.
Success stories
Lt. Col. Chea Maysaros' contributions to peacekeeping have garnered widespread recognition. She is particularly noted for her work in promoting gender balance within her units, fostering a more inclusive and effective peacekeeping environment. Her leadership, dedication, and courage have earned her commendations and medals, underscoring her significant impact on international peacekeeping efforts and her role as a pioneering woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Lt. Col. Chea Maysaros' pride in her role as a peacekeeper is palpable and deeply ingrained in her personal and professional identity. She cherishes the opportunity to work alongside international colleagues from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the maintenance of global peace and security, and representing her country on the world stage. Her experiences have not only expanded her professional capabilities and leadership skills but have also broadened her cultural horizons, transforming her into a de facto ambassador for Cambodia, fostering understanding and cooperation. Despite the natural concerns of her family regarding the inherent dangers of her profession, she remains steadfastly driven by a deep and unwavering passion for peacekeeping, viewing it as both her profession and her calling—a vocation that allows her to serve humanity and make a tangible difference in the world.