1. Michigan National Guard Consequence Management NORTHERN EXPOSURE 16 Formal After Action Review17
27 July 2016

2. Agenda 0900: Welcome & AAR Rules - LTC Wagh
HSEEP Overview Exercise Conditions- M. Bridges
0915 Mission and Objectives - LTC Wagh
1000 CPX16 Events Review - LTC Wagh
1030 Staff Back Brief (I/D/R)- JFHQ Staff
1100 AHP Gap Analysis - LTC Wagh
1130 Staff OPR- JFHQ Staff
1200 Closing Comments- LTC Wagh

3. Sometimes Civil Support feels like we’re making it up as we go along.
History of Baseball

4. Ground Rules
Purpose: To take a hard look at ourselves and apply the lessons learned from NORTHERN EXPOSURE to sustain and improve the Michigan National Guard Team.
Slides are condensed; see AAR Publication for complete feedback collection
Focus on Operations not Exercise “isms”
Professional Dialogue
You lead the Discussion
Identify Root Causes
Have a Recommendation - A way ahead

5. HSEEP Overview
HSEEP The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) provides a set of guiding principles for exercise programs, as well as a common approach to exercise program management, design and development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.
HSEEP exercise and evaluation doctrine is flexible, scalable, adaptable, and is for use by stakeholders across the whole community.
HSEEP doctrine is applicable for exercises across all mission areas—prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.
Using HSEEP supports the National Preparedness System by providing a consistent approach to exercises and measuring progress toward building, sustaining, and delivering core capabilities.

6. Exercise Mission
Michigan National Guard executes Command Post Exercise CPX16, a virtual and constructive (CPX), from June 2016 at JFHQ to prepare the JFHQs Staff to provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

7. Developing the Exercise Environment

8. Response Structure

9. State Response Structure
MING JOC

10. JFHQ-MI 09-12JUN116 RSOI O4-O5 FUOPS CUOPS FCTC RSOI CG MSC x 6 MSCx 6
SEOC
LNOs
G1 Rep
G2 Rep
JOC TM
G7 TM
G4 Rep
G8 Rep
SAO Rep
SSO Rep
G5 TM
G6 Rep
Surg
PAO
SJA
G1 TM
G3 Rep
G4 TM
JOC O5
TAG-MI
DJS

11. Scenario Widespread Power Outages Industrial accidents
NOTIONAL FOR EXERCISE USE ONLY
Affected Population ~40 million
Power infrastructure attack
Widespread Power Outages
Industrial accidents
Disruption of Water/Sewer Services
Degradation of Health Services
Disruption to Transportation Services
Disruption to Commerce
Secondary TIC/TIM Releases
Civil Unrest
Scarcity of Commodities

12. Situation / Scenario

13. Daily Themes
09 JUN 16: Widespread power outages, hundreds trapped in elevators, high incidence of traffic accidents, businesses closed, LE and EMS services overtaxed, communications degraded
10 JUN 16: Gangs exploit situation, loot businesses rob residents. SEOC processes many RFAs, realization that outage will last several weeks, Disaster Declaration issued, shelters open
11 JUN 16: National Guard fully engaged, Wellness Checks, volunteers assist in neighborhoods, some water flowing due to backup power systems
12 JUN 16: TIC/TIM incidents south of Chicago, IL….MI Commodities flow increases - FEMA contracts and Walmart, Meijer, Kroger donated supplies, NG support to Detroit PD has positive effect

14. CPX Event Review

15. CPX Event Review

16. CPX Event Review

17. NE17 MING Exercise Objectives
Confirm MING readiness to conduct mission command of forces in a multi-phased, dual-status DSCA operation
Stand-up of JFHQ-MI and JTF
Transition operational lead from JFHQ-MI to JTF
Exercise full integration of JFHQ-MI and JTF in SEOC over three days of continuous 24 hour operations
Coordinate and facilitate integration of Federal, State, and Local capabilities with MING throughout the duration of the exercise
Exercise the incorporation of MING units into the National Response Framework and National Incident Management System
Coordinate with and support a Unified Command at State level
Maintain and report status of deploying assets, to include In Transit Visibility (ITV), as part of the ability to effectively command and control forces as they arrive and operate in the established Operations Area
Integrate MING Cyber Network Defense Team into Commercial, State and Federal response to a targeted denial of services

