STANAG 6001 Level 3 – Writing Task (Memo): Missing Personnel Incident During Military Exercise
Examination task
Write a minimum of 120 words on the topic below.
You were serving as an operations officer during a multinational military exercise in Marocco. After completing the training activities, two soldiers went missing near the training area while hiking along sea cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Write a memorandum to your Commanding Officer (CO), in which you:
- describe the circumstances of the incident and explain what caused it,
- explain what actions were taken and assess the impact on the exercise,
- recommend measures to prevent similar incidents during future deployments.
Sample Answer
Memo
Subject: Missing Personnel Incident During Military Exercise
- The purpose of this memorandum is to report an incident involving two missing soldiers during a multinational exercise. After scheduled training activities had ended, a small group of personnel left the training area for recreational hiking near coastal cliffs. At approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, one soldier fell into the ocean after losing balance near the shoreline. The second soldier immediately jumped into the water to provide assistance, but was swept away by strong waves. The remaining personnel attempted to rescue soldiers by forming a human chain using their belts, but the effort was unsuccessful. Rough sea conditions and failure to follow safety procedures contributed to the incident.
- Once the two soldiers were reported missing, an extensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched, involving ground patrols, helicopters, naval vessels, and diving teams deployed to search the coastal areas and nearby waters. Training activities were temporarily limited as personnel and equipment were reassigned to support the rescue mission.
- To prevent similar incidents in the future, stricter control of off-duty activities should be introduced. Personnel should be clearly informed about restricted areas and environmental hazards. In addition, commanders should enforce accountability procedures and conduct regular safety briefings before multinational deployments. These measures should help prevent similar incidents during future multinational operations.
Photo: Legzira Beach, Marocco