Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Unit Introduction and Overview Unit objectives: Define and...

Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises

Unit Introduction and Overview

Unit objectives: Define and explain the terms tests, training, and

exercises. Explain the importance of a COOP TT&E

program.


Tests, Training, and Exercises

What is TT&E?



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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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

policies, and procedures.


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


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.


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

resources.


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.



What are the benefits of exercises?


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


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


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

Program Management

Program Development

Establishing The Base

Program Followup

Program Evaluation &

Critique


Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram development: Identify Resources Define Objectives, Key Events, Points of Review Development Materials (COOP TT&E Plan,

Training schedule) Prepare Facilities & Logistics Identify & Train Participants

Program Management

Program Development


Program Followup


Critique


Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram management & implementation: Conduct TT&E Events Market TT&E Program Coordinate with Staff and TT&E Planning Group

Program Management

Program Development


Program Followup


Critique


Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram evaluation & critique: Review and Analyze Participant Questionnaires

& Critiques Review Notes from Evaluator & Observers Review After-Action/Evaluation Reports

Program Management

Program Development


Program Followup


Critique


Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram followup: Establish a Corrective Action Program (CAP) Assign Tasks, Schedules & Responsibilities Monitor Corrective Action Progress Prepare Multi-Year Development Plans

Program Management

Program Development


Program Followup


Critique


Structuring the TT&E Program

Program Management & Implementation

Program Development


Program Followup


Critique


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


Structuring the TT&E Program

Purpose Objectives Scope Concept Responsibilities Scenario Simulations Structure

Data collection methods

Safety & security Admin & logistics

Information Milestones/Schedule

The Exercise Plan is the principal roadmap for the exercise. It contains:


Structuring the TT&E Program The Control Plan: Outlines responsibilities for exercise

management. Is required for functional and full-scale

exercises.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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


Summary and TransitionThis unit: Introduced tests, training, and exercises

Next unit: Developing a Corrective Action Plan (Unit 14)


Summary and Transition

Questions?

Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Unit Introduction and Overview Unit objectives: Define and...

Documents

Transcript of Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Unit Introduction and Overview Unit objectives: Define and...