A new training programme for US Government officials features simulations that require them to reach across normal bureaucratic boundaries to rehearse actual responses to real-life overseas emergencies. The simulations use a planning template that builds on lessons learned from recent, non-traditional, civil-military and humanitarian operations. The programme aims to help officials from many different parts of the government improve their capacity to coordinate inter-agency responses by institutionalizing advance planning among those most likely to be involved in any US action. A discussion-capture software package developed at the War Gaming and Simulation Centre that incorporates the planning template facilitates this process and supports the training goals. 1

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