STANAG 6001 Level 2 – Writing Task (Report): Food Poisoning Incident During Mission Abroad
Examination task
Write a report to your commanding officer. Write between 150-200 words.
During a recent mission abroad, several team members had food poisoning, which influenced the mission’s progress. In the report to your commanding officer, describe the mission and include the following points:
- details of the mission abroad (when, where, mission’s tasks)
- description of what happened and why
- influence of the situation on the mission’s tasks
- ways to prevent food poisoning during future missions abroad
Sample Answer
Subject: Report on Food Poisoning Incident During Mission Abroad
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to inform you about a food poisoning incident that occurred during the naval exercise BALTOPS and its impact on our unit’s tasks.
Mission Details
The mission took place from 7 to 22 June during the exercise BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea region. Our team was responsible for maintaining radio communications during naval operations.
Incident Description
On 8 June, after disembarking from the ship, six soldiers had dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Klaipeda, Lithuania. The following day, they reported stomach pain, diarrhoea, and weakness. Medical staff examined the affected personnel and confirmed food poisoning. It was later discovered that the illness was caused by eating butterfish.
Impact on Mission Tasks
Due to the incident, the unit’s operational capability was temporarily reduced. Radio communication duties had to be reassigned to other team members, which affected the overall efficiency of the first day of naval exercises at sea. However, the situation was normalised the following day, and full operational capability was restored.
Recommendations
To prevent similar incidents, personnel should eat only approved meals provided on board the ship. Soldiers should also avoid unfamiliar food from local restaurants during deployments. In addition, basic food safety guidance should be provided before future missions abroad.
Photo: BALTOPS 24 | Warships assemble in Klaipeda © Sgt Spc Ieva Budzeikaitė, Lithuanian Armed Forces