RtoI or RTI stands for Resistance to Interrogation. Within the resistance component of SERE, the term concerns protecting information of military value during captivity and enemy questioning.
Information protection and selection for interrogation
Under the Australian RTI definition, the task already includes avoiding selection for interrogation. Identifying fellow prisoners with particular knowledge can enable the enemy to focus questioning on those individuals. The US conduct framework also requires protection of those prisoners within the group.
The US Code of Conduct lists name, rank, service number and date of birth as identifying information for prisoners of war. This framework also permits conversations with captors about health and welfare.
Relationship with resistance and CAC
Resistance opposes the wider enemy exploitation of prisoners. Alongside information gathering, this includes propaganda and endangering fellow prisoners. Conduct After Capture (CAC) covers behaviour, resistance to exploitation and survival in captivity. Within this context, RtoI names the part concerned with questioning and information protection.
National usage and training
| System | Terminology and training context |
|---|---|
| Germany | The Bundeswehr uses RtoI for an additional module primarily intended for special forces personnel and aircrew. In training that includes this module, captivity and questioning follow the evasion phase. |
| Australia | During the national transition from the earlier RTI model to the broader CAC model, the former RTI element was termed Military Exploitation: detention by a foreign state's military forces. Foreign Government Detention and Hostage Survival were added as training contexts. The term Conduct After Capture continues to be used in Australian training. |