18. NE16 Exercise Objectives
Train MING readiness to conduct mission command of forces in a multi-phased, dual-status DSCA operation
Stand-up of JFHQ-MI and JTF
Transition operational lead from JFHQ-MI to JTF
Conduct formal Transfer of Authority within established timelines.
Apply phased approach to immediate response while conducting three JFHQ Staff transitions by conducting shift changes over four days of extended operations.
Coordinate and facilitate integration of Federal, State, and Local capabilities with MING throughout the duration of the exercise
Exercise the incorporation of MING units into the National Response Framework and National Incident Management System
Coordinate with and support a Unified Command at State level
Maintain and report status of deploying assets, to include In Transit Visibility (ITV), as part of the ability to effectively command and control forces as they arrive and operate in the established Operations Area
Integrate MING Cyber Network Defense Team into Commercial, State and Federal response to a targeted denial of services (NE17 Objective)

19. MING CDRs Exercise Intent
Purpose: Train and prepare the readiness of Michigan National Guard JFHQ Staff to provide support to civil authorities in a realistic constructive and simulated training environment.
Key Tasks:
Improve the readiness of MING staff to provide capability and support for State civil support missions
Increase MING interagency understanding and cooperation through incorporation of Military and Civilian Federal, State and Local partners
Exercise MING Dual Status Commander and JTF Staff in employment of State (SAD/Title 32) and Federal (Title 10) forces during a complex catastrophe
End State: MING Staff successfully reacts to a catastrophic event and provides immediate response to support civil authorities within deployment timelines.

20. Commander’s Intent
(U) Commander's Intent: No change to Appendix C to JFHQ-MI OPLAN (ALL HAZARDS).
Commander’s Intent. Provide for the general safety and security of the public by assisting MIDHS and other local and State agencies to protect the lives, property and well-being of the citizens of Michigan. The MING response will be tailored based on the size and scope of the emergency situation(s) presented.
BG Owens – update ALL HAZARDs plan, SOPs, EMAC process, LNOs
Key tasks -

21. Concept of Operations
b. (U) Concept of Operations. This operation begins with Soldiers operating under Immediate Response Authority given the nature of the emergency. All elements of the Joint Task Force (JTF) (JTF-HQ, Quick reaction Force [QRF] and Ready Reaction Force [RRF]) will activate and respond directly to impacted areas. The MING is prepared to mobilize an additional surge force under State Active Duty (SAD). Follow-on forces activated will conduct Joint Reception, Staging, Onward movement & Integration (JRSOI) at one of the following locations: Fort Custer Training Center (FCTC), Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ), or Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANGB). Service members will work in support of local authorities until properly relieved. O/O, JFHQ-MI will transition mission command of operations to the JTF.
Concept as outlined in EXORD Master of Puppets (CPX16).

22. MING Mission and Intent
Mission. Michigan National Guard (MING) conducts Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations from R June 2016 until complete across the State of Michigan in order to (IOT) provide forces to the Governor of the State of Michigan capable of providing lifesaving, security, life sustainment, planning and disaster relief operations in support of civil authorities. Commander’s Intent. No change to Appendix C to JFHQ-MI OPLAN (ALL HAZARDS). (Provide for the general safety and security of the public by assisting MIDHS and other local and State agencies to protect the lives, property and well-being of the citizen of Michigan.) Key Task 1. Maintain a high level of readiness in personnel, training, and equipment. Key Task 2. Provide Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA) upon activation. Key Task 3. Prevent loss of life, loss of property/infrastructure and restore order. Key Task 4. Mitigate the effects of disasters. Key Task 5. Develop and maintain a detailed Common Operating Picture (COP). Key Task 6. Execute all missions safely.
Tasks as Defined by JFHQ-MI OPLAN (ALL HAZARDS).
Did JFHQ accomplish its mission and Key Tasks?

