A “Tabletop Exercise,” often shortened as “TTX,” is a discussion-based exercise frequently used by emergency planners. Led by a facilitator using a planned scenario, TTX participants describe the actions they would take, and the processes and procedures they would follow. The facilitator notes the players’ contributions, and ensures that exercise objectives are met. Following the exercise, the facilitator typically develops an after action report and conducts a debrief discussion during which players and observers have an opportunity to share their thoughts, observations, and recommendations from the exercise without assigning fault or blame.
Many of the attributes of a TTX are the same we seek to promote in the discussion generated from our blog posts. Tabletop exercises are collaborative by nature, and involve representatives from the entire range of private and public agencies and jurisdictions. The goal is to capitalize on the shared experiences and expertise of all the participants to identify best practices, as well as areas for improvement, and thus achieve as successful a response to an emergency as possible.
We will stay true to these principles of good-natured collaboration, and ask that all contributors do the same. Thanks in advance for following and contributing.
