Our diplomats learn how to escape precarious, dangerous predicaments

In an uncertain, unstable world we cannot allow our diplomats to depart unprepared for potentially high-risk regions. That is why our Federal Public Service, in collaboration with Defence, organises intensive training programmes in which they learn to handle challenging situations.

The world has not become a safer place in recent years. This implies that our diplomats and other staff we post all over the world often find themselves in crisis situations. At the very least, the chances of them facing tough and dangerous conditions have increased significantly.

Special Forces

That is why, as the Federal Public Service, we cannot afford to send our staff abroad without proper preparation. Even in countries where the risk of armed conflict is low, there is still the possibility of wildfires or earthquakes. Those are, of course, crisis situations too.

That is why we consider it essential for our posted staff—especially those heading to high-risk areas—to undergo proper training. For this, we gratefully call upon the Belgian Ministry of Defence. Seasoned professionals, including members of the Special Forces, teach our colleagues the ropes.

Code language

What can happen in an emergency? Communication can break down completely, and even the internet may become unavailable. That is why participants learn how to navigate using a map and compass, and how to use alternative communication tools. These include satellite phones and so-called satcubes: portable terminals that can connect to a satellite.

A battery-powered radio is also a must in such situations, but using it correctly is just as important. You need to make sure that no hostile parties can listen in on your frequency. You must not be locatable, certainly not mention names or locations, and use code language.

Stress management

It is also crucial to remain calm under extreme stress. How should you react, for instance, if you find yourself in a situation where shots are fired? How do you cooperate with a Defence security detachment? How do you drive a heavy jeep through rough terrain: bumpy roads, across a river, up a mountain, and so on? How do you extinguish a fire? How can you help a victim of a car accident or someone suffering a heart attack?

As you can see, the training – called Hostile Environment Awareness Training or HEAT – leaves nothing to chance. The five-day course is therefore very intensive. After three days of theory, participants spend two days – and nights –putting everything into practice. The training takes place in army barracks in Marche-en-Famenne, although participants also sleep in tents.

Prepared for the unexpected

To date, our security service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, organises two training courses per year, each of which can accommodate 48 employees. However, the ambition is to increase the number of courses, possibly in cooperation with partner countries or partner organisations such as the EU. As mentioned, threats are increasing. Furthermore, after five years, it is advisable to retake the course, as techniques continue to evolve.

As Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot put it: “Our diplomats are often on the front line of international news. In a world full of uncertainties, they need more than just theoretical knowledge. They must also be prepared for the unexpected.”

The HEAT courses are perfectly suited to that purpose and have already proven their worth. Several participants later testified that they were able to escape precarious predicaments thanks to the techniques they had learned.