CRA TABLETOP EXERCISE

Tabletop exercises (TTXs) involve senior staff, elected or appointed officials, or other key staff in an informal setting to discuss simulated situations. This type of exercise is intended to stimulate discussion of various issues regarding a hypothetical situation. It can be used to assess plans, policies, and procedures, or to assess the types of systems needed to guide the prevention of, response to, and recovery from the defined event.

TTXs are typically aimed at facilitating the understanding of concepts, identifying strengths and shortfalls, and/or achieving a change in attitude. Participants are encouraged to discuss issues in depth and develop decisions through slow-paced problem solving, rather than rapid, spontaneous decision making that occurs under actual or simulated emergency conditions. In contrast to the scale and cost of exercises and games, TTXs can be a cost-effective tool when used in conjunction with more complex exercises. The TTX’s effectiveness is derived from the energetic involvement of participants and their assessment of recommended revisions to current policies, procedures, and plans.

There are two categories of TTXs: basic and advanced. In a basic TTX, the scene set by the scenario materials remains constant. The scene describes an event or emergency incident, and brings participants up to the simulated present time. Players apply their knowledge and skills to a list of problems presented by the leader/moderator. Problems are discussed as a group, and resolution is generally agreed upon, and then summarized by the leader.

In an advanced TTX, play revolves around delivery of prescript messages to players that alter the original scenario. The exercise controller (moderator) usually introduces problems one at a time, in the form of a written message, simulated telephone call, videotape, or other means. Participants discuss the issues raised by the problem, using appropriate plans and procedures. Activities in a TTX may include:

CRA incorporated highly regarded TTXs as part of the exercise series for the 2004 Republican and Democratic National Conventions, as well as for Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his cabinet in 2003. CRA also conducted a series of five TTXs in support of the West Virginia Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) initiative, and provides ongoing supporting for TSA's Port Security exercises: PortSTEP. Often tabletops are used in conjunction with a series of exercises which culminate in a full-scale as in the case of the Operation Atlas for the Logan airport.