Ex-government officials participate in terrorism exercise.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Security Beat

"Silent Vector," an elaborately staged terrorism preparedness exercise, was organized by the Arlington, Va.-based Anser Institute for Homeland Security, and the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The exercise focused on how the government should handle an intelligence warning of a credible threat against energy-related facilities, possibly nuclear power plants, according to a release by CSIS.

Silent Vector took place at Andrews Air Force Base in October, and had an impressive array of participants. Former Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Sam Nunn acted as the U.S. president in the exercise. Also playing roles were former...