In the event of isolation during operations other than war, the reasons to delay contact with legitimate authorities include. (Select all that apply)
Contact friendly forces
Lack of control
Gain situational awareness
Prevent recognition
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answers are:
- Gain situational awareness
- Prevent recognition
Explanation:
During operations other than war (OOTW), isolation can occur due to various operational and environmental factors. In such scenarios, it is critical for personnel to assess their situation before taking action, including contacting legitimate authorities. Two primary reasons to delay contact with legitimate authorities are gaining situational awareness and preventing recognition. Here’s why:
- Gain Situational Awareness
Situational awareness refers to understanding your environment, the potential threats, and opportunities for safety. In an isolated situation, acting without sufficient knowledge can put both the individual and friendly forces at risk. Before contacting authorities, it is important to evaluate the following:- Who controls the area? Are the authorities legitimate or compromised?
- Are there hostile elements present that might intercept communications or exploit your contact attempt?
- What are the safest methods and timings for making contact?
Gaining situational awareness ensures that actions are calculated, risks are minimized, and the chances of a successful recovery are maximized.
- Prevent Recognition
Preventing recognition means avoiding actions that could reveal your identity, presence, or location to adversaries. Isolated personnel are often at risk of being captured or targeted if they are identified. Premature or poorly executed contact with authorities could:- Alert hostile forces to your location.
- Allow adversaries to monitor communications or movements.
- Compromise the security of your mission or recovery efforts.
Maintaining a low profile until the environment is assessed ensures that you remain safe and retain the element of surprise, if necessary.
While contacting friendly forces and establishing control are vital steps in recovery, they should occur only after you have gained enough awareness to proceed safely and avoided premature recognition. These actions ensure operational success and personal safety in complex OOTW scenarios.