WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) recently participated in a crisis simulation exercise organized by the National Strategic Gaming Center (NSGC). The exercise, known as “Scarlet Shield,” simulated a biological terrorist attack and the response and coordination of federal, state, and local authorities with the Department of Defense in developing an effective response to this simulated attack.

“Exercise ‘Scarlet Shield’ provided a forum for information exchange and decision-making in the context of a major national security crisis,” said Putnam. “It examined the gravity, complexity, and difficulty inherent in responding to issues that would arise in a national level terrorist exploitation of the U.S health care infrastructure coincident with ongoing military operations and overseas deployment of U.S. Armed Forces.”

The program was they eighth in a series of Strategic Policy Forums, organized by the National Strategic Gaming Center (NSGC) and was held at the National Defense University on May 18, 2004.

“The exercise sought to advance understanding of the implications of a terrorist exploitation of biological weapons on the health care infrastructure and the subsequent impact on national security and homeland security,” said Putnam. “I came away with a better understanding of the importance that the public health system plays in national security and how attacks affecting this system could impact troop deployment, the economy, and our dependence on National Guard units.” 
 
These crisis simulation exercises, an initiative of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, are designed to give senior government officials insights into the nuances and complexities of emerging global security challenges and to illuminate policy and organizational options.  They also seek to improve dialogue between the Executive-Legislative branches of the Federal government on critical national security issues.  Insights from the simulations are shared with key policymakers. This is the second exercise Congressman Putnam has participated in. In 2002 he participated in exercise “Silent Prairie.”

- 30 -