Using a simulation cell for exercise realism

A simulation cell or SimCell is an effective and flexible tool for control of emergency management exercises. It allows exercise participants to interact, via simulation, with a wide variety of nonplaying organizations and officials. Adapted from military application, the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) applied, developed, and refined the SimCell concept for emergency management exercises. It has now been incorporated into national exercise guidance through the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, and has been used in a wide variety of national, regional, and local exercises. This article reviews development of the SimCell concept in CSEPP, briefly surveys current practice incorporating SimCells in exercise control, and offers practical lessons-learned and tips on using a SimCell to best advantage. Lessons learned include using a SimCell as an exercise-control hub; preparing inject material for exercise controllers as part of the Master Scenario Event List; laying the groundwork for success through exercise player and controller training; developing protocol for SimCell communications; and capturing feedback from SimCell controllers for inclusion in the exercise evaluation reporting process. The SimCell concept is flexible and can be applied to a variety of exercise types and through a variety of methods.