Module 1 – Case

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF) AND NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

Case Overview

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF)

Implementation of National Response Framework Mission Area

This Implementation effort is consistent with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-8. Core capabilities are the distinct elements needed to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) (See Overview of the National planning Frameworks).

The Response mission area includes 14 core capabilities as follows:

Planning

Public Information and Warning

Operational Coordination

Critical Transportation

Environmental Response/Health and Safety

Fatality Management Services

Infrastructure Systems

Mass Care Services

Mass Search and Rescue Operations

10. On-Scene Security and Protection

11. Operational Communications

12. Public and Private Services and Resources

13. Public Health and Medical Services

14. Situational Assessment.

NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

Command and Management: Incident Commander (IC) and Command Staff

According to NIMS, the Incident Command System is responsible for the overall management of a system.

The five management functions of the Incident Command System of an incident are:

Incident Command – Sets the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities and has overall responsibility for the incident.

Operations – Conducts operations to reach the incident objectives.

Planning – Supports the incident action planning process by tracking resources, and collecting/analyzing information.

Logistics – Provides resources and needed services to support the achievement of the incident objectives.

Finance & Administration Monitors costs related to the incident (NIMS).

Case Assignment

NRF

Rank order (in order of priority) the 14 core capabilities of the NRF. Explain why you rank ordered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Be specific.

Explain how the United States conducts an all-hazards response in the five preparedness mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and disaster recovery.

NIMS

When would a Deputy Incident Commander (Deputy IC) be necessary? Give examples.

In The missing piece of NIMS: Teaching incident commanders how to function in the edge of Chaos, the author notes that first responders have to deal with a disaster situation already unfolding, and not “all the pieces fit together nicely.” The author writes about the Five Tenets of Working in Chaos. Please paraphrase each one using your own words.

Assignment Expectations

Use proper citations and associated references that support your statements.

Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

 

 

Module 1 – SLP

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF) AND NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF)

NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

General

The intent of the SLP 1-4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on US soil in a major city sports arena.

Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.

You will prepare your “plan” to address your own state’s specific particulars, e.g., if you are from California you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.

YOU are the Incident Commander (IC) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.

Scenario General Description

Date – 1st August, yyyy

The Threat – Intelligence agencies have intercepted from a credible source a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event holding about 10,000 spectators:

3-5 suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.

1-2 large vehicle bombs (LVB) in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.

Finally, expecting mass casualties – the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Time line – The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the next month of September. No specific date is identified.

Planning Considerations

Geographical/ Location – choose venue and use Google Maps to map the locale and venue internal layout.

Key Implications – Casualties (about 100 fatalities and 500 serious injuries) will result at all incident sites and will include civilians, emergency personnel, and the suicide bombers. The LVB detonation outside the venue will result in the largest number of fatalities and injuries due to the population density expected.

NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled – at this time.

Module 1 SLP – NRF/NIMS – Assignment (You are the City IC)

Choose city and venue.

See venue’s schedule of events (at least one per week.

Present maps/charts of the locale, venue, and nearest hospital.

Based on the NRF ((a) engaged partnership; (b) tiered response; (c) scalable, flexible, and adaptable operational capabilities; (d) unity of effort through unified command; and (e) readiness to act), describe and summarize how you would prepare for such an incident at the state/city level.

Point out the priorities in your plan.

 

 

Module 2 – Case

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Case Assignment

DHS and Points of DOD Involvement

Command and Control in the Homeland (C2)

What is meant by a bottom-up approach? Shouldn’t those with more knowledge and authority be in command?

Four C2 options are available to our military and civilian leadership. What are they? Paraphrase. Give example of each.

Department of Defense Support to Domestic Incidents

At what point would the military be involved in a terrorist attack? Give example. Use citations to back up your statements.

DHS Website: Locate the Five Homeland Security Missions. Which mission(s) would DOD be involved? Give examples.

Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body.

Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence— Well-supported points with facts, statistics, and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, and/or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids predominant use of first person and avoids subjective bias.

References—Sources listed at the end of the paper (APA style preferred).

