Exercises

An exercise is a scripted, scenario-based instrument to assess, evaluate and improve performance in a risk-free environment. Exercises can be used for testing and validating continuity policies, plans, procedures, training, equipment, and interagency agreements; clarifying and training personnel in roles and responsibilities; improving interagency coordination and communications; improving individual performance; identifying gaps in resources; and identifying opportunities for improvement. An exercise can be discussion-based (examples include seminars, workshops, tabletop exercise, and games), or operations-based. Federal Continuity Directive 1 (FCD-1), Annex K, provides a list of required exercise activities.