Background Information

It is the policy of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to maintain a coordinated exercise program that adequately evaluates the VA medical readiness capability in relation to a variety of natural, manmade and technological emergencies; as well as DoD contingency situations. This includes exercise program activities in support of VA medical centers (VAMCs), Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), and the VA/DoD Contingency Hospital System. The program encompasses inter-VA, local, state and federal exercise planning coordination.

VHA utilizes EMSHG and its national network of Area Emergency Managers (AEMs) as the principal advisors, consultants and medical representatives concerning VA involvement and participation in exercises at the local (VAMC/VISN), state, regional and national level.  EMSHG also functions as VHA's primary representative and consultant concerning exercises that involve other federal agencies and departments.

VHA supports the NDMS through serving as Federal Coordinating Centers (FCCs) in a variety of the nation's metropolitan areas. VHA utilizes EMSHG to administer its portion of the NDMS program. AEMs who serve as FCC Coordinators are delegated primary responsibility for exercise planning activities relevant to NDMS activities in their FCC.  

VHA utilizes EMSHG to coordinate planning and exercise support concerning the VA/DoD Contingency Hospital System and emergency medical preparedness functions. Relevant VA/DoD exercise planning initiatives are coordinated through EMSHG headquarters. 

Exercise Calendar

Each year VA is involved in over 400 exercises from a local level to large federal exercises.  VA, in concert with its exercise requirements, orchestrates the majority of these exercises.  The exercise calendar only reflects exercises above the local level and is not intended to be all-inclusive.  In keeping with the Federal Emergency Management Agency format, the calendar projects exercises for a five-year time frame.  It is understood that unforeseen circumstances may alter exercise information displayed on the calendar for the "out years." Any questions related to specific exercises, or the exercise program, should be referred to Mr. Pete Brewster, EMSHG Exercise and Training Manager at (304) 264-4807/4800, or e-mail Peter.Brewster2@med.va.gov.