[FedCom] Listening opportunity

[J Doe]

Here is an upcoming DHS exercise that might provide some listening
opportunity.  Let us know what your hear.


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will conduct the largest and
most comprehensive counterterrorism exercise to date from Oct. 15-19
in Arizona and Oregon, and the U.S. territory of Guam. Top Officials 4
(TOPOFF 4) is the fourth in a series of congressionally-mandated
exercises and involves various federal agencies as well as the
governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

"The National Intelligence Estimate and recent activity overseas
reinforce that we are in a period of increased risk," said Homeland
Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Exercises like TOPOFF help test
response capabilities at all levels, strengthen national preparedness
and deepen international coordination. By responding realistically to
these simulated attacks, we're able to identify our strengths and
weaknesses, build better partnerships, and gain valuable knowledge for
securing the nation against terrorist attacks and other natural
disasters."

TOPOFF 4 will involve more than 15,000 participants from all levels of
government, international partners and the private sector in a
full-scale, simulated response to radiological dispersal device
attacks.

"TOPOFF stresses our preparedness and response systems with situations
that no single agency or jurisdiction could handle on its own," said
David Paulison, Administrator of DHS' Federal Emergency Management
Agency.  "The right response actually takes thousands of individuals
working together.  This exercise is about strengthening working
relationships within our partners in federal, state and local
agencies, emergency management communities and private industry
groups.  It's about increasing preparedness by sharing information and
processes."