Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIYADH2352
2007-11-27 07:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

LESSONS LEARNED - CRISIS MANAGEMENT EXERCISE,

Tags:  AEMR AMGT ASEC SA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRH #2352/01 3310738
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 270738Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC IMMEDIATE
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7080
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


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