SD 473.3, Enterprise Mission Essential Task List-Based Protective Force Training Program
To establish the roles, responsibilities, and programmatic elements and processes required to ensure a standardized approach toward implementing, managing, executing and effectively sustaining a Mission Essential Task List (METL)-based Protective Force (PF) training program (heareafter referred to as "METL program") within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) policies, Federal regulations, and applicable provisions.
Directive was recertified on 8/24/2022 as being current and relevant.
Associated DOE Directive:
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
SUPPLEMENTAL DIRECTIVE
NNSA SD 473.3
Approved: 9-10-14
Certification Due: 8-24-25
ENTERPRISE MISSION ESSENTIAL
TASK LIST-BASED PROTECTIVE FORCE
TRAINING PROGRAM
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National Nuclear Security Administration
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Office of Defense Nuclear Security
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT:
http://www.nnsa.energy.gov
OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST (OPI):
Office of Defense Nuclear Security
printed copies are uncontrolled
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
Mission Essential Task List-based Protective Force Training Program
1
1. • PURPOSE. To establish the roles, responsibilities, and programmatic elements and
processes required to ensure a standardized approach toward implementing, managing,
executing and effectively sustaining the Mission Essential Task List (METL) - based
Protective Force (PF) training program (hereafter referred to as "METL program") within
the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) in accordance with applicable U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) policies, Federal
regulations, and applicable provisions. This SD supplements DOE Order 473.3,
Protection Program Operations, and is consistent with applicable DOE Directives and e
Gov initiatives.
2. CANCELLATION. None
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. NNSA Applicability. This Supplemental Directive applies only to sites with a
Protective Force and NNSA Elements with oversight for a Protective Force.
b. NNSA Contractors. Except for the equivalencies/exemptions in paragraph 3.c.,
the Contractor Requirements Document (CRD - Attaclunent 1) sets forth
requirements of this Supplemental Directive that will apply to contracts that
include the CRD. The CRD must be included in contracts that have Protective
Force organizations and suppo1i the following NSE PF Mission Statement:
"Protective Forces perform routine and emergency duties at NNSA facilities to
protect critical national security assets, DOE property, classified matter, and
employees and visitors from theft, sabotage, terrorism, or other malevolent acts."
c. Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by
Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 USC sections 2406 and 2511 and to ensure
consistency tluough the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the
Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will implement and oversee
requirements and practices pertaining to this Directive for activities under the
Director's cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
4. BACKGROUND. Pursuant to the review of multiple external audit reports spanning the
last two decades in which PF training program deficiencies were addressed, the Office of
Defense Nuclear Security (NA-70) worked closely with DOE's National Training Center
(NTC) and PF training subject-matter-experts from all DOE and NNSA sites to initiate a
comprehensive analysis of the program's construct and effectiveness. The consortium's
objective was to define a desired end-state for a "corporately-developed" configuration
that would optimally support the NSE's ability to improve the focus, effectiveness, and
efficiency of the PF sustainment-training program. Exhaustive analyses revealed that
clear, nuclear security-focused training objectives and performance expectation
parameters common to all NNSA PF mission areas had not been sufficiently established
to assist PF training managers in defining sustainment training content, appropriate
annual training hours, or methods of instructional delivery. Overall, the analysis sho_wed
Section 2
2 NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
PF training programs to be decentralized and with little apparent continuity in program
planning, management, and execution between the eight sites. The METL-based
program is the result of a collaborative effo1t to refo1m PF sustainment training and was
intelligently designed to enable the following:
a. Enhanced corporate understanding of reasonable, necessary, and appropriate
training deliverables and resources required to support sustainment of individual
and unit Protective Force mission readiness across the NSE.
b. Significantly enhanced safeguards and security stakeholder integration tluough
the use of "conunon language" and performance criteria.
c. Cooperatively developed, comprehensive core curriculum that affords Protective
Force members the opportunity to sustain and improve on mission-essential
knowledge, skills, and abilities.
d. Systematic approach to sustaimnent training consistency across the NSE.
e. Periodic review and continuous improvement process for the NSE's training
program.
f. Development and implementation of METL-based handbooks/field manuals as a
reference for planning, conducting, assessing, and evaluating training in
Individual, Leader, and Collective tasks.
g. Establishment of a highly defensible, equitable, and systematic approach toward
annual NSE-wide Protective Force training program resource requirements that
will withstand scrutiny upon budgetary planning, approval, and execution
processes and pay dividends in performance/mission success.
