Blending In

The world of international security is a diverse environment requiring a wide range of skills and perspectives if one expects to successfully meet every challenge that arises. Diplomatic security most often deals with the more "civilized" aspects of the security profession, but diplomats working overseas in third world countries all know that their world could be turned upside down overnight by a military coup. They should therefore be prepared to meet this kind of situation with a plan to survive, either by finding a secure safe haven, or by escaping. The following information is provided with that in mind. A kind of worse case scenario plan of action that will hopefully never be needed but it will be there waiting in your tool box in case it is.

DAILY ROUTINES: As mentioned in previous chapters, it is imperative that the security officer always assume that all embassy personnel are being watched, monitored and recorded as they go through their daily routines. This is particularly true for diplomats who must be constantly aware of their environment and the fact that ultimately THEY are responsible for their own security when they are traveling about in a foreign environment. Techniques for monitoring their surroundings unobtrusively are taught in their FSO classes before they are deployed overseas. Many of these techniques can and should be utilized by everyone traveling in outside their own borders now that global terrorism has altered threat levels around the world. Some of these basic techniques are:

Americans are targets of terrorists. Avoid looking or acting like one.

American accents are very recognizable; keep your voice down and do not flash your passport.

Learn where the "bad" areas of your community are and avoid traveling in them.

Avoid traveling alone. Whenever possible, travel with local national friends or business associates.

Avoid eye contact and try to wear clothing that is similar to the clothing of the indigenous civilian population or clothing that will not identify you with any particular culture.

Avoid wearing any expensive or unusual jewelry, watches, clothing, etc; it not only marks you as a foreigner but makes you an attractive target for robbery.

Leave cameras home unless your job requires one. Tourists carry cameras. In many third world dictatorships, cameras make the local officials very nervous.

Learn enough of the local language to know when you are being talked about.

Be watchful. Watch the people around you, the vehicles and the activities around you. Watch covertly, not overtly. This means using window glass and mirrors to see behind you rather than turning around and studying incidents and individuals openly. Be alert to your surroundings but act calm and unconcerned.

Know your area and have a plan. If you are driving, alter your route every day. If you suspect you are being followed, make unexpected turns and backtrack several times in a row to see if the vehicle stays with you. If you are on foot and find yourself being tailed, make detours through crowded shopping areas and see if the individuals stay with you.

React. If you begin to see the same individuals or vehicles several times, presume you are being targeted for something. Head for a safe area like the Chancery or an American Consulate office and report specific information about who and what you have observed.


SUMMARY: Your ability to survive while working or traveling overseas may depend upon your ability to be aware and to have a plan and to adapt to every situation you are faced with. Blending into your environment may well prove to be the most valuable tool in your tool box when the unexpected becomes your reality.