Need to hear it again?

Download Embassy Security Radio Advert [471KB .mp3 file]

Advert Text:

You’re outside an embassy somewhere in the Pacific.
A crowd forms, some are armed.
A car stops and the driver leaves the vehicle.
The situation is tense.

You’re the commander of a New Zealand Army team providing security; you need immediate backup.

Do you request:
A) an Intelligence Operator
B) an Ammunition Technician
C) a Communications Systems Operator
D) soldiers trained in riot control

We’re recruiting now for Combat Soldiers, Intelligence Operators, Medics, Ammunition Technicians and Communications Systems Operators.

Visit army.mil.nz to find solutions and your next challenge.

---

Advert Answer:

In the NZ Army, every situation is different. Sometimes there isn’t necessarily a right answer. In this scenario, you are the commander in charge of security at the embassy and the decisions you make would depend on your stated mission and the level of threat developing around you. You would be required to maintain a good level of situational awareness at all times, use your initiative and think ahead to anticipate likely contingencies.

In this scenario, there are numerous factors that you would need to take into consideration in order to make a decision on what back-up you may require. Some factors you may consider are:

• What is the threat to embassy security (How large is the crowd? How quickly is it growing? What weapons are being carried? Is the abandoned vehicle a threat?)
• What will the crowd do next and what is the most dangerous thing they could do?
• Who are the threat group leaders or key personnel?
• What is the ground like and how will this affect your ability to defend the location?
• What are the rules of engagement?
• If you had to withdraw, how would you do this and what route would you take?
• If back-up is required, who would you request, what means of transport will they use, and how long will they take to arrive?

All four answers would be correct and you may request more than one element to provide back-up:

Answer A – An Intelligence Operator. Whilst all the soldiers in the security detachment would be briefed on possible threats, an Intelligence Operator would be extremely useful in this scenario. They would provide an in depth understanding of the threat group elements operating in the area and the commander’s priority information requirements. Intelligence Operators may also have language skills that would be useful if you needed to liaise with members of the indigenous population (i.e. – if you wanted to speak with the crowd over a loud hailer or speak directly with a leader within the crowd). Click here to find out more about the role of Intelligence Operators. 

Answer B – An Ammunition Technician. In this scenario the abandoned vehicle may pose a threat to embassy security (it may contain a remotely controlled vehicle borne improvised explosive device). The vehicle will need to be searched first to determine if there is a threat and if so, then an Ammunition Technician will need to be called in to disarm the device. Soldiers in the security detachment will be trained to conduct vehicle searches, however if you do not have the manpower to maintain security you may also need to request additional troops (Answer D). Click here to find out more about the role of Ammunition Technicians.

Answer C – A Communications Systems Operator. As the commander on the ground you would be required to keep the head-quarters informed of the situation at all times. Communications Systems Operators are experts in gaining and maintaining communications and would be a valuable addition to the team. This would then allow you to focus on leading, taking command of the situation and making vital decisions. Click here to find out more about the role of Communication Systems Operators.

Answer D – Soldiers trained in Riot Control. Additional troops trained in crowd management would help to disperse gatherings of people, especially if they become hostile. The size of the gathering will determine how many additional soldiers you would need to request. Additional troops may also be able to assist cordon and search the abandoned vehicle, protecting the local public from harm should an explosive device detonate. Click here to find out more about the role of Combat Soldiers (Rifleman, Crewman, Field Engineers and Gunners).