5. PROGRAM ELEMENTS OVERVIEW.
a. Mission Essential Task List (METL): A list of tasks required for mission
accomplishment. The METL serves as the direct linkage between mission
accomplishment and training. It is a mission-down analysis of requirements that
is performance-focused and serves as a common operating language. As a METL
analysis must be based on a valid and complete set of job tasks with identified
levels of skills and knowledge needed to competently perform the tasks associated
with assigned duties, it is synonymous with the term "Job Analysis" as defined
and referred to in federal law and DOE policy.
b. Enterprise Mission Essential Task List (EMETL): The EMETL is a list of
Collective, Leader, and Individual tasks common to all Protective Forces within
the NSE ("Recapture" and "Recovery" EMETs are not applicable at sites not
possessing Category II or greater quantities of Special Nuclear Material or other
specifically designated, national security critical assets). This list serves as the
foundation for the complete mission essential task list.
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
3
c. Site Specific Supporting Tasks (SSST): Each site must identify site-specific tasks
not included within the EMETL but directly tied to one of the Collective tasks
(mission) or Mission Essential Task (MET). Typically these tasks are associated
with specialized equipment or procedures unique to that site. Sites are required to
identify conditions, standards, performance steps, references, and a narrative
explanation for each SSST for inclusion in their Field Manual, which is described
later in this document. Sites may also include site specific performance steps
within current EMETL tasks.
d. Required Supporting Training (RST): In addition to security mission-specific
tasks are federal, state, local, and site training requirements that must be satisfied
( e.g. human relations, safety requirements, equal opportunity training, and general
employee training). Also included within the RST are traditional ''job analyses"
for protective force instructors and annorers, as well as any other identified
training items that are important/required but not tied directly to Collective task
accomplishment.
Section 3
e. Stakeholder organizations: These are the organizations that have a vested interest
in how the Protective Force perfonns its mission. They are generally identified as
Protective Force Operations, Protective Force Training, Protective Force
Performance Assurance/Testing, Risk/Vulnerability Assessment, and the Field
Office. It is imperative these organizations collaborate on identifying, planning,
and conducting performance assessments that are designed to achieve a common
objective: improving mission performance. To this end, stakeholders are required
to meet on a recurring basis to discuss METL Assessment results, provide
comments and feedback on recent training/operations, and collaboratively
determine fuhll'e actions.
f. Field Manual: This document is a compilation of Collective, Leader, and
Individual tasks with conditions, standards, performance steps, references, and
supporting narrative descriptions. The information was aggregated from existing
NTC/DOE and U.S. military doctrine. This manual serves as the common
operating language among stakeholder organizations and must be used by each.
However, it does NOT dictate how each task is to be specifically performed: if a
site has a different tactic, teclmique, or procedure based upon site-specific
methods required for effectively accomplishing a given task, then the site should
use that approach and document it accordingly in the SSST. The Field Manual is
a comprehensive guide to facilitate the development and execution of mission
related training, assessment, and evaluation activities. It is reasonable that
restrictions in time, personnel, and resources will limit the quantity of tasks that
can be trained in a given year; therefore, there is no requirement - written or
implied - that PF organizations either conduct or be assessed upon the totality of
tasks or performance steps within the manual.
6. MISSION ESSENTIAL TASKS: All Collective tasks are derived from the following six
METs. Individual, Leader, and Site-Specific Supporting Tasks are derived from the
Collective tasks.
4
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
f.
NNSA SD 473.3
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DETER - Discourage and interrupt progress of threat through active and passive
means using human and technological assets
DETECT - Identify, locate, and assess threat through active and passive means
using human and technological assets and programmatic processes
DENY - Engage, interdict, and• neutralize threat through active means using
human and technological assets
RECAPTURE* - Repossess and secure asset on site tlu-ough active means using
human and technological assets
RECOVER* - Repossess and secure asset off site through active means using
human and technological assets while in contact with threat
RECONSTITUTE - Ensure continuity of protection and restore normal operations
following an emergency situation
* Recapture and Recover METs are not applicable to non-Category I sites
7. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Office of Defense Nuclear Security (NA-70):
(1) In collaboration with METL program subject matter experts, define and
promulgate METL program policy requirements in support of PF mission
objectives/ expectations.
(2) Conduct formal assessments of METL program management and field
execution/ performance with respect to established policy requirements.
(3) Provide field assistance in support of METL program implementation,
execution, and evaluation in accordance with this Supplemental Directive.
Section 4
(4) As necessary, provide METL program training and professional guidance
on METL program oversight methodologies to Field Office oversight
officials.
(5) Create and maintain Quarterly METL Assessment Report formats .
(6) Compile and analyze results of Quarterly METL Assessment Reports.
