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U.S., U.K., Canada Prepare for TOPOFF 3 Drills
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States plan to begin the world’s largest terrorism drill on April 4, officials from the three countries announced in a press statement yesterday (see GSN, April 6, 2004). The U.S. component of the five-day exercise involving mock WMD attacks is the third in a series of congressionally mandated exercises called TOPOFF, for “Top Officials training program.” “By responding realistically to simulated attacks, we are able to identify our strength and weaknesses and make our national response system stronger,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in the press release. “Our partnerships with the U.K. and Canada will further enhance our ability to deal with terrorism on an international level.” The U.S. drills are expected to involve more than 10,000 participants from federal, state and local agencies, as well as international organizations and volunteer groups, according to the Homeland Security Department. A simulated chemical incident is planned for New London, Conn., and a biological incident is to be staged in Union and Middlesex counties in New Jersey, according to the statement. The United Kingdom will be involved in TOPOFF 3 through exercise Atlantic Blue, according to the joint press statement. The drill, in which British responders will focus on communication across international borders, is to be conducted as a command post exercise only — meaning that instead of deploying emergency services, movement of resources will be simulated. The Canadian component, Triple Play, will also be a command post exercise, according to the Canadian Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Federal officials and officials from the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are set to participate (Canada Newswire release, March 17).
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