23. Issues,Discussions & Recommendations
Staff
Issues,Discussions & Recommendations

24. Staff Back Brief Exercise Summary Training Objectives IDR Format
Issue
Discussion
Recommendation
Way Forward
Improvement Plan
Recommendations

25. Briefing Order
J 3/5/7 J1 J4 J6 J2 J8
PAO
JAG
SSO
SAO
Others & Alibis

26. NE16 Back Brief
JFHQ-MI
J3/5/7

27. J5 Training Objectives
Manage Plans, Policies and Integration Support Functions:
Ongoing sustained operations.
Self-sustainable
Appropriate training, licensing, certifications, and qualifications for organizational personnel
Conduct Strategic Planning:
Conduct Joint Planning Operations:
Conduct Interagency Coordination:
Depart home station/fully operational within specified hours of Notification.
24 hour sustained operations.
Self-Sustainable.
Appropriate level of training, licensing, certifications, and qualifications for organizational personnel.
Plan for Integration of External Forces: CS
DESCRIPTION: Manage Plans, Policies and Integration Support Functions including, strategic planning, Joint Planning, conducting interagency coordination, and planning for integration of external forces.
CONDITION(S): 1. Under proper federal or state Administration (FAA) in preparation for, or in response to all hazards, and civil emergencies. 2. Can operate in most conditions. 3. Degraded operations conducted under extreme environmental conditions, e.g., extreme weather, contamination, etc.
STANDARD(S): 1. Ongoing sustained operations. 2. Self-sustainable. 3. Appropriate training, licensing, certifications, and qualifications for organizational personnel. CS
DESCRIPTION: Conduct strategic planning. This capability facilitates the development, review, and integration of strategic plans. This planning supports State strategy and State specific emergency management plans. It may also support individual agencies, Non-Governmental agencies, or federal/regional/statewide plans integration.
CONDITION(S): 1. Under proper federal or state Administration (FAA) in preparation for, or in response to all hazards, and civil emergencies. 2. Can operate in most conditions. 3. Degraded operations conducted under extreme environmental conditions, e.g., extreme weather, contamination, etc. CS
DESCRIPTION: Conduct joint planning operations. This capability includes coordinating operational plans, completing analysis of current and future capabilities, and serving as the coordination link between the Military Department and external entities anticipated to require support during military operations in support of civil authorities. This task also includes ensuring departmental CONPLANS and OPLANS reflect current capabilities and are properly integrated into the All Hazard and response plans for State and CONPLANS for USNORTHCOM or other assigned federal headquarters.. CS
DESCRIPTION: Conduct interagency coordination. This capability includes planning and conducting Joint Planning Groups, consisting of representatives of all affected staff sections to ensure integrated plans that will meet the needs of the department during operational conditions, and natural or manmade emergencies. Plan and conduct coordination activities between the department and supported, and supporting, agencies. Plan and conduct State Partnership Program activities for civil support. CS
DESCRIPTION: Plan for integration of external forces. This task includes planning with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure cooperation and mutual support, a consistent effort, and a mutual understanding of the incident commander’s priorities, support requirements, concept and intent, and objectives for civil support during natural or manmade emergencies.

28. J3/5/7 Issue #1
Issue #1: Joint Staff not utilized for NORTHERN EXPOSURE 16
Discussion:
Joint Staff not employed for exercise – G-staff assumed all roles
Joint Staff recall procedures were not utilized
JOC Floor set up for G-staff
RCAS utilized as system of record
Recommendation:
Build functioning J-Staff organizational structure
Create SOP for J-Staff functions
Begin exercise with actual recall procedures day prior for warm start
Synchronize A-staff and G-Staff drill schedule to facilitate exercise/J-Staff support
Utilize Common platform that will interface with Air Component

29. J3/5/7 Issue #2 Issue #2: Integration of Air Guard
Discussion: The Air Guard has significant capabilities that can and should be integrated into a DSCA response effort (when applicable). This includes the Operations Center vicinity Battle Creek.
Recommendation: Develop an on-going integrated relationship with the Air Guard that would facilitate a synchronized long-term relationship for both the JFHQ JOC as well as at JTF/DSC level in order to appropriately leverage military capabilities for the Michigan National Guard during a DSCA response.
Develop and publish A/G capabilities into AHP/DSCA Handbook