(7) Identify site-specific METL program management and execution issues
and NSE-wide METL program trends requiring focused
support/assistance.
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
b. Field Office Manager and Assistant Managers for Safeguards and Security
(AMSS):
(1) Ensure the METL program is executed in accordance with this
Supplemental Directive.
(2) Review and approve the PF Annual Training Plan (ATP).
5
(3) Observe on- and off-post METL program training and performance testing
in accordance with established Performance Assurance policies and local
oversight activity requirements.
(4) Review documented Quarterly METL Assessment results.
(5) Attend Quarterly METL Assessment meetings (Field Office representation
by AMSS-appointed designee is acceptable).
8. CONTACT. Office of Defense Nuclear Security at 202-586-5736.
BY ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
Attachments
1. Contractor Requirement Document
2. METL Description
Frank G. Klotz
Administrator
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
Attachment 1
ATl-1
ATTACHMENT 1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT
NNSA SD 473.3, ENTERPRISE MISSION ESSENTIAL TASK LIST-BASED PROTECTIVE
FORCE TRAINING PROGRAM
Regardless of the performer of the work, the contractor is responsible for complying with the
requirements of this CRD. The contractor is responsible for flowing down the requirements of
this CRD to subcontractors at any tier to the extent necessary to ensure the contractor's
compliance with the requirements.
1. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a.
b.
Protective Force Managers:
(1) Ensure the METL program is conducted in accordance with the METL
process description in Attachment 2 of this Supplemental Directive.
(2) Ensure integrity is maintained regarding METL-based performance
assessments.
(3) Through the use of locally-developed and/or headquarters-provided data
collection templates, report METL program status to the AMSS and
higher headquarters, as required.
( 4) Ensure subordinate leaders strive for continuous improvement in the
performance of applicable METs.
(5) Approve the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) based on METL Assessment
results collaboratively agreed upon by all requisite stakeholders.
(6) Participate in quarterly stakeholder integration meetings held to establish
site's overall METL assessment results.
Protective Force Training Managers:
(1) Carry out the METL program in accordance with Attachment 2 of this
Supplemental Directive.
(2) Conduct and document factually accurate/honest assessments of METL
performance.
(3) Ensure Protective Force Instructors conduct training based on the METL.
( 4) Develop the TNA based upon METL Assessments.
(5) Participate in quarterly stakeholder integration meetings held to establish
site's overall METL assessment results.
Attachment 1
ATI-2
C. Protective Force Performance Testing Managers:
(1) Conduct METL Evaluation/Assessments as required.
NNSA SD 473 .3
9-10-14
(2) Provide METL Evaluation/Assessment results to managers of the
Protective Force, PF Training Department, and Vulnerability Assessment
entity.
(3) Conduct METL Assessments after each force-on-force exercise.
( 4) Participate in quarterly stakeholder integration meetings held to establish
site's overall METL assessment results.
Section 5
cl. Vulnerability Assessment Managers:
(I) Observe/participate in performance testing/performance assessment
activities to validate performance of tactics, techniques, and procedures
are aligned with current protection strategy assumptions.
(2) Review and, where applicable, integrate METL Assessment results into
the vulnerability assessment process to augment ongoing effmis to
identify and correct weaknesses in PF performance ( e.g. probability of
neutralization).
(3) Pa1iicipate in quarterly stakeholder integration meetings held to establish
site' s overall METL assessment results.
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
ATTACHMENT 2: METL DESCRIPTION
Attachment 2
AT2-l
1. PROCESS OVERVIEW: Task Evaluations and Task Assessments are processes used to
measure performance proficiency (knowledge, skills, and abilities) and to guide the
training program in determining and adjusting training content and priority. Task
Evaluation is essentially the "testing" of task performance. Task Assessment i~ a
qualitative judgment-part of an ongoing, working process-to determine the current
demonstrated level of proficiency as weJI as what specific, follow-on training is essential
to reinforce and/or build upon current levels of demonstrated proficiency. All tasks are
assessed and evaluated based upon task-specific conditions and standards.
The EMETL program uses the Instructional Systems Design model for analysis, design,
development, implementation, and evaluation as stated within each site's Ammal
Training Plan (ATP). Since the METL at each site is assessed quarterly, it is crucial that
each ATP contain the appropriate amount of flexibility to address emerging and changing
needs throughout the training year. It is also not necessary to train or test every METL
task each year. Training managers will determine task prioritization by considering the
needs identified by stakeholders during quarterly assessments, training needs analyses,
and available resources.
a. METL Tasks, Conditions, and Standards:
(1) Task Identification: Each of the METs and all subordinate supporting
tasks were identified using a systematic process. Tasks are clearly
defined, observable and measurable actions described by action verbs. A
task usually has a specific begim1ing and end state, and may support - or
be supported by - other tasks. A task should explicitly state what person,
element, or organizational entity is responsible for task performance. By
limiting METs to essential tasks only, the focus remains where it should:
on those tasks that are absolutely necessary to ensure accomplishment of
the tactical mission.
