National Level Exercise

The National Level Exercise (NLE) is the nation’s cornerstone exercise for validating progress toward promoting and sustaining a prepared nation to respond to catastrophic events.

The four-year National Exercise Program cycle includes two operations-based national level exercises.

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The NLE is an opportunity for all levels of government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and community groups to test operational capabilities, evaluate policies and plans, familiarize personnel with roles and responsibilities, and foster meaningful interaction and communication across the nation. Scenarios for the NLE range from natural disasters to man-made attacks and address the specific types of threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the nation.

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Learn about how the NLE came about and what goes into its development.

Look back on the legacy of NLEs.

Explore the NLE 2024 concept and national-level objectives.

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