The chances of you being taken hostage are very remote and hostage survival rates are high. Nothing can guarantee your absolute safety, but you can always take steps to reduce and limit your exposure to risk.  Always remember…your personal conduct can influence your treatment in captivity.

The US State Department is responsible for US personnel and dependents overseas. In a hostage situation, the State Department will follow plans designed to gain release of the hostages.

The hostage has three very important rules to follow:

• Analyze the problem and don’t aggravate the situation.
• Try to keep the situation from worsening.
• Try to remain on the best terms with the captors.

Preparing The Family:

• Have family affairs in order such as a current will, powers of attorney, and family financial plans.
• Discuss with family members children’s education, family relocation, and disposition of property.
• Tell your family that discussing your US nationality may put you, or them, in great danger.
• Assure them the US government will work to obtain your safe release.
• Tell them that negotiations can take a long time. Your chances of survival actually increase with time.

Maintain Self-Control:

• Recognize the moment when resistance is futile. Your instinct may be to struggle, but you should stop when faced with deadly force.
• The moment of attack is the point of maximum danger since your captors are most likely to panic or use excessive force. If they wanted to kill you, they wouldn’t try to capture you.
• Regain your composure and recognize your fear. Your captors are probably as apprehensive as you are, so your actions are important. Take mental notes of directions, times of transit, noises, and other factors to identify your location.
• Note the number, physical description, accents, habits, and rank structure of your captors.
• Anticipate isolation and efforts to disorient and confuse you.
• Try to prepare yourself for the situation and stay mentally active.

Dealing With Your Captors:

• Do not aggravate them.
• Do not get into political or ideological discussions. Listen, but don’t debate.
• Try to limit conversation to topics like sports, family, clothing. Comply with instructions, but always maintain your dignity.
• Attempt to develop a positive relationship with them. Try to be seen as an empathetic person, not a symbol of their hatreds.
• Be proud of your heritage, government, and military association, but use discretion and don’t be offensive.

Keep Occupied:

• Exercise daily.
• Read anything and everything.
• Eat what is offered to you. You must maintain your strength.
• Establish a slow, methodical routine for every task.

Being Interrogated:

• If you need to make up a story to protect sensitive information, make it a simple, believable story you will be able to remember and stick to it.
• Be polite and keep your temper.
• Give short answers. Talk freely about nonessential matters, but be guarded when conversations turn to matters of substance.
• Don’t be lulled by a friendly approach. One terrorist may play “Good Guy” and one “Bad Guy.” This is a common interrogation technique.
• Briefly affirm your belief in basic democratic principles.
• If forced to present terrorist demands to authorities, in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captors.
• Maintain dignity and avoid making a plea on your behalf.

During Rescue:

• Drop to the floor and be still. Avoid sudden moves. Wait for instruction.
• Once released, avoid derogatory comments about your captors; such remarks will only make things harder for those still held captive.