(2) Conditions: Conditions are used in the METL development process to
express varying circumstances that affect task performance. Conditions
are applied to specific tasks and not overall missions because conditions
may affect tasks differently within the overall context of a mission. If the
condition does not affect how to train, organize, or equip to effectively
perform a task, then it is not relevant and should not be used. It is
important to take into account and document changing conditions and
training context when conducting assessments, since the same task could
be performed quite differently when conditions change.
(3) Standards: Standards identify necessary performance criteria consistent
with the concept of operations for the mission under a specified set of
conditions. A standard consists of one .or more performance measures
(derived from references, directives, etc.) and defines the minimum
acceptable level of performance required to validate capability and
Section 6
Attachment 2
AT2-2
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
proficiency. All regular/contingency mission performance objectives must
be considered when identifying and setting requisite performance
standards, to include the assessment/grading/scoring criterion used (where
applicable) to accurately and honestly capture and report results. The
integrity of this data is absolutely imperative to improving the integrated,
programmatic processes used to support an ongoing, systematic approach
to continued improvement. The standards statements contained in the
EMETL refer to site directives and techniques, tactics, and procedures
(TTPs); so sites must ensure all personnel involved in
assessment/evaluation are familiar with the relevant site doctrine.
b. Levels of evaluation and assessment:
(1) MET Evaluations/Assessments: MET evaluations/assessments are used to
determine the status and predicted effectiveness of the Protective Force
(PF) in response to an adversary action. The Training manager and PF
manager conduct MET evaluations/assessments in order to assign a
training priority to supporting tasks in each EMETL category. The
evaluations/assessments should be conducted by a thorough review of
Collective, Leader, and Individual Task assessments/evaluations, along
with after-action reviews derived from exercise activities and Limited
Scope Performance Tests (LSPTs) conducted by PF, Training, and
Performance Testing (PT) perso1mel. MET review should be conducted
quarterly to ultimately support the assignment of training priority during
the annual training plan development process.
(2) Collective Task Evaluations/ Assessments: Collective tasks directly
support the accomplishment of the METs. Collective task
assessments/evaluations are used to determine the proficiency of a team.
Collective tasks are trained, assessed, and evaluated by PF Leaders and
Instructors. Collective task assessments/evaluations feed directly into the
METL evaluation matrix for determining overall Protective Force
proficiency and for determining and establishing training priorities.
(3) Leader Task Evaluations/Assessments: Leader tasks directly support the
accomplishment of Collective tasks. Leader task assessments/evaluations
are used to determine the proficiency of small unit leaders. Leader tasks
are trained, assessed, and evaluated by PF shift Leaders and Instructors.
Additionally, Leader task assessments/evaluations identify those leaders in
need of remedial training, which ultimately supports the overall METL
training effort.
(4) Individual Task Evaluations/Assessments: Like Leader tasks, Individual
tasks directly support the accomplislunent of Collective tasks. These tasks
are trained, assessed, and evaluated by Leaders and Instrnctors, as
appropriate. Individual task assessments/evaluations assist in identifying
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
Attachment 2
AT2-3
those officers in need ofremedial training as well as focusing the overall
training effort in support of MET accomplislunent.
(5) SSST Evaluations/ Assessments: SSSTs also directly support the
accomplishment of Enterprise Mission Essential Tasks and/or Collective
Tasks. They are trained, assessed, and evaluated by Leaders and
Instructors, as appropriate. SSST assessments/evaluations assist in
identifying training needs and focusing the overall training effort in
support of mission accomplislunent.
Section 7
c. Task Evaluation - Primarily PF Leaders, Instructors, and PT personnel conduct
task evaluations. Task evaluation is a formal process that is accomplished by
measuring the observed performance against the task standard- including any
specific measure and criterion. Task evaluation relies upon an objective measure
of a performed task and will culminate in the assigning of a "Go/No-go" for the
evaluated Collective task. Sites will develop their testing/evaluation program
according to local needs discerned by all involved stakeholders (PF, PT, Training,
Vulnerability Assessment, and the Field Office). The results of all evaluations
should be shared among the stakeholders and be used in the ongoing training
needs analysis process.
d. Task Assessment - Task assessment is a qualitative judgment by the Protective
Force Manager and Training Manager that is accomplished by subject matter
experts (SM Es) ( e.g. PF Leaders, PT personnel, VA personnel and Instructors)
formally and informally measuring performance against the task standard -
including any specific measure and criterion (all tasks) an_d performance steps
(leader and individual tasks). It is crucial that task assessments are completely
honest and unvarnished to provide a valid and reliable set of results. Task
assessment should take place whenever possible - even after an evaluation, and
should take into account context/conditions.
