Unit Introduction and Overview

1. Unit Introduction and Overview Unit objectives: • Define and explain the terms tests, training, and exercises. • Explain the importance of a COOP TT&E program.

2. What is TT&E? Tests, Training, and Exercises

3. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Measures to ensure that an agency’s COOP program is capable of supporting the continued execution of its essential functions throughout the duration of a COOP situation.

4. Tests, Training, and Exercises • TT&E should be part of any COOP program: • TT&E events share the common overall goal of mission readiness. • Provide a framework for readiness activities that will ensure consistency and uniformity.

5. Tests, Training, and Exercises • An effective TT&E program: • Provides training in the appropriate functional areas of mission readiness. • Provides opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge needed. • Builds team unity.

6. Tests, Training, and Exercises • To achieve the goal of mission readiness: • Include tests and exercises. • Reflect lessons learned from TT&E events in the training provided to COOP team members.

7. Tests, Training, and Exercises • A test is an evaluation of a capability against an • established and measurable standard. • Examples of tests include: • Communications tests. • Alert and notification tests. • Deployment tests.

8. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Training: • Instruction in core competencies and skills. • Provides the tools needed to accomplish a goal, meet program requirements, or acquire a specified capability.

9. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Exercises are events that allow participants to • apply their skills and knowledge and to allow • planners to evaluate their effectiveness. • Examples of exercises include: • Orientations • Drills • Tabletop exercises • Functional exercises • Full-scale exercises

10. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Orientations: • Provide an overview of the topic. • Are low-stress. • Provide familiarization of working sites, plans, policies, and procedures.

11. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Drills: • Are low-stress and slow-paced. • Provide a walk-through of procedures.

12. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Tabletop exercises: • Are low-stress and slow-paced. • Allow for discussion of issues, plans, policies, and procedures. • Provide an opportunity to resolve questions of coordination and responsibility.

13. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Functional exercises: • Simulate an actual emergency situation. • Typically evaluate a single function. • Involve limited deployment of personnel and resources.

14. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Full-scale exercises: • Simulate an actual emergency situation. • Involve operations, plans, processes, and procedures. • Require the mobilization of personnel and resources.

15. What are the benefits of exercises? Tests, Training, and Exercises

16. Tests, Training, and Exercises • Benefits of exercises: • Reveal planning weaknesses • Reveal resource gaps • Improve coordination and communication • Clarify roles and responsibilities

17. Structuring the TT&E Program • TT&E activities fall into twp broad categories: • Standard, recurring events • Special events

18. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management Structuring the TT&E Program • Establishing the base: • Develop Program Purpose • Review Plans, Policies, Procedures • Conduct Needs Assessment • Define Program Scope • Select Event Types • Develop Program Schedule

19. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management Structuring the TT&E Program • Program development: • Identify Resources • Define Objectives, Key Events, Points of Review • Development Materials (COOP TT&E Plan, Training schedule) • Prepare Facilities & Logistics • Identify & Train Participants

20. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management Structuring the TT&E Program • Program management & implementation: • Conduct TT&E Events • Market TT&E Program • Coordinate with Staff and TT&E Planning Group

21. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management Structuring the TT&E Program • Program evaluation & critique: • Review and Analyze Participant Questionnaires & Critiques • Review Notes from Evaluator & Observers • Review After-Action/Evaluation Reports

22. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management Structuring the TT&E Program • Program followup: • Establish a Corrective Action Program (CAP) • Assign Tasks, Schedules & Responsibilities • Monitor Corrective Action Progress • Prepare Multi-Year Development Plans

23. Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Development Program Evaluation & Critique Program Management & Implementation Structuring the TT&E Program

24. Structuring the TT&E Program • Exercise documents: • Exercise Plan • Control Plan • Evaluation Plan • Player Handbook • After-Action Report

25. Purpose Objectives Scope Concept Responsibilities Scenario Simulations Structure Data collection methods Safety & security Admin & logistics Information Milestones/Schedule Structuring the TT&E Program • The Exercise Plan is the principal roadmap for the • exercise. It contains:

26. Structuring the TT&E Program • The Control Plan: • Outlines responsibilities for exercise management. • Is required for functional and full-scale exercises.

27. Structuring the TT&E Program • The Evaluation Plan: • Provides a framework for evaluation and after-action reporting. • Explains the evaluation process and methodology. • Explains the evaluators’ responsibilities. • Contains the forms evaluators will use.

28. Structuring the TT&E Program • The Player Handbook: • Is the guide for all exercise participants. • Provides an overview of the concept, objectives, and schedule. • Explains player responsibilities before, during, and after the exercise. • Usually contains a scenario that leads to the start of the exercise.

29. Structuring the TT&E Program • The Hot Wash: • Involves all exercise participants. • Occurs immediately after the exercise. • Is a facilitated discussion. • Provides data for after-action reporting.

30. Structuring the TT&E Program • The After-Action Report: • Is developed based on information collected during and after the exercise. • Includes a summary of the exercise purpose, objectives, concept, and scenario. • Focuses on the accomplishment of the exercise objectives. • Describes strengths and shortcomings. • Identifies requirements for corrective action.

31. Structuring the TT&E Program • Evaluation Team Meetings • Compare notes. • Analyze findings. • Develop an accurate account of what worked and what didn’t. • Prepare the After-Action Report.

32. Structuring the TT&E Program • Implementing Change • Are the procedures sound? • Are resources sufficient? • Are personnel adequately trained?

33. Summary and Transition • This unit: • Introduced tests, training, and exercises • Next unit: • Developing a Corrective Action Plan (Unit 14)

34. Summary and Transition • Questions?