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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Tests, Training, and Exercises Drills: Are low-stress and slow-paced. Provide a walk-through of procedures.
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.
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.
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.
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Tests, Training, and Exercises
What are the benefits of exercises?
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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E Program TT&E activities fall into twp broad categories: Standard, recurring events Special events
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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram 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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram 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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram 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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E ProgramProgram 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
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E Program
Program Management & Implementation
Program Development
Establishing The Base
Program Followup
Program Evaluation &
Critique
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E Program Exercise documents: Exercise Plan Control Plan Evaluation Plan Player Handbook After-Action Report
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Structuring the TT&E Program Implementing Change Are the procedures sound? Are resources sufficient? Are personnel adequately trained?
Unit 8: Tests, Training, and Exercises
Summary and TransitionThis unit: Introduced tests, training, and exercises
Next unit: Developing a Corrective Action Plan (Unit 14)