CJ 6: Hostage Taking (Hostage Taking Resolution)
Context
Notwithstanding the initial steps you’ve taken to the hostage-taking, the crisis has taken a turn for the worse. The captors have escalated their actions in response to what they describe as complete disrespect and inaction, and have caused serious harm to one of the Americans. The situation is deteriorating, and immediate action is required to ensure the safety of the hostages.
The captors’ demands are now $10M USD in exchange for the release of the hostages.
Looking to de-risk their involvement, and the certain media backlash as the situation spirals out of control, the Brazilian and American governments have put the ball squarely back in your court.
Your team must now decide how to resolve the situation.
Task
Choose the best option to resolve the crisis while ensuring the safety of the hostages.
Options
Explore the strategies available to your team. Select a tab to read each option’s approach, advantages, and disadvantages.
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3
- Option 4
- Option 5
- Option 6
Option 1: Give in to Demands
Decide to give in to the captors’ demands by exchanging money from Amazonia’s operating budget for the hostages.
- Advantages: Potential for immediate hostage release; avoidance of further violence.
- Disadvantages: Setting a precedent for capitulation; potential long-term consequences.
Option 2: Intelligence Gathering Operation
Request an Intelligence Gathering Operation from the Brazilian Government to develop a clearer picture of the hostage takers and their capabilities.
- Advantages: Gather critical intelligence about hostage takers; make informed decisions.
- Disadvantages: Additional time to resolve incidents; potential for information leaks.
Option 3: Private Military Contractor (PMC)
Hire a local Private Military Contractor (PMC) to resolve the situation.
- Advantages: Knowledge of local area; swift response.
- Disadvantages: Level of specialized training; risk to hostages & high financial costs.
Option 4: Regional SWAT
Request the regional police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to resolve the situation.
- Advantages: Local knowledge & expertise; potential for decisive action.
- Disadvantages: Risk to hostages; potential escalation of violence.
Option 5: US Special Forces
Request US Special Forces conduct a Hostage Rescue mission.
- Advantages: Expertise in high-stakes situations; decisive action.
- Disadvantages: Diplomatic & jurisdictional issues; time to deploy & execute.
Option 6: Joint Special Operations (US & Brazil)
Request a joint Hostage Rescue mission by US and Brazilian Special Forces.
- Advantages: Combined resources and expertise; coordinated international response.
- Disadvantages: Complex coordination; time to deploy & execute with interoperability challenges.
Decision
After carefully reviewing the options above, your team must now choose the best option to resolve the hostage crisis. Select one option below to record your team’s decision with 1 min (or less) remaining.
Option 1: Give in to Demands
Option 2: Intelligence Gathering Operation
Option 3: Private Military Contractor (PMC)
Option 4: Regional SWAT
Option 5: US Special Forces
Option 6: Joint Special Operations (US & Brazil)
