Target Audience
This learning guide is for Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) personnel who are deploying overseas as part of a U.S. embassy country team.
Description
This learning guide was developed as a Department of State presentation for its foreign service officers deploying to U.S. embassies and other diplomatic missions around the world. Its goal is to prepare country team members and their families for a potential crisis or emergency while on station. The presentation consists of 100 pages, including review questions, and is printable both by page and by module. It addresses the following objectives:
- Identify what actions you and your family members should take in advance of your move overseas to prepare for a crisis, including a possible evacuation.
- Identify what additional preparations you should make after your arrival at post.
- Describe mission personnel roles and communication procedures as they relate to crisis preparation, response, and management.
- Identify evacuation procedures and options.
- Recognize resilience techniques to better help you and family members cope with stress and uncertainty.
- Develop a personal crisis preparedness plan.
To assist with the last objective above, the learning guide includes a Personal Crisis Preparedness Aid (available in both Word and PDF formats). This document serves as a useful template for creating your individual crisis preparedness plan, including checklists, reminders, and suggestions.
Duration
This learning guide takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I obtain more information on this topic?
To prepare for a U.S. embassy overseas, the Department of State offers an online resource entitled Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now? Note that some of the mentioned entitlements and benefits are unique to foreign service personnel. DoD personnel may have different entitlements or responsibilities, depending on the issue. See also the DSCU learning guide SCO Personal Entitlements.
Are there special requirements for security or emergency preparedness at the embassy to which I will be assigned?
Contact your SCO sponsor or the Community Liaison Office (CLO) in the gaining embassy.
Who do I contact if I have any technical issues with this learning guide?
Go to the Online Learning Help Desk for technical assistance.