30. J3/5/7 Issue #3 Issue #3: JOC setup
Discussion: JOC setup (on drill floor) lacked sufficient situation tracking. Rolling COP was not immediately established and could not be seen by RFA operators. Individual positions were not identified by function during the first 24 hours.
Recommendation: Move CUOPS to the center of the JOC to provide good sight picture of screens. Identify roles/functions prior to execution

31. J3/5/7 Issue #4 Issue #4: M-Day SM Access to share drive
Discussion: Use of RCAS only limits access to M-Day personnel w/o RCAS account. For M-Day SMs that have an RCAS account, there was a limited amount of RCAS computers
Recommendation: Consider using common access portal, i.e. GKO, APAN, etc.

32. J3/5/7 Issue #5 Issue #5: Use of Google Earth Pro for COP.
Discussion: Use of analog maps to maintain a COP is an effective backup and cumbersome, however, may not provide real-time information.
Recommendation: Establish agreed upon tool/program (Use SAGE GECKO and APAN) and work directly with J2/G2 as primary COP. Maintain an analog map for backup and expedient brief.

33. J5 Way Forward
The J5 captured daily and ENDEX Hotwash comments to develop a TOC/OPS SOP for future use. This document is currently in development and anticipated to be complete prior to 1 Oct 16.
The J5 Identified specific roles and responsibilities that will be captured in the TOC/OPS SOP.
Continue Key Leader Engagements to increase growth of Joint Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational agency understanding of capabilities.

34. NE16 Back Brief
JFHQ-MI J1

35. Did you achieve your objectives?
J1 Training Objectives
Establish accountability
Have a plan for accountability and be able to establish accountability in degraded environment. (ADPAAS)
Replacement operations
be able to execute replacement ops
plan in place for reduced force due to duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) (do we call on other states)
Utilize the PERSTAT as a tool
be able to use, complete, and pass info on PERSTAT in a degraded environment
mechanisms for information delivery if technology is down (computers, power, etc.)
Conduct casualty operations and Red cross messages
establish and use SOP for red cross messages
establish flow chart for and conduct casualty operations
Did you achieve your objectives?

36. J1 Issue #1 Issue #1: Information flow
Discussion: No central box or formal process for everyone in CUOPS to know when a WARNORD or FRAGO was published. There was poor communication on FRAGO’s across the board in the CUOPS which may have been caused by no SOP for information output. No announcement for when FRAGO’s were produced. Some RFA’s were never seen by OIC’s of sections. JOC distro list did not work.
Recommendation: Need an SOP on information flow in the JOC/CUOPS. Create a central location on the share drive or DSCA inbox for key leaders. Also have written trackers and boards/maps where everyone can see and ensure it is announced out loud.

37. J1 Issue #2 Issue #2: Could not function without technology
Discussion: in a scenario where technology may not be available, most in CUOPS could not function without it. Briefs to the generals were all on Power-point. At one point the briefs were put on hold until a power-point issue could be fixed. It also took until day 3 to get a map to brief off of. No radios were used and phones were relied on.
Recommendation: Create an analog SOP to deal without technology. Map and compass mindset instead of GPS mindset. Have supplies on hand such as a butcher board for updates, and trackers the entire JOC/CUOPS can see as well as maps. Utilize radios for information.

38. J1 Issue #3 Issue #3: Staff estimates
There was no SOP on what each directorate information was needed and who was responsible for what. No task ORG. Confusion arose when G1 was tracking COP for deployed forces. Step 2 of the MDMP was left out of the equation during RFA’s. Some RFA’s were never seen by OIC’s of sections.
Recommendation: Staff needs to sit down and determine what needs to be tracked and who will track it. Create an SOP. In addition to a documented SOP, there may be value in developing “battle drill” cards (although they should not be called battle drills in DOMOPS)

39. J1 Way Forward
Recommend updating ALL Hazards Plan NLT 15NOV16. This new version also needs to be published in a timely manner to ensure subordinate organizations have a copy.
There should also be a “pocket guide” AHP. The 300-page AHP is too onerous for a rapid response to a domestic event. There should be an abridged version for local commanders at all levels to keep in their cargo pocket – while still having access to the full version at their TOC
Recommend the 46th MP Cmd SOP is reviewed and used to create a JFHQ internal SOP NLT 15DEC16. Include staff estimate formats, and the base briefing format based on the Commander’s intent.
Recommend starting with basic staff functions of who does what. Also, we rely too heavily on individuals with experience. In a real operation, 40% of our personnel will not be available.
Documents created during the CPX that worked need to be added to all hazards.

40. NE16 Back Brief
JFHQ-MI J4

41. J4 Training Objectives Did you achieve your objectives?
Establish Teams for DSCA missions and participation for training events
FUOPS/CUOPS
POD teams (X3 +1)
Consolidated LOGSTAT, COP, and process requests on a daily basis
Ensure integration of these processes into All Hazard
Coordinate Transportation Support – Support the Scenario
PAX, Cargo, or Vehicle Movement
Support JRSOI and Base Areas
Coordinate with JTF for Logistical needs during APOD/APOE (Air and Ground)
Integrate mobile CIF as a scenario inject during NE 17
Cost Capture
Force packages
Fuel
Mileage/Hrs
Food (contracted meals, MRE’s, etc.)
Integration with state contracting personnel with DMVA-OFS for transportation requirements (rentals) and logistical support.
Did you achieve your objectives?

42. J4 Issue #1 Issue #1: LOGSTAT format
Discussion : LOGSTAT must be compatible for both real life and exercise environments. It needs to be easy to report on all classes of supply with detail about reconstitution/ reconsolidation of available assets.
Differences in source data as well as unclear reporting formats lead to a lack of data flow from the LOCON elements to the G4 section. Direct instruction from G4 and other logistics specialist will continue to be a critical contributor to success since logistics reporting is inherently challenging based on inconsistencies and constantly changing environments.
Recommendation: Develop time constraint capable products as well as COP products that can be feed by the LOGSTAT and cost capture reports. Prior to exercises the G4 action officer should link up with the LOCON element to discuss products, expectations, address concerns, and provide guidance.

43. J4 Issue #2 Issue #2: G4 manning requirements.
Discussion: G4 manning requirements changed shortly after the start of the exercise with the need for a rep to be part of the G5 working group. This, along with procedure gaps concerning reporting and tracking, required additional help from the full time staff. G4 had planned to exercise M-DAY soldiers who would be put on orders to handle such an event. At times, this led to an unclear chain of command within the G4.
Recommendation: Define decision/action points where full time staff is brought in to assist and the corresponding chain of command with clear duties and responsibilities.

44. J4 Issue #3 Issue #3: Inefficiencies in the RFA process.
It was difficult to keep a high OPTEMPO with missing critical mission details and unrealistic timeframes for analysis to accept/reject RFA’s and communicate with LOCON.
There was also significant pressure on the JOC floor to rush and pass the RFA along to the G5 working group. At times this caused premature release of RFA’s that should have been held on the JOC floor and worked through respective FUOP sections before being released.
Discussion: If the G4 section needs more time for mission analysis it should not allow the RFA to be sent to the G5 working group.
allowing a set number of minutes to initially analyze an RFA before committing to accept/reject was ineffective.
The exercise seemed to get out of control and should have been slowed or halted to allow for process correction. “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast”, should have been followed literally to get more practice from the exercise instead of trying to fire on all cylinders until the end with process improvement only as an afterthought.
Recommendation: Coordinate with SEOC representatives and LNO’s on DMVA elements required for proper mission analysis and tasking.
Upon receiving a properly vetted RFA from the SEOC, the JOC sections should establish an agreed upon reconsolidation time to either push the RFA to the G5 working group or continue to work issues on the JOC floor and FUOP sections.
Instead of only conducting end of day, section specific, hot washes, the group would benefit from a mid-exercise collective hot wash to change processes that encompass multiple sections (such as the RFA process).

45. NE16 Back Brief
JFHQ-MI J6

46. J6 Training Objectives Did you achieve your objectives?
Test and Validate NIPR VTC Capability
OP 5.6 Coordinate Information Operations (IO)
Coordinate VTC support during Transfer of Authority (TOA) to JTF CMD using Joint Incident Site Communication Capability (JISCC)
Test and Validate Upload/Download capability via APAN and MI CIMS EOC
Consolidate COMSTAT, COP, and process requests on a daily basis
Ensure integration of these processes into All Hazard Plan
Test and Validate Voice Communications via VOIP Test
Test and Validate Voice Communications via 800MHZ Radios
Conduct AAR at end of COMMEX and provide results to G 5/7 JFHQ
Create COA's to mitigate / eliminate any communication gaps / issues
Did you achieve your objectives?

47. J6 Issue #1
Issue #1: Section/Area: Fort Custer: Ensure that there is a clear understanding of the role and capabilities of the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) System.
Discussion: The JISCC was deployed under the direct control of the EXCON and deployed to Fort Custer during Northern Exposure The JISCC Team and terminal was not task organized to support a MSC or Incident Command. Logistic support and sustainment was not clearly defined.
Recommendations: Recommend that we continue to incorporate the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) into future DSCA operations and exercises. Develop and exercise a base communications plan that directly or closely mirrors the FEMA ICS communication plan. Create scenarios, events, injects that will test the effectiveness of the communications plan by exercising our ability to communicate using both commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) and tactical communication systems.

48. J6 Issue #2
Issue #2: PACE plan implementation across Northern Exposure participants.
Discussion: All Northern Exposure participants were provided with an excellent COMMO CARD containing all communications assets available throughout the exercise and how to access them. Not all participants fully used the tools available to them.
Recommendations: Ensure that communication exercise (COMMEX) is executed thirty days prior to the exercise so that there is no confusion of how to follow the final COMMO card. Invite other DOD participants like MARS and Air National Guard personnel to the COMMEX. During the COMMEX, have the EXCON communications director inject some communication failure drills and capture how the whole team reacts to the scenario.

49. J6 Way Forward
Update the Annex-H portion to identify PACE plan used at every level of mobilization. 
Suspense: NLT 30 September 2016
Update COMMO card to include 800 MHZ talk Groups for Northern Exposure 17
Suspense: NLT 30 January 2017
Create APAN groups for all participants of Northern exposure 17

50. Staff Training Remarks Around the Horn
PAO
JAG
SSO
SAO
Others & Alibis
JELC
Did you achieve your objectives?
What will you do to improve your processes and procedures?

51. 2017 Proposed Planning Timeline
= Publication
= 2017 Event
01 AUG AAR
= MING Only Event
14-17 JUN NE 17 Exercise Window
11-13 JUN Exercise Rehearsal & COMMEX
*COA2: 26MAR-04APR 17
19-28 MAR MSEL Writing Session – Lansing COA 1*
MAR Final Planning Meeting - Lansing
06 MAR NE17 TTX – Lansing
JFHQ-MI
CPX16
(Internal MIARNG)
28 FEB Publish Exercise Plan
List of CRE Operational events/activities
- IDT
- AT
- Fielding’s
- Exercises
- Conferences
10-12 JAN Middle Planning Meeting and Logistics Synch - Lansing
07-08 JAN NE17 TTX – Lansing
22 JUN Initial Planning Meeting ( 22 SEOC)
09-12 JUN JFHQ-MI CPX
23-27 MAY CPX16 TTX / MSEL / EXCON Synch
14-15 APR CPX16 Planning Meeting - Lansing
02 MAR NE17 Concept Development Meeting - Lansing
01 MAR All Hazards Plan Update
22 JAN CPX 16 Sr. Leader Concept Development Meeting
01 FEB Publish Initiating Exercise Directive
06 NOV Approved Concept/JELC
Version 15 13JUN16

52. All Hazards Plan AHP Draft Updates Due (13 SEP16)
Work Group Schedule (13 SEP 16)
AHP Staff Review Complete (NLT 01 OCT 16)
POC Updates
Deliverables & Suspense

53. Closing Comments