Simulations and Institutional Change: Training US Government Professionals for Improved Management of Complex Emergencies Abroad

In: Journal of contingencies and crisis management, Volume 5, Issue 4, p. 231-240

Abstract

A new training programme for US Government officials features simulations that require them to reach across normal bureaucratic boundaries to rehearse actual responses to real‐life overseas emergencies. The simulations use a planning template that builds on lessons learned from recent, non‐traditional, civil‐military and humanitarian operations. The programme aims to help officials from many different parts of the government improve their capacity to coordinate inter‐agency responses by institutionalizing advance planning among those most likely to be involved in any US action. A discussion‐capture software package developed at the War Gaming and Simulation Centre that incorporates the planning template facilitates this process and supports the training goals.