Security Training
Most people would intuitively believe, that soldiers are taking much higher risks than civilian personnel when being deployed abroad.
From my experience working with the Armed Forces, I do not believe, that this is generally the case. Yes, soldiers go to dangerous places.
But for each soldier leaving the camp on a patrol, there are up to ten others, who support his work inside. Soldiers can rely on substantial training, a strong core spirit, equipment, and support structures and will never take unnecessary risks.
A lot of civilian experts work in equally dangerous places, but with much less support from either their institutions or colleagues. Too often you still find an attitude of “everyone needs to look after her-/himself".
Why Security Training?
Every employer has a duty of care for his staff, particularly when this staff is traveling to and/or living in potentially dangerous environments abroad. This duty of care is expressed by establishing the structures and provisions which help to keep staff safe and by supporting staff if needed. Offering security training for staff is a key aspect of a duty of care.
What happens during Security Training?
A good security training is practical training. Participants reflect in role-plays upon their reaction patterns in dangerous and stressful situations. Each exercise is debriefed intensively and alternative options for behavior are explored. The training may also function as a teambuilding exercise, as people experience their colleagues in difficult situations, gain a safe space for sharing experiences and concerns and gain a better understanding of the team.
Possible content includes:
Dealing with authorities
Driving long distances over land
Safe living in house and hotel
Surviving an abduction
Safety in public places
Dealing with sexual violence
Diversity and security
Situational awareness
Psychological First Aid
Why work with me?
Security is a very complex concept. Very often it is reduced to technical measures of deterrence and protection, defining standard operating procedures (SOP) and following them. And while these measures are a necessity, I believe they do not get the full picture.
My approach to security is an inclusive and a deep on, taking issues such as diversity of staff, cultural differences and the bigger political picture into account.
Security training benefits from trainer teams with different experiences and perspectives. That is why I cooperate closely with different colleagues, for example, the team of Krisenwerk.
I regularly conduct 2,5-day security training at GIZ’s Academy for International Cooperation in Bonn. Together with Krisenwerk I have designed and implemented tailor-made security training for GIZ Madagascar, GIZ Uganda, GIZ India, GFA Consulting in Cameroon and The German Development Institute.
My security training aims to create awareness of potential threats and possible mitigating measures. At the same time, I want to put perceived risks into perspective and avoid creating panic.
Remember: The biggest threats to expats are traffic and health issues, not terrorism or abductions.
How do I work?
I have some basic principles, which apply to all the work I am doing.
Start by understanding your customer. I ask the right questions, and most importantly: listen!
No one-size-fits-all. All training is tailor-made and adapted to the needs of my customers.
I am 100% reliable. If I commit myself to a project, I deliver - in time.
Know your limits. If I do not have an answer to your problem, I will let you know. I do not like bullshit and I will not offer anything, I am not convinced of.
Each job is a learning opportunity. The feedback of my customers and participants will be taken seriously and fed into the next project.
Security Training for Drivers
Drivers play a crucial role in the safety and security of their passengers. While many drivers of developmental or humanitarian agencies do get a driver, they are not trained in wider aspects of security.
When I delivered a Pilot Driver Training for GIZ drivers in Uganda, we had some participants who felt, they needed to protect the car in case of a car jack, thereby endangering themselves unnecessarily.
I believe it is essential, that passengers and drivers are on the same page when it comes to security and gains a joint understanding.
The training empowers drivers and makes them feel valued. Another positive aspect is the opportunity for exchanging experiences and teambuilding between drivers who work in different parts of the country.