Figure for June 2026: 64 employees, the largest group ever, participated in an intensive HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) programme

Our annual HEAT programme, organised by the Safety Directorate, attracted no fewer than 64 participants this year. In an uncertain and unstable world, we cannot allow our colleagues to travel to potentially high-risk areas without proper preparation. This underlines our commitment to security at the FPS Foreign Affairs. At the same time, the programme helps us to provide better assistance to Belgians abroad in the event of a crisis.

Each year, the Ministry of Defence organises an intensive HEAT programme at the request of the FPS Foreign Affairs. HEAT stands for ‘Hostile Environment Awareness Training’. Our employees learn how to handle precarious, hostile situations through highly realistic role-play exercises and simulations.

Last year, 48 colleagues participated; this year, as many as 64 took part. This makes it the largest HEAT programme to date. The programme consisted of two five-day sessions, each with 32 participants.

Once again, the programme was very hands-on. After three days of theory, participants had 24 hours to put what they had learned into practice in immersive simulations: realistic scenarios such as a drone attack or an armed robbery by masked individuals. The training took place at the military base in Marche-en-Famenne.

Map and compass

A crisis situation can take many forms. It could result for instance in a complete loss of communication or a denial of access to the internet. That is why participants learn how to navigate using a map and compass, and how to use alternative communication tools such as satellite phones.

In such cases, a battery-powered radio is also essential. But how do you use it? After all, you need to ensure that no hostile parties can eavesdrop on your frequency. You must not be traceable; you must avoid mentioning any names or locations, and you must use coded language.

The programme does not shy away from addressing potentially unpleasant incidents. For example, how should you react if you find yourself in a situation involving gunfire or kidnapping? The key is to stay calm!

And how do you drive a heavy jeep through rugged terrain, such as bumpy roads, across a river, or up a mountain? How do you put out a fire? How can you assist a victim of a car accident or someone suffering a heart attack? How do you speak to the press during a crisis?

As you can see, our colleagues at the Ministry of Defence have put together a highly realistic and comprehensive training programme. Over 70 military personnel from a wide range of disciplines took part, including para commandos, logistics experts, psychologists, medical personnel, and communications and information specialists.

Don't go unprepared

Why is this type of programme so important to us? Our diplomats and other staff members work across the world, often in locations where there is a real risk of armed conflict. But even in calmer regions, they can find themselves in crisis situations. Think of forest fires or earthquakes. And in an unstable, turbulent world with accelerating climate disruption, that risk continues to grow.

The training programme is not limited to diplomats; staff at our Central Administration in Brussels are also welcome to participate. Because they too may be required to travel to potentially high-risk areas. This year, 34 women and 30 men participated.

We do not limit ourselves to the FPS alone either. On the contrary, we actively seek to collaborate with partner countries and partner organisations. After all, we believe that this exchange of ideas in the field of safety can help us to improve further. This year, we had the pleasure of welcoming two colleagues from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs and one colleague from Enabel, the Belgian agency for international cooperation.

Physical and mental resilience

In any case, we look back on the HEAT programme with satisfaction. Although the training programme is quite demanding, participants emerge stronger, with greater physical and mental resilience. "The training teaches you responses and reflexes that are useful in difficult, even critical situations,” one of the participating ambassadors said afterwards. 

“Making vital decisions with a clear head under stressful, chaotic circumstances, that is what it is all about,” another participant explained. "You will gain a comprehensive range of theoretical and practical tips that will enhance your safety awareness."

The HEAT programme has proven to be highly useful in real-life situations. Several participants later reported that they were able to escape dangerous situations thanks to the techniques they had acquired. This will also enable us to provide better assistance to Belgians abroad in the event of a crisis.

We will therefore continue on our current path, adapting our training programme to a rapidly changing world with constantly evolving threats and risks. We look forward to new training sessions next year.