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Tabletop
TTXs typically involve discussion by key
staff, decision makers, and elected and appointed officials.
This type of exercise is generally held in an informal
setting intended to generate discussion of various issues
regarding a hypothetical, simulated event. TTXs can
be used to enhance general awareness, validate plans
and procedures, and/or assess the types of systems needed
to guide prevention, response, and recovery from a defined
event. TTXs typically are aimed at facilitating understanding
of concepts, identifying strengths and shortfalls, and/or
achieving a change in attitude. Participants are encouraged
to discuss issues in depth, and TTXs allow them to develop
decisions through slow-paced problem solving rather
than the rapid, spontaneous decision making that occurs
under actual emergency conditions. TTXs can be a cost-effective
tool when used in conjunction with more com¬plex
exercises; they take less time and cost less than operations-based
exercises.
TTX methodologies are divided into basic and advanced
categories. In a basic TTX, the scene set by the scenario
materials remains constant. This scene describes an
event or emergency incident and takes participants through
the phases to the simulated present.
In an advanced TTX, play advances through delivery of
pre-scripted messages. The Exercise Controller, acting
as a 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 each problem, using appropriate
plans and procedures. Player decisions are incorporated
as the scenario continues to unfold.
TTXs use one of two main design methodologies: breakout
or plenary. Breakout methodology uses several breakout
groups, typically 10 to 15 players each, seated at various
tables. Common interests or responsibilities determine
table assignment. Although the scenario is usually presented
to all groups simultaneously, individual breakout groups
consider their own probable actions based on plans,
policies, and procedures. Each group reports to the
reassembled plenary at the conclusion of each exercise
module.
The plenary method groups players in a large room or
hall according to function or responsibility. In a plenary
TTX, no periods are set aside for small or subgroup
discussions. This type of exercise requires active facilitation,
sometimes by a team of facilitators. Use of facilitators
generally allows more control over discussion direction;
facilitators can draw information from participants
to present a clear picture of issues and objectives.
Active facilitation can also ensure that the discussion
remains issue and policy focused. A plenary format is
useful for exercises involving agencies that do not
have a tradition of coordinated operations or incident
management. It is also the preferred format if most
participants are new to TTXs. This format ensures that
everyone hears everything that is said and all participants
have an opportunity to comment.
Regardless of format or design type, TTXs are usually
constructed with the following common features:
- Application of group problem solving
- Familiarization of senior officials with crit¬ical
issues related to their responsibilities
- Conduct of a specific case study
- Examination of personnel contingencies
- Examination of group message interpretation
- Participation in information sharing
- Assessment of interagency coordination
- Achievement of limited or specific
objectives
- Preparation for a more complex exercise (e.g., operations
based)
All participants should be encouraged to con¬tribute
to the discussion. They should be reminded they are
making decisions in a no-fault environment. If breakout
groups are used, they should be limited to no more than
eight func¬tional areas. To maximize constructive
discus¬sion, no more than 12 to 15 participants
should be at each functional group table. (These num¬bers
may vary depending on the type and desired length of
an exercise.) Facilitators should encourage interaction
between groups.
Exercise conduct depends largely on the TTX design and
format type. Generally, exercise plan¬ning team
personnel give a multimedia presenta¬tion, facilitate
discussion during caucus periods, and moderate ensuing
discussion or report-back sessions. At the conclusion
of the TTX, the Lead Exercise Planner provides an overview
of the day’s activities, followed by comments
or closing remarks by a member of the exercise planning
team.
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