Mission Member Profile: Mission Security Officer/Medical and Safety, Simon Reus

Simon Reus is a Dutch citizen and works in the Security and Duty of Care Department of EUBAM Libya. He joined the mission in March 2021. Previously he worked at the Netherlands Marines Corps and The Dutch National Police. This is his first time in a CSDP mission.

1. Why did you apply to the Mission?

During my pre-deployment training in the Dutch Police we got introduced to several missions we could apply for as a secondment. EUBAM-Libya was one of them. The culture of Libya/Tunisia and the importance of this mission for Europe and my country were the main reasons to apply on this mission. Further more the work perspective for security in a high-risk area attracted me.

2. What is your role within the Mission?

As a Mission Security Officer/Medical & Safety I’m responsible for planning, implementing safety and security risk management policies and procedures to ensure the protection, safety and security of the EUBAM operations, personnel, equipment and information. I’m also capable to assist our Medical Advisers in their tasks and replace them when they’re absent in Tunisia or Libya.

3. Who do you work closely with?

I act as liaison with national law enforcement agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other European Union (EU) bodies and diplomatic representatives as required in matters pertaining to security risk management.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most interesting in my job for me is that I never know how my day is going to look like. Of course, you have some tasks that are routine and come back constantly, but most of the time we have to act on the continue changing situation and the effects that this will have on the mission and the mission members. I also really like it that I work in two countries: Sometimes in Libya, sometimes in Tunisia.

5. How do you like living in Libya and especially in Palm City?

To have an opinion about living in Libya is hard for me, because we live in a closed, high secured area, Palm City, as you mentioned. So, we don’t come that often in public places. Except with our colleagues and counterparts, we don’t interact a lot with the local community.

Palm City is great. It has a lot of facilities for everyone and life there is really good for me. I like the time I share here with my colleagues. I also like the football games that are organized here. We play together with all kind of different people from different companies and nationalities.

6. What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I try to stay fit and in a good condition, so I like to sport/exercise a lot. I also like to share time with my colleagues. Having dinner or a soda together I also enjoy very much.

7. How would you describe your Libyan colleagues?

I think the Libyan colleagues are wonderful colleagues. Beside work they also give me the feeling that I’m very welcome in their country. I learned a lot about them and their way of living. I think this is the most precious gift I could receive in my time here and I’m very thankful for this.

8. What is your dream holiday destination?

There are two destinations that are on top of my holiday destinations bucket list: Japan and Colombia.

I would like to go to Japan because of the beautiful nature, the very correct culture, the anime/gaming scene and the food. I also would like to see World War II historical sites including Okinawa.

Colombia is a dream destination because I’m familiar with South-America and the culture. I think Colombia is a wonderful country with beautiful culture, salsa and history. I also like the Caribbean Sea very much.

9. What is one of your favorite books?

For me the best book I’ve read is "The Darkroom of Damocles" by Willem Frederik Hermans. It’s a book about an ordinary Dutch guy during World War II who joins the resistance. During his time in the resistance he follows orders like killing people. After World War II people see him as a betrayer and a liar. Than suddenly you could question yourself: Did he really got orders from someone or did he made up the whole story himself and does the “truth” really exist?

10. From your previous experience, what advice would you give your colleagues and friends about mission life?

My advice would be that you read very well to what country you will go and that you know under what circumstances you are going to live. Especially living in a high-risk area could be totally different than you might expect. If you like it, this mission is wonderful.