Continuity of Operations Continuity of Government Discussionbased Exercise
Continuity of Operations Continuity of Government Discussion-based Exercise Specialized venue of the Guard Exercise June 22, 2009 Vigilant
Celebration / recognition… n n Applaud efforts Impressive number of state agencies involved / completed Valuable learning opportunities Expanded partnerships
Introductions n n n Introduce yourself / agency representing One word to describe your experience with this planning process Self assessment…assign a grade to your agency’s current COOP plan
Ardent Sentry / Vigilant Guard n National Level Exercise ¡ ¡ n Host, State of Iowa Region VII exercise (IA, KS, NE, MO) Dates: June 18 -24 ¡ ¡ ¡ Multiple venues Both discussion-based / operations-based Opportunity for multi-state coordination and information sharing
Overview… n n April 2008, exercise concept formed States provided input into objectives ¡ ¡ Foreign Animal Disease Joint Task Force Continuity of Operations Crisis City
Purpose… n n n Validate state-level COOP plans Interface between individual plans Integral step: preparing for functional exercise (July 2010)
Objectives… n Examine internal and external communication systems ¡ n Identify functional requirements ¡ n notifications / information sharing processes prevention and response phases Discuss efficient means for identifying critical resource priorities ¡ ¡ ¡ 12 hours 4 to 15 business days 16 to 30 business days
Objectives… n n (cont’d) Review the authorities and procedures for managing emergency operations Determine priorities for managing human capital
Participation… n Players ¡ n Presenters ¡ n Agency personnel active in planning role Individuals (SME) sharing background information and explain how events will unfold from their perspective (learning objectives) Facilitators ¡ Plan and manage the flow of exercise play
Exercise Structure… Discussion-based exercise: ¡ ¡ explore / validate current capabilities Identify any planning gaps n n n Module 1: Threat information Module 2: News Flash: Attack on American Soil Module 3: The Story Unfolds Tutorials built into the discussion
Exercise Expectations… n n n Participation is required, even if it is only to listen Respect new thoughts, ideas and opinions Foster solutions to problems not yet resolved
Exercise Expectations… n Refuse to throw up your hands on how to solve the problem ¡ n Everyone present has valuable expertise Respect the learning of fellow participants
Assumptions / Artificialities… n n n Scenario information will not be as concise and deliberate in an actual event Discussion limited to only participating agencies Discussion-based exercises tend to minimize the true challenges of actions
Assumptions / Artificialities… n Players may not have the answers ¡ n Participant worksheet Difficult to separate COOP planning from response planning ¡ Intend to relay critical knowledge n n n how response efforts unfold highlight expectations of information sharing and actions Interface between individual plans
Agenda… n (3) modules ¡ n n Group discussions / whole discussion Working lunch provided Hot Wash discussion
Scenario…. Preparedness is a funny thing; there’s only so much of it a soul can stand. The problem with bracing for the worse, you have to imagine it first. -- Shawn Hubler
Scenario… n n n Sensitive in nature Overwhelming Possible new outlooks One venue of the overall Vigilant Guard exercise Driven by intelligence “analysis” ¡ n n Totally unknown to public Not based on any known threat info Natural vs. intentional
Homeland Security… …What are the risks?
