Someone asked me what we hoped to learn from the SET, which is a fair question.  Here's a quick recap:

The SCENARIO tells us what has happened - A large-scale cyber attack has caused power and internet outages across a wide area.

The MISSION tells us what ARES has been asked to do - provide communications between shelter sites and MEMA and/or FEMA offices.

The GOAL tells us how we will accomplish the Mission - by sending and receiving ICS 213 messages between shelter sites and MEMA and/or FEMA offices.

The OBJECTIVES are specific steps we can take that bring us towards the GOAL.  Here are the Objectives I have for us so far (subject to change as I hear from all of you with good ideas!)

3. Objective(s):

• Determine the amount and capabilities of WMA ARES volunteers who are willing to deploy for an incident of this type.
• Publicize the Test to WMA ARES members using the WMA ARES email list, WMA website and/or other means.
• Establish a list of infrastructure (repeaters and digipeaters) with backup power.
• Determine the locations of relay sites and paths that can be covered by VHF simplex.
• Establish a list of data nodes with backup power and independent internet access (AREDN or Star Link, etc.)
• Determine the paths that can be covered with data nodes.
• Establish an ICS 205 Comm Plan to assign channels to accomplish Test Goal.
• Demonstrate the ability to create a communications path between shelter sites and MEMA/FEMA using VHF simplex.
• Demonstrate the ability to create a communications path between shelter sites and MEMA/FEMA using data modes.
• Send at least one ICS 213 message from each shelter site to MEMA and/or FEMA.
• Relay at least one ICS 213 message to and from each relay site.
• Receive at least one ICS 213 message at each shelter site.

A Test such as this is NOT an Exercise or a Drill - all of those terms have specific definitions but here we are simply testing our ability to perform a hypothetical mission.  The act of testing reveals both strengths and weaknesses.  Any piece at which we fail is an opportunity to identify shortcomings in equipment, training, or planning and work to correct them going forwards.  So, don't be afraid to try something, even if it doesn't work.  Knowing it doesn't work is valuable knowledge for a real world event, as you won't waste time or effort trying something you now know won't get the job done.

Even if you are unable to directly participate in our SET, you will benefit from the knowledge we all gain, which will be passed on here.