LESSONS LEARNED - CRISIS MANAGEMENT EXERCISE,

UNCLAS RIYADH 002352 SIPDIS SIPDIS DIR FSINFATC FOR FSI/LMS/CMT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC SA SUBJECT: LESSONS LEARNED - CRISIS MANAGEMENT EXERCISE, RIYADH ¶1. BACKGROUND: On November 4, the Embassy Riyadh participated in a Crisis Management Exercise (CME) facilitated by Ruth Abramson. The exercise served as a tool by which Post could evaluate security procedures and operations. Post compliments CME staff for the facilitation of a fruitful and worthwhile exercise. ¶2. Begin Text of questions and answers: Question 2, A-G. ¶A. Question: Format of the CME: What recommendations would you make regarding the form and conduct of the excercise: Were four hours sufficient to meet your objectives? Format: Yes, the format of the CME was appropriate and the four hour timeframe was sufficient. On November 3, Post conducted an overview describing the purpose of the CME. The overview included direct hired staff and locally engaged staff. The overview session served as a good opportunity for Post to learn about the CME training. ¶B. Question: Selection of scenarios: Please comment on the scenarios played during the exercise. Which scenarios were most valuable? Should some be dropped? Were there additional/other crises you would like presented? Scenario: The scenario describing simultaneous attacks in Riyadh was very appropriate and well done. The scenario triggered much discussion among staff regarding Post's experience in a crisis situation. ¶C. Question: How appropriate was the kind and amount of intervention by the controller in the exercise? What about the controller's observations for post management from the exercise? Controller Input: The controller did an excellent job facilitating discussion among staff and offering useful suggestions. She interjected at appropriate moments and put forth helpful advice. At the end of the CME, the controller provided several good observations regarding stress management and ways to help FSNs during a crisis. ¶D. Question: What would the post do differently in response to a real crisis as a result of this training? The participation of LES in the CME highlighted the need to continue Post's policy of including them in exercises. Also, new arrivals should read the EAP within 30 days of arriving. ¶E. Question: What lessons did post take from the CME? What best practices for crisis management emerged? What changes, if any, have you made in your EAP as a result of the exercise? Have you formulated an action plan to deal with issues that arose during the CME? Post would like the CME to incorporate incident commander concept more fully. Lessons Learned: The CME was helpful in identifying areas where Post can improve operations and procedures in the event of a similar terrorist attack. (a) During the exercise, staff was reminded of the need to maintain open lines of communication and re-enforce the importance of radio-checks. Participation should be mandatory. (b) The exercise also reinforced the importance of safe areas. As a result of the exercise Post was reminded that all Embassy staff should be aware of all safe havens inside and safe areas located outside the Chancery and the Diplomatic Quarters. (c) During the exercise, staff discussed a variety of ways in which emergency information may be quickly disseminated to consulate staff and AmCits. ¶F. Question: What aspects of stand-alone CMT Overview Training did post find useful? How could it be improved? Would post have preferred a lengthier stand-alone session,including an exercise more closely resembling the CME that was presented for EAC? Does post plan any follow-up to the fundamentals training, for LES or non-EA Americans? ¶F. Answer: Overview Training: Post found stand-alone Overview Training useful, particularly as an introduction to crisis management for LES and new officers. However, certain parts of the training could be shorter and more concise. ¶G. Question: Freuency of CME: We would appreciate your candid comments on the optimal frequency of CMEs. What would be best - maintain current schedule (once every two years), offer more frequently (specify, for example, once every one and one-half years),or offer less freuently (specify). Secondly, should all posts have an equal opportunity to have CMEs with the same frequency or should level of threat to post guide us in scheduling their frequency? ¶G. Answer: Since Embassy Riyadh is a maximum danger, unaccompanied, one-year posting, Post recommends that CME training occur once a year. Once a year, in the early fall just after most new officers arrive, would be an ideal time for training. GFOELLER