Sample Exercise Objectives
(Operations-Based)

The following are sample objectives for an operations-based exercise. Planning team members should limit the number of objectives to four or five. These objectives may be combined or modified as needed; the objectives listed here do not constitute an all-inclusive list. The selected objectives should be based on the exercise scope, type (i.e., drill, functional exercise, full-scale exercise), scenario, and/or subject. For example, a drill with a scenario involving an explosive device should include objectives that focus on law enforcement and bomb squad issues.

Evaluate the capability to implement the Incident Command System (ICS) in response to a terrorist incident and effectively transition to a Unified Command.

Exercise the local coordination and integration of internal and external response resources by the local ICS.

Assess the ability to establish and maintain multiagency and multijurisdictional communications in response to a terrorist incident.

Examine the ability of local response agencies to implement victim, personnel, equipment, and facility decontamination in a mass-casualty incident.

Assess the capability of response personnel to detect, identify, monitor, and respond to the effects of a hazard/agent.

Examine the ability to provide effective prehospital emergency medical care in response to a terrorist incident. Assess the ability to conduct triage, treatment, and transport operations.

Assess ways to reduce the conflicting requirements for protection of a crime scene and evidence collection with the need to perform victim rescue operations.

Exercise the ability to activate, staff, and operate the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Assess the adequacy of local plans for the flow of public information and the interface with, and use of, media resources.

Assess the ability of local medical facilities to respond to the effects of a terrorist incident. Implement decontamination, treatment, and patient-tracking procedures for both transported and self-referred patients.