Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP): A Strategy for Implementation
Abstract
Federal state and local governments must plan for continuity of operations in the event of a disaster or emergency by implementing Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP). COOP is a critical part of daily operations because if a disaster or emergency strikes it will impact every aspect of the organization; the nature of the event (natural or manmade) will determine whether that impact is major or minor. A successful COOP plan maintains the highest level of readiness is capable of implementation with or without warning can be operational within 6 to 12 hours after activation has the ability to sustain operations for up to 30 days takes advantage of the existence of other organizations infrastructures is exercised annually and has the commitment from the leaders of the organizations. All organizations within the Department of Defense (DOD) are dependent on people communications and a command and control infrastructure to conduct daily operations. Before September 11 2001 COOP was not a top priority of organizations within the DOD. Since then however these organizations have committed to developing a plan that would allow the DOD to carry out its essential functions in the event of an emergency or disaster. This paper will highlight the importance of COOP examine the challenges that DOD organizations face when developing executing and maintaining plans in the event of a disaster and/or emergency and recommend a strategy of implementation. It will also address major areas of concerns that are involved in the creation of a COOP program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA431738
Entities
People
- Calvin D. Lawyer
Organizations
- United States Army War College