Over the past five years, Urban Shield has continued to grow into a comprehensive full-scale regional preparedness exercise. We once again assessed the overall Bay Area UASI Region‘s response capabilities related to multi-discipline planning, policies, procedures, organization, equipment and training. Urban Shield tested regional integrated systems for prevention, protection, response and recovery in our high-threat, high-density urban area. The exercise evaluated our existing level of preparedness and capabilities, identifying not only what we do well, but areas that may be in need of improvement. This After Action Report is intended to assist in prioritizing upcoming expenditures in order for the region to become more prepared for any type of critical events in our area.
The overarching goals of Urban Shield was to provide a multi-layered training exercise to enhance the skills and abilities of regional first responders, as well as those responsible for coordinating and managing large scale events. This exercise was designed to identify and stretch regional resources to their limits, while expanding regional collaboration and building positive relationships. In addition, this exercise provided increased local business and critical infrastructure collaboration. Urban Shield challenged the skills, knowledge and abilities of all who participated. It not only improved regional disaster response capabilities, but provided a platform for first responders both nationally and internationally, as well as the private sector, to work efficiently and effectively together.