(1) Task assessment relies upon the expertise of the SME conducting the
assessment and culminates in assigning a specific value ("T," "P," or "U")
for the assessed task.
(a) Trained (T) means the unit has demonstrated proficiency in
accomplishing the task to standard.
(b) Practice (P) means the unit has demonstrated performance capable
of completing the task but has some difficulty or has failed to
perform some performance step(s) to standard and requires
additional practice. This does NOT imply the unit cannot
accomplish the mission.
(c) Untrained (U) means the unit has not demonsh·ated an ability to
achieve proficiency to standard. This could be a reflection of
Attachment 2
AT2-4
NNSA SD 473.3
9-10-14
substandard performance, or it could be that the individual or unit
has never been trained on the given task.
(2) "T/P/U" is used to identify overall proficiency in the conduct of a task,
and does not necessarily directly reflect the results of "Go/No-go" ratings
- e.g., a team can be assigned a rating of "Go" for a task and still receive
a "P" assessment. High value, perishable skills/tasks must continually be
trained, even though a unit has shown an acceptable level of proficiency.
(3) Narrative after-action statements should be provided for all tasks assessed
as "P" or "U." This is a critical component of the Training Needs
Analysis (TNA) process for determining needs and priorities with regard
to future training of the same task. The statements need not be lengthy,
but should include context/conditions and should point to which
area/performance step(s) kept the rating from being a "T."
( 4) Training Program Task Prioritization: This is the training needs analysis
(TNA). Upon completion of an assessment of tasks (T, P, or U) training
managers must then prioritize the training program based upon
performance-based cormections to mission accomplishment and available
resources, such as time, personnel, equipment, supplies, and funding.
Prioritize training BASED ON ASSESSMENT:
Section 8
(a) Priority 1 = "Will train." These tasks are usually trained by
professional trainers to ensure quality and consistent training
across the entire protective force. This is also the mandatory
training necessary to meet order requirements and for Protective
Force members to maintain certifications.
(b) Priority 2 = "May train." These tasks are usually trained by on
duty leaders in the field, as resources permit. Ideally, every
applicable task should be trained and/or reviewed with
subordinates, although it is not mandatory. The method of delivery
is based on the resources available and operational requirements.
( c) Priority 3 = "May train or evaluate." These tasks are normally
tasks that are assessed as "trained" and therefore should be
performance tested. The testing may occur during regularly
scheduled performance tests. However, every effort should be
made by the performance testing department to evaluate all priority
3 tasks. Some priority 3 tasks may not be tested or evaluated at all
based on available resources and needs.
(d) It is important to state that the METL is not prioritized; however,
the training program is prioritized and allows the training staff to
follow the Systematic Approach to Training for design,
NNSA SD 473.3
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Attachment 2
AT2-5
2.
development, implementation, and evaluation of cunicula and
training.
TRAINING I TESTING EXECUTION CYCLE: The training/testing cycle is a
continuous loop that follows the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) process
(Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation):
a. A thorough TNA is conducted and training priority is assigned. (Analysis)
b. Context and conditions are added via scenario creation as training time
approaches. NNSA EMETL Field Manual is used as guiding curriculum.
(Design & Development)
c. Training/testing is conducted. (Implementation)
d. Evaluation and Assessment results are documented, including amplifying
narrative. (Evaluation)
e. Results are given to Training and Operations for remedial training, repo1iing, etc.,
before being fed back into the TNA in #1 above.
f. Results are shared and discussed during recurring stakeholder meetings.
1. • PURPOSE.
2. CANCELLATION.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. NNSA Applicability.
b. NNSA Contractors.
c. Equivalency.
4. BACKGROUND.
5. PROGRAM ELEMENTS OVERVIEW.
a. Mission Essential Task List (METL):
b. Enterprise Mission Essential Task List (EMETL):
c. Site Specific Supporting Tasks (SSST):
d. Required Supporting Training (RST):
e. Stakeholder organizations:
f. Field Manual:
6. MISSION ESSENTIAL TASKS:
7. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Office of Defense Nuclear Security (NA-70):
b. Field Office Manager and Assistant Managers