The National Level Exercise (NLE) is the nation’s cornerstone exercise for validating progress toward achieving the national culture of preparedness required to prepare for and respond to catastrophic events. NLEs are a progressive build of preparedness activities over the two-year cycle of the National Exercise Program, which culminate in a full-scale exercise.
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.