CRA FUNCTIONAL EXERCISES

The functional exercise (FE) is designed to test and evaluate individual capabilities, multiple functions or activities within a function, or interdependent groups of functions. It is generally focused on exercising the plans, policies, procedures, and staffs of the direction and control nodes of Incident Command and Unified Command. Events are usually projected through an exercise scenario, with event updates that drive activity at the management level. The movement of equipment and personnel is simulated. As pictured here, functional exercises present realistic scenarios to challenge local government participants in the areas of information sharing and incident command often in place at Emergency Operations Center. CRA provides Homeland Security Exercise Evaluated Program (HSEEP) trained professionals and our exercises are compliant with DHS funding requirements.

The objective of the FE is to execute specific plans and procedures and apply established policies, plans, and procedures under crisis conditions, within a particular function or by a specific team. The FE simulates the reality of operations in a functional area by presenting complex and realistic problems that require rapid and effective responses by trained personnel in a highly stressful environment. Activities in an FE include:

• Evaluating functions

• Evaluating emergency operations centers (EOCs), headquarters, and staff

• Reinforcing established policies and procedures

• Measuring the adequacy of resources

• Examining interjurisdictional relationships

 

 

 

A Functional Exercise conducted in preparation for the 2004 Democratic National Convention tested 18 operational command and communication centers, staffed by federal, state and local representatives. Critical decisions had to be made, information analyzed, intelligence shared to counter terrorist activity.  The DHS, FBI, the Secret Service and the other agencies were very pleased with the results of this series of exercises.

Click HERE to contact Geoff Nagler  or call (703) 535-5208 to discuss how CRA can assist you with exercise development.