Which phase corresponds to authorized departure?

• A. Travel Advisory
• B. Drawdown
• C. Authorized Departure
• D. Stand Fast

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of crisis-evacuation phases and who is authorized to leave. Stand Fast means staying put and awaiting further instructions, keeping essential personnel at the post. Drawdown is the planned, phased withdrawal of non-essential personnel and dependents from a post, usually with government resources. Authorized Departure is the official permission to depart granted to non-essential personnel and eligible dependents when danger is present but a full evacuation isn’t required, allowing those departures to proceed under established procedures. Travel Advisory is simply guidance about risks to inform travel decisions and does not enact an evacuation or departure action. Because the scenario hinges on the formal permission to depart under the authorized departure protocol, this phase is the correct one.