The Eight Step Training Model: Improving Disaster Management Leadership

In the aftermath of public tragedies such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, intense scrutiny was placed upon the emergency management community throughout all levels of government. Clearly, it is imperative that emergency managers understand the scope and scale of these events and subsequently the depth of planning required to execute coordinated preparedness, response and relief efforts. However, plans are merely a step in the overarching requirement of coordinating disaster response and delivering relief. One method for emergency managers to achieve success may be through the implementation of a disciplined training methodology, developed in the United States Army, known as the "Eight Step Training Model."At its essence, the eight step training model provides a logical, structured and repeatable framework for developing and executing training that is designed to build confident and competent emergency managers and improve the individual and collective training proficiency of primary and secondary responders (training participants). A time investment in this planning and training methodology will increase preparedness, response and recovery efforts and desired outcomes immeasurably. The model can focus upon local, State or Federal levels, incorporating Private Volunteer Organizations (PVOs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or commercial industry whether local, regional or national. The steps are as follows: 1. Study/Teach the Literature / Doctrine (Certify Leaders); 2. Survey the Training Site; 3. Develop the Training Plan; 4. Issue the Plan; 5. Rehearse the Plan (Tabletop Exercise); 6. Execute the Training; 7. Evaluate the Training; and 8. Retrain as Needed to Meet Goals.At a minimum, the model acquaints participants with divergent organizational roles and missions and at its best instills confidence in participating organizations' ability to work together in a simulated setting before they are forced to collaborate during emergency response. The article seeks to describe the steps in detail and provide the reader with a fundamental understanding of the model as it may relate to their future training needs.