TOPOFF 1 Exercise Lessons Learned
TOPOFF 1 Exercise Lessons Learned :
Top Off 1 showed us that multiple control centers, numerous liaisons, and an increasing number of response teams only complicated coordination and unity of effort. Top Off 1 also demonstrated that threat information and a common threat picture need to be shared in a timely manner.We also learned a few other lessons as well. Educating, exercising, and equipping crisis and consequence managers and responders remains a national priority. Just as important, Top Off 1 proved that the response required of a largescale bio-terrorism incident is significantly different from response to other weapons of mass destruction attacks. Additionally, we saw the fragility in a public health structure that lacked both adequate funding to prepare for a bio-terrorist incident and leadership at the federal level. (DHS, Remarks by Secretary Tom Ridge on the TOPOFF 2 Exercises, May 5, 2003, p. 2)
