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Training & Exercises

Exercise types:

  • Discussions-based – these include; seminars, workshops, tabletop exercises (TTX), and games
  • Operations-based – these include; hands-on drills, functional exercises (FE), and full-scale exercises (FSE)

The Department of Homeland Security has created the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), which provides guidance on the development of exercises and establishes the best practices model and templates.  For additional information on HSEEP please visit the websites below.

The following FEMA websites will provide additional information on both training, and the 32 Core Capabilities.

Training is an essential part of any job and along with exercising, is important for team development, synchronization and honing skills and abilities.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed an exhaustive list of training courses and offers online independent study courses.

The NIMS core curriculum course list is a good place to start with ensuring staffers are trained to the appropriate level.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Core Training Curriculum Course list

Course Number Course Description
ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
ICS-400 Advanced ICS
IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction
IS-701 NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)
IS-702 NIMS Publication Information Systems
IS-703 NIMS Resource Management
IS-704 NIMS Communication and Information Management
IS-706 NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid – An Introduction
IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction
E/L 950 All-Hazards Position Specific Incident Commander
E/L 952 All-Hazards Position Specific Public Information Officer
E/L 954 All-Hazards Position Specific Safety Officer
E/L 956 All-Hazards Position Specific Liaison Officer
E/L 958 All-Hazards Position Specific Operations Section Chief
E/L 960 All-Hazards Position Specific Division/Group Supervisor
E/L 962 All-Hazards Position Specific Planning Section Chief
E/L 964 All-Hazards Position Specific Situation Unit Leader
E/L 965 All-Hazards Position Specific Resources Unit Leader
E/L 967 All-Hazards Position Specific Logistics Section Chief
E/L 969 All-Hazards Position Specific Communications Unit Leader
E/L 970 All-Hazards Position Specific Supply Unit Leader
E/L 971 All-Hazards Position Specific Facilities Unit Leader
E/L 973 All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Section Chief
E/L 975 All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Unit Leader Course
G-191 Incident Command System/ Emergency Operations Center Interface
G-775 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and Operations
Click here for more information on these courses