Travel on the global scale is nowadays a regular aspect of the life of a number of professionals, particularly those operating in governmental, military, intelligence, or any other defense-related fields. However, going by plane to another state might look like a normal business venture, but there is some security threat involved. That is where a defensive foreign travel briefing will be used.
The major question is then, when should you be briefed on defensive foreign travel?
So, in simple words, here is what happens so you know what to expect (and, what is more important, why).
What Is Defensive Foreign Travel Briefing?
A defensive foreign travel briefing is a security-oriented stream of information that is meant to get people prepared in order to travel to foreign destinations. Its primary aim is to enable travelers to single out and overcome risks such as
Espionage attempts
- Cyber threats
- Security issues Personal security Issues
- Foreign legal/political problems
- Scenarios involving unfriendly foreign intelligence services
Consider it as the working or visiting the sensitive locations in another country travel safety kit.
When Do You Have to Receive a Defensive Foreign Travel Briefing?
A basic rule is the following one:
Before you travel internationally, either as a part of your job or on personal grounds, you should get a defensive overseas trip briefing in case you are ever the holder of a security clearance (more so on Secret and Top Secret).
These are typical examples of the situations when briefing is compulsory:
1. You Possess a Security Clearance with U.S. government.
A foreign travel briefing is mandated by the government in case you are a federal worker, a military member, or a contractor who has access to classified data before you leave the country.
2. You are Traveling To a high-risk country.
Any country that the State Department has labeled as a high-risk country or adversarial in nature (e.g. China, Russia, Iran) is not a country you travel to without a pre-travel briefing; that is just a foregone conclusion. This will guarantee you have awareness of:
- Surveillance practices
- Potential arrests or questioning
- The norms of culture and law
3. It is a Delicate Job Position That You Hold
Unless you specifically work in intelligence, you can still be targeted, provided that your job falls in defense or aerospace technologies, cybersecurity, and other aspects of national security. In that case, you can also be flagged to attend mandatory briefings.
4. Your Employer Needs It
Different laws of compliance are applied by many of the government contracts of the private corporations. When your employer requires a defensive briefing, then it should not be optional even if the destination looks safe.
How frequently should you take the briefing?
Prior to each trip: In most organizations, each trip into a foreign country must have a new briefing.
Periodic refresher: That refresher training might be once a year, even when you are not traveling, in case your “security awareness juices” are getting rusty.
It is always a good idea to check the specific policy of travel at your agency or department because they may hold special travel regulations based on your type of job or clearance you have or hold.
What Makes it so Important?
It is not only dangerous to ignore a defensive travel briefing, but it might also get you into trouble with your employer or even lead to suspension of security clearance.
What is more important is that a briefing offers essential information in order not to jeopardize your safety and the safety of your information in a foreign country. You will be taught to:
- Be conscious of social engineering or surveillance
- Secure gadgets and confidential information
- Reaction to suspicious approaches
- Be safe with an emergency
Final Thoughts
When you are granted clearance to access sensitive or even top-secret information and are traveling outside the country, the defensive foreign travel briefing should not be ignored. It cannot be called a mere bureaucratic measure but rather a necessary line of defense for you, your organization, and even national security.
When you are making foreign travel plans next time, then ask yourself:
Am I fully briefed on defensive foreign travel?
Otherwise, plan it out; it is your best shot at an unpredictable world.