Module One: n Open the “green” dot
Module One: n Thursday, June 4 ¡ ¡ n FBI offices receive intelligence on potential attack on US agriculture industry Group called “Reclaim the Earth” belief that genetic manipulation of livestock & crops will lead to destruction of environment Friday, June 5 ¡ ¡ TSA is holding individual suspected with planning attacks against the U. S. From Lincoln NE, found suspicious and potentially destructive possessions Outstanding warrant for acts of arson Extensive travel history
Module One: n Monday, June 8 ¡ ¡ n (cont’d) FBI offices have detected increase in terrorist communications over past 48 hours Wire taps on associates of the “Reclaim the Earth” suggest group is in latter planning stages of operation Wednesday, June 10 ¡ ¡ You. Tube videos draw attention to threatening the destruction of U. S. agriculture unless policies change Highlight vulnerabilities of the system n “strike at the heart of U. S. agriculture”
Module One: n Monday, June 15 ¡ ¡ ¡ n (cont’d) Hard economic times trouble various throughout country Businesses search for ways to cut costs; announcing layoffs and elimination of jobs Local law enforcement reporting increased levels of violence and vandalism Wednesday, June 17 ¡ FBI receiving unusual increase on reports of suspicious activities n ¡ ¡ University campuses / capitol complex buildings in Midwest Investigating possible theft of munitions storage facility on a military base Intercepted messages have heightened concerns of potential threat on state government facilities in Midwest
Presentation… Intelligence Fusion and Analysis LTC Matt Oleen KS Fusion Center
Module Two: n Open the “yellow” dot
Module Two: n Friday, June 19, 3: 30 a. m. ¡ ¡ ¡ n Initial reports of a loud explosion in Des Moines, Iowa Huge glow of fires seen from far distances Citizen reports of some type of train crash Friday, June 19, 4: 15 a. m. ¡ ¡ ¡ Incident Command established; several resource requests being dispatched to scene Victims / responders complaining of difficulty breathing and burning eyes Incident objectives: evacuation of area, emergency care to victims, contain fires, transport injured Immediate public reaction = Panic Nationwide coverage is continuous / media speculations challenge response efforts
Module Two: n Friday, June 19, 6: 00 a. m. ¡ ¡ ¡ Local EOC is activated Mass casualty event, quickly exceeding county resources Request for state assistance n n (cont’d) WMD specialty teams / National Guard’s Civil Support Team Friday, June 19, 7: 30 a. m. ¡ ¡ Derailed train was carrying multiple toxic industrial chemicals (chlorine, ammonium ntrate, phosgene, coal, and other harmful elements) Toxic plum passes over the Iowa Capitol area and later through Des Moines business district
Module Two: n Friday, June 19, 12: 00 p. m. ¡ ¡ Investigators attempt to identify source of derailment Initial search suggests use of train derailing device n n ¡ n (cont’d) No scheduled track maintenance Powerful explosive charge placed against side of rail and initiated by timer or remote detonator Evidence is demonstrating the event was intentional and points to key individuals on the FBI watch list Friday, June 19, 3: 00 p. m. ¡ ¡ Breaking news coverage of intentional aspects of train derailment Public fear grows and rumors of future attacks are paralyzing nation
Module Two: n Saturday, June 20, 10: 00 a. m. ¡ ¡ n (cont’d) FBI receive details of (3) simultaneous SWAT raids conducted in Des Moines; residences of those possibly tied to rail sabotage. Evidence holds strong links to further attacks on state government entities in Midwest Monday, June 22, 9: 00 a. m. ¡ ¡ ¡ KS authorities receive report of suspicious activity at local motel in Topeka Individuals checked out at apx 5: 30 a. m. with no evidence of where they were travelling Sweep of the rooms brought fingerprint match to person of interest related to Des Moines incident
Module Two: n (cont’d) Monday, June 22, 11: 30 a. m. ¡ Based on sighting of Des Moines rail saboteur suspects in Topeka and continued threats to government agencies in the state n n Governor Parkinson directs key civilian and military offices to evaluate COOP plans / procedures Briefing requested no later than close of business today on current readiness levels for COOP
Module Three: n Open the “red” dot
Module Three: n Monday, June 22, 12: 30 p. m. ¡ ¡ ¡ Unmarked delivery truck parks in middle of street in front of Landon State Office Building State employee witnesses individual exit delivery truck and gets in a gray sedan Employee reports suspicious activity to authorities Local response agencies arrive; matches license to a reported stolen vehicle near a military base. Before approach actions are taken, response officials direct a precautionary evacuation of the facilities in the area
Module Three:
Module Three: n Monday, June 22, 1: 30 p. m. ¡ ¡ An explosion from the delivery truck occurs, vibrating throughout the downtown area Damages are extensive but exact details currently unknown
Response in Action… Lt Scott Martin Capitol Police Jonathan York KS Emergency Management
Hotwash n Improvement actions to be completed n Questions / issues to be studied n One thing you plan to share with staff at your agency
Thank you…. … for all your hard work and your participation in today’s discussion-based exercise. Keep up the Good Work!!!
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