Today we had a briefing on security. I would have named it "Scare the Hell out of You." We learned all sorts of ways that terrorists can attack us, both personally and at the Embassy. We learned many different ways in which we can be killed. And this was an all day seminar! The presenters were former FBI and Secret Service. They don't hold back on the details, let me tell you. Here are some of the things they told us:
*If someone attacks you and asks for your purse...GIVE IT UP
*If someone tries to grab you and put you in a car....FIGHT LIKE HELL TO GET AWAY
*Keep a low profile all the time....blend in to the country you live in.
*Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
*"When you drive, be sure you have an escape route. Don't park in a no-exit place.
*Your instincts are very important...LISTEN TO THEM
*If you are shot, the odds are that the first shot or the second shot will not kill you. (Somehow that does not comfort me!)
*Vary your time and your routine. Leave home at different times.
*In rape situations, submitting is survival. Give in if you have no other choice.
*Carry your cell phone in your pocket. If the bad guy steals your purse, you can still call for help. (Besides, how many of us know the numbers in our cell phone? Without it, we would be lost...)
*There is a $25 Million dollar reward out for Osama bin Laden. Dead or Alive. (But State Department employees are not allowed to collect!)
Anyway, you get the idea. I'm going to have to be very careful out there. Terrorists and bad guys will want me for information, for cooperation, for revenge, and simply to say they harmed a diplomat of the US Government.
More uplifting news tomorrow, I'm sure.
Becky
Joining the Foreign Service as a second career has had it's challenges and it's joys. Read and learn what it's like to adapt to life overseas, learn about new cultures and work in countries once completely foreign to you. There will be humorous moments and frustrating episodes but all of it is an adventure that changes you and your perspective about things you once took for granted. I hope by sharing my life with you, you will come to love the big, wide world a little more.
About Me
- Best of Becky
- You can change your life. Never give up. Be kind to strangers and animals. Share yourself. Go for it. It's never too late to do anything. Never set a limit for yourself. Never stop learning. Never say never.
1 comment:
When I took SOS, they said something like 85% of FSOs will be the victims of crime while overseas. "Not me!" I thought. "I will break that trend!" But of course, I did not...best of luck to you and I hope you are in that lucky 15%!
I have added a link to your blog on my blogroll of FS blogs at http://lifeafterjerusalem.blogspot.com.
Post a Comment