Virtual Tabletop Exercise Active Threat (Vehicle As Weapon)

EMI conducts a series of VTTX using a video teleconference (VTC) platform to reach community-based training audiences around the country and provide a virtual forum for disaster training. The VTTX process involves key personnel from the emergency management community of practice reviewing a pre-packaged set of exercise materials, then convening for a four-hour tabletop exercise discussion of a simulated disaster scenario with a total of 10-15 individual sites.

The event allows the connected sites to assess current plans, policies, and procedures while learning from the other connected sites, as they provide their perspective and practice while exercising a similar situation.  A VTC system is required for participation; there is no cost for this program.

Exercise Goals: The two-year NEP cycle is guided by Principals’ Strategic Priorities, established by the Principals Committee of the National Security Council and informed by preparedness data from jurisdictions across the nation. These priorities are driven by data through the National Preparedness System, including the National Preparedness Report (NPR), Stakeholder Preparedness Reviews (SPRs), Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRAs), After-Action Reports (AARs), and other preparedness data.

Target Audience:

The VTTX program is designed for a “community-based” group (not individual participation) of at least five or more personnel from local or State emergency management organizations with representation from all emergency management disciplines - public safety, public works, public health, health care, government, administrative, communications, military, private sector, non-governmental, and critical stress professionals.

Exercise Design:

This VTTX is designed to engage the participants in a no fault, hazard-specific exercise discussion.  Facilitation will occur via VTC from the EMI campus and will be complimented by a dedicated local agency facilitator at each VTC site.

The VTTX will be supported by an Exercise and Coordination Facilitation Guide, which will include all required logistical information (room layout, connection instructions, etc.), as well as facilitation and hot wash instructions.

The VTTX will consist of: 

• Three discussion modules.

• Local discussion with guided questions led by an onsite facilitator.

• Back briefs from each participating location after each module.

To Apply:

Locations interested in participating in the VTTX series should submit an email request to participate in the exercise to Doug Kahn, phone (301) 447-7645, with preferred date of participation.  This link can also be accessed at the following address: douglas.kahn@fema.dhs.gov.  Your email is your program application.  When applying, please provide a central point of contact from your organization to work all VTTX issues.  Each location will receive a notice from EMI and will be provided with relevant logistical information and exercise materials to set up and facilitate the exercise locally.