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