24. 2. 2025 | HEAT, Peace and security, POTC, PR
The winter edition of the Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), organised by the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), was successfully delivered at the Gotenica Police Training Centre in Slovenia from February 16th to February 21st, 2025.
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This comprehensive training programme aimed to equip civilians deployed in peace missions and operations abroad with the necessary skills to navigate potentially dangerous working conditions and hazardous situations.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including threat awareness, medical help, orientation, communications, and mobility. Participants engaged in both classroom sessions and practical field exercises, such as 4×4 driving, evacuation planning, and stress management. The course also addressed critical areas like awareness of weapons, mines, and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), as well as kidnap analysis and hostage survival techniques.
The highlight of the training was the Thursday simulation exercise, which allowed participants to apply the knowledge they had gained throughout the week. These scenarios encompassed various challenges that might be encountered in conflict areas, providing a hands-on learning experience that is invaluable for those working in high-risk environments.
The training would not have been possible without the dedication of representatives from the Slovenian Police and Armed Forces and the participation of a diverse group of background players. The staff of the training centre also made sure that the training ran smoothly and aided us when needed.
Overall, HEAT 2025 was a success, empowering participants with the tools and confidence needed to operate effectively in hostile environments. We wish the participants the best of luck in their future endeavours.
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10. 6. 2024 | POTC, PR
HEAT 2024 – in the first week of June, the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC), operating within the Centre for European Perspective, held the Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT). The intense training took place at the Gotenica Police Training Centre.
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The Hostile Environment Awareness Trainings (HEAT) are well-established trainings organised worldwide by different non-profit and for-profit organisations. For more than 10 years CEP, and now POTC, in close cooperation with Slovenian Police and Slovenian Armed Forces, has been a consistent provider of HEAT in Slovenia.
The general aim of HEAT is to train individuals to deal effectively with risk-associated and emergency/critical situations while deployed in hostile environments abroad. The latest training was attended by 17 participants: 12 from Slovenia (participants were mostly referred by the three partner institutions: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Ministry of Interior of Slovenia) and 5 participants from abroad (Ivory Coast, France, Romania). Participants either already work in hostile environments or plan to apply for positions that require a certificate of HEAT attendance, such as positions in peacekeeping missions and operations.
The training was a mix of interactive lectures that covered a wide range of topics, among others: how to provide for your own personal security, how to plan movements and what to do at (il)legal checkpoints, radio communication and orientation, movement during mass gatherings, surviving kidnap situations, stress management, improvised explosive devices, and basic life support. The training culminated in a day-long simulation exercise during which the participants were faced with many stressful situations that required appropriate responses.
The participants all successfully completed the course, expressing their satisfaction with the new knowledge, techniques, and experience that will, if needed, benefit their current or future work postings.
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