 

Module 2 – SLP

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

General

The intent of the SLP 1- 4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on US soil in a major city sports arena.

Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.

You will prepare your “plan” to address your own state’s specific particulars, (e.g., if you are from California you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena in Los Angeles).

Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.

YOU are the Incident Commander (IC) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.

Scenario General Description

Date – 1st August, yyyy

The Threat – Intelligence agencies have intercepted from a credible source a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event holding about 10,000 spectators:

3-5 suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.

1-2 large vehicle bombs (LVB) in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.

Finally, expecting mass casualties – the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Time line – The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the next month of September. No specific date is identified.

Planning Considerations

Geographical/ Location – choose venue and use Google Maps to map the locale and venue internal layout.

Key Implications – Casualties (about 100 fatalities and 500 serious injuries) will result at all incident sites and will include civilians, emergency personnel, and the suicide bombers. The LVB detonation outside the venue will result in the largest number of fatalities and injuries due to the population density expected.

NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled – at this time.

Module 2 SLP – DHS and Intelligence – Assignment (You are the City IC)

While preparations are being made on the ground based on your plan in parts 1+2, a meeting was convened by the State Governor with DHS officials and all the major city mayors and ICs.

Prepare a list of points you would like to raise at the meeting to the Governor and the DHS officials pertaining to:

Intelligence updates

Shared information about preparations and plans conducted by other ICs across the nation.

Needs for support by National Guard units.

What measures should be taken at major ports of entry (airports, sea ports, land crossings).

Other.Note – Be specific to your state/city and venue needs and characteristics.

 

Module 3 discussion

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS OPERATIONS AS RELATED TO DHS

Case Assignment

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS, AND DHS

Information Sharing

Fusion Centers:

Are they run by the federal government? If so, which branch? Explain.

Why are two centers necessary (JTTF and Fusion Centers)? Support your answer.

Locate the Fusion Center close to where you live. Give address and phone number.

JTTF Members:

Noticeably absent from the list of approved members are Fire Marshals. Vetted Fire Marshals can be IC during a disaster in some states. Is it necessary that they be on the JTTF list? Use citations to support your answer.

Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence— Well-supported points with facts, statistics, and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, and/or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

 

 

Module 3 – SLP

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS OPERATIONS AS RELATED TO DHS

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS, AND DHS

General

The intent of the SLP 1-4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in a major city sports arena.

Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.

You will prepare your “plan” to address your own state’s specific particulars, e.g., if you are from California you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.

YOU are the Incident Commander (IC) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.

Scenario General Description

Date – 1st August, yyyy

The Threat – Intelligence agencies have intercepted from a credible source a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event holding about 10,000 spectators:

3-5 suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.

1-2 large vehicle bombs (LVB) in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.

Finally, expecting mass casualties – the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Time line – The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the next month of September. No specific date is identified.

Planning Considerations

Geographical/ Location – choose venue and use Google Maps to map the locale and venue internal layout.

Key Implications – Casualties (about 100 fatalities and 500 serious injuries) will result at all incident sites and will include civilians, emergency personnel, and the suicide bombers. The LVB detonation outside the venue will result in the largest number of fatalities and injuries due to the population density expected.

NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled – at this time.

Module 3 SLP – JTTF + Fusion Center (FC) – Assignment (You are the City IC)

Date – 15th August, yyyy

INTELLIGENCE UPDATE: based on classified new intelligence, YOUR city has been identified as the target of the attack.

The DHS and FBI have established a Fusion Center and JTTF respectively in your city.

Based on the above and the time line, recheck your priority list and describe what needs to be changed/updated.

The JTTF / FC have established effective immediately daily meetings with you to coordinate efforts. What would you raise as your requests from them?

Would you recommend that both centers be combined? Explain.

SLP Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be 3-5 pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information

 

 

Module 4 – Case

COUNTERTERRORISM AND DHS INTEGRATION AND REFLECTION

Assignment Overview

COUNTERTERRORISM AND DHS

 

Counterterrorism and Intelligence

As you now are aware, all the modules tie in together to explain how and why the Department of Homeland Security operates:

The framework for responding to disasters

The systematic approach for integrated responses

The DHS overview with military interface

Intelligence and information-sharing mechanisms

As you are also aware, DHS does not operate singularly; it depends on partnerships at all levels of operation. So it is with counterterrorism. Read the assigned material and respond to the following exercises.

Case Assignment

Look up the definition of counterterrorism (please, no Wikipedia or other nonprofessional sources). What is the definition?

Look up the definition of intelligence. What is the relationship of intelligence to counterterrorism? Explain with examples.

Relate counterterrorism and intelligence with the military

From the Background Information section, review your readings/audio/websites and: Explain how a specific counterterrorism team, unit, or partnership operates to counter a terrorist episode. Use a specific example and “walk it through” the process.

Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence— Well-supported points with facts, statistics, and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, and/or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids predominant use of first person and avoids subjective bias.

References—Sources listed at the end of the paper (APA style preferred).

 

 

Module 4 – SLP

COUNTERTERRORISM AND DHS INTEGRATION AND REFLECTION

COUNTERTERRORISM AND DHS

The intent of the SLP 1-4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on US soil in a major city sports arena.

Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.

You will prepare your “plan” to address your own state’s specific particulars, e.g., if you are from California you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.

YOU are the Incident Commander (IC) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.

Scenario General Description

Date – 1st August, yyyy

The Threat – Intelligence agencies have intercepted from a credible source a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event holding about 10,000 spectators:

3-5 suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.

1-2 large vehicle bombs (LVB) in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.

Finally, expecting mass casualties – the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Time line – The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the next month of September. No specific date is identified.

Planning Considerations

Geographical/ Location – choose venue and use Google Maps to map the locale and venue internal layout.

Key Implications – Casualties (about 100 fatalities and 500 serious injuries) will result at all incident sites and will include civilians, emergency personnel, and the suicide bombers. The LVB detonation outside the venue will result in the largest number of fatalities and injuries due to the population density expected.

NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled – at this time.

Module 1 SLP – NRF and NIMS – Assignment (You are the City IC)

Choose city and venue.

See venue’s schedule of events (at least one per week.

Present maps/charts of the locale, venue, and nearest hospital.

Based on the NRF and NIMS ((a) engaged partnership; (b) tiered response; (c) scalable, flexible, and adaptable operational capabilities; (d) unity of effort through unified command; and (e) readiness to act), describe and summarize how you would prepare for such an incident at the state/city level.

Point out the priorities in your plan.

Module 2 SLP – DHS and Intelligence – Assignment (You are the City IC)

While preparations are being made on the ground based on your plan in parts 1+2, a meeting was convened by the State Governor with DHS officials and all the major city mayors and ICs.

Prepare a list of points you would like to raise at the meeting to the Governor and the DHS officials pertaining to:

Intelligence updates

Shared information about preparations and plans conducted by other ICs across the nation.

Needs for support by National Guard units.

What measures should be taken at major ports of entry (airports, sea ports, land crossings).

Other.

Note – Be specific to your state/city and venue needs and characteristics.

Module 4 SLP – Summary – Assignment (You are the City IC)

Date – 31st August, yyyy

INTELLIGENCE UPDATE: based on classified new intelligence, the timeline for the planned attack has centered to take place closer to the 9/11 date (within a week before or a week after). At this time it is still classified as a highly probable threat.

The Governor has scheduled a meeting for 1st of September to receive a full report from you as to preparations for such an attack.

Based on the above and the new time line, recheck your priority list and describe what needs to be changed/updated. Explain.

The Governor has scheduled a meeting for 1st of September to receive a full report from you as to preparations for such an attack.

Your SLP 4 will be in the form of a PPT presentation to the Governor.

Highlight the major points of concern and how your plan addresses them.

SLP Assignment Expectations

PPT Should Follow:

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

Citations—On the relevant slides with information from other authors.

References—Sources are listed at the end of the PPT (APA style preferred).