The evolution of response and management training at the FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) was established in 1998 and is now 20 years old. In its short history, the CDP has significantly evolved the relevance and responsiveness of its courses and its capability to provide high-fidelity, hands-on training, and exercises to meet the demanding needs of today’s responders. This article discusses the basis of need for a competent, responder training program; the genesis of the CDP as a no-cost provider of responder training for state, local, tribal, and territorial responders; describes the current training opportunities available to responders; previews emerging training opportunities that are under development or envisioned in the very near future; and provides insight to the future progression of the CDP as it continues to expand and evolve its role as FEMA’s premiere, responder focused, hands-on training provider.