Intrepid/RMS/IAP Middle East Resources Page
Robert Rosen
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As the situation across parts of the Middle East continues to evolve, we want to make sure our teams have a clear place to find accurate information and updates.
This page has been created as a central location for guidance, resources, and answers to the questions we are receiving most often. Conditions are changing quickly, and our intent is to keep this page updated so you can find the information you need without having to search across multiple messages or sources.
If you have questions that are not addressed here, please send them to us. Our teams are monitoring incoming questions and will update this page with answers as quickly as possible.
Most importantly, please continue following direction from your site leadership and program managers. We remain actively engaged with our teams on the ground and will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Take care of each other and stay safe.
Fellow Intrepid Teammates
Given the recent events in the Middle East, we recognize that many employees have questions as the situation continues to develop. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are receiving, along with guidance for the coming days. While this is primarily intended for those currently in the region, it may be useful information for others to review as well.
If there are further concerns or questions, please feel free to address them to the ES&H team (Benjamin.Lacy@IntrepidGS.com), Security team (Kevin.M.Cannon@IntrepidGS.com) or your immediate supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t feel well and am nervous, what should I do?
Remain calm, continue to shelter in place, follow the directions of your leadership team, military personnel, or other legitimate personnel. We recognize that it may be a few days before there is improved security, but we have made available EAP services from both International SOS and Cigna if you wish to talk to a mental health professional.
I’ve been stuck in my hotel for four days – can I go down in the lobby and socialize with others?
We understand that this temporary situation is difficult, but our security team cannot emphasize enough that large groups of loud Westerners in hotel lobbies provides an easy target of opportunity for those who may not be supportive of this conflict, so we strongly recommend that personnel continue to shelter-in-place, and only leave those locations for essential reasons.
Am I allowed to go outside?
While not recommended, it is understood that looking at the hotel walls and foyer can become tiresome. However, extended outside exposure should be limited. If you venture outdoors, pay attention to your surroundings. Always have a plan on where to go if alarms sound, generally the incoming missiles/ drones are picked up far enough out to allow you to locate under shelter. Always have a place to run if you have to be outdoors. If in an open space, get as low to the ground as possible, a ditch, culvert or behind any type of earthen barrier.
I am going stir crazy in the hotel, what can I do?
Listen to music, play cards or a board game, play on your gaming system if one is available, try to rest as much as possible. Make sure you have a “go bag” ready, which should include at least, water, food, flashlight, change of clothes, medicine, your ID and or passport. Plan escape routes in multiple directions, familiarize yourself with police, fire and hospital locations.
How often should I check in with my Site Manager and leadership team while we are off base?
Please check in at least every morning, and every evening to ensure that they are aware of your status and location. If your Site Manager has a different reporting cadence, please comply with that cadence.
Do I need to check in with my supervisor?
Make sure you have communications with your supervisor and all your subordinates. Rule of thumb is communications with all below and at least 2 above (your supervisor and his supervisor). Managers are updating rosters regularly.
A person representing the Washington Post (or another media outlet), has called me asking for my opinion, what should I do?
Please refer any media inquiries to our HR and Legal teams.
Someone stated they can get me out of country and back home, can I use their services?
Intrepid/RMS strongly discourages the use of any non-vetted service, or organization for repatriation and return home. Please coordinate return travel thru your Site Manager, or the Global Mobility Team.
What places should I avoid?
Remain distant from what would be considered a valued target, places like Bases, government buildings, communication arrays, and other places where Westerners often congregate.
Since I don’t have to work, is there any issue with me going downtown and partying?
Yes, that’s an issue. First- being in a diminished capacity is NOT a safe option, Second- large gatherings of US personnel in any location off base would be considered a tempting target for individuals seeking to harm US personnel, Third- as we know, most decision making, in a state of inebriation or extreme stress usually doesn’t turn out well. We want to prevent any actions that could put personnel at unnecessary risk.
What is the recommended hotel accommodation for me?
A room between the 2nd and 5th floor of the hotel is optimum. Emergency equipment, primarily fire ladder trucks can reach the 5th floor, evacuation is much quicker as well from a lower floor. If you are not in a room in these locations, check on the ability to relocate to one of these floors. If there are no available rooms between the 2nd-5th floors, try to get a room as close as possible, if that is not an option, walk the various routes to stairwells and select the most expeditious route to evacuate.
I am nervous on moving around by myself, what can I do to help calm my nerves?
Try not to panic while evacuating, remember smooth is quick and quick is fast. Move with a “Battle Buddy” if possible, one of you should carry a small medical kit with band aids tape and gauze.
Can I just jump on a plane and leave?
Not a good idea. Control of the workforce and accountability for safety and security reasons is incredibly important. Movement of personnel out of the region will be coordinated by the GMC. It is important that employees do not wander out of areas where there are support networks in place. If you are stressed to the point of considering this, we encourage you to use the ISOS contact number.
Additional Resources
Below are several resources available to support our teams and their families. These links provide security updates, assistance services, and additional information that may be helpful as conditions continue to evolve.
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