Section Traffic Manager Report – November 2020

In case you are not aware, the DFW Metroplex Traffic Net managers and I collaborated on an exercise to test the system during a simulated cell network outage. During the exercise we had 34 pieces of traffic including test emergency traffic relayed between participating stations and a simulation emergency operations center. We also provided real-time information online via an exercise dashboard to provide a central location to see where reports were coming from along with the status of cellular connectivity in those areas.

This exercise followed the Department of Homeland Security’s Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), a set of guiding principles for approaching exercise management, design, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning. Based on this exercise, the DFW Net Managers and I compiled an After Action Report / Improvement Plan outlining exercise successes and areas for improvement. It also outlines our plans to improve, and will serve as the framework for trainings and future exercises as we head into 2021.

Some of the key observations and learnings include:

• Major strengths
  • Net Control Stations maintained control of the traffic net throughout the exercise, including when emergency traffic unexpectedly arrived.
  • Traffic handlers relayed information with clarity, quality, and accuracy using proper traffic formats and protocols.
  • The vast majority of stations were able to work the repeater with a clear quality signal. Only three stations are known to be unable, and two of those relayed via simplex to an intermediate traffic handler to facilitate delivery to the Simulation EOC despite not having a documented process on how to do so.
• Primary Areas for Improvement
  • Only 66% of exercise traffic was turned in post-exercise.
  • Stations unable to reach the repeater did not have a clear alternative way to relay their traffic.
  • Net Control Station did not regularly announce the ask: what the net is seeking to achieve, the fact check-ins are only being accepted for this purpose, etc.

You can find out more details in the AAR/IP document.