1. 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.

2. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises What is TT&E?

3. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises Orientations:  Provide an overview of the topic.  Are low-stress.  Provide familiarization of working sites, plans, policies, and procedures.

11. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises Drills:  Are low-stress and slow-paced.  Provide a walk-through of procedures.

12. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises Functional exercises:  Simulate an actual emergency situation.  Typically evaluate a single function.  Involve limited deployment of personnel and resources.

14. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises What are the benefits of exercises?

16. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Tests, Training, and Exercises Benefits of exercises:  Reveal planning weaknesses  Reveal resource gaps  Improve coordination and communication  Clarify roles and responsibilities

17. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program TT&E activities fall into twp broad categories:  Standard, recurring events  Special events

18. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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

19. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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 Program Management Program Development Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Evaluation & Critique

20. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program Program management & implementation:  Conduct TT&E Events  Market TT&E Program  Coordinate with Staff and TT&E Planning Group Program Management Program Development Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Evaluation & Critique

21. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program Program evaluation & critique:  Review and Analyze Participant Questionnaires & Critiques  Review Notes from Evaluator & Observers  Review After-Action/Evaluation Reports Program Management Program Development Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Evaluation & Critique

22. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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 Program Management Program Development Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Evaluation & Critique

23. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program Program Management & Implementation Program Development Establishing The Base Program Followup Program Evaluation & Critique

24. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program Exercise documents:  Exercise Plan  Control Plan  Evaluation Plan  Player Handbook  After-Action Report

25. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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:

26. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program The Control Plan:  Outlines responsibilities for exercise management.  Is required for functional and full-scale exercises.

27. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and 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.

28. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises 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. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Structuring the TT&E Program Implementing Change  Are the procedures sound?  Are resources sufficient?  Are personnel adequately trained?

33. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Summary and Transition This unit:  Introduced tests, training, and exercises Next unit:  Developing a Corrective Action Plan (Unit 14)

34. Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises Summary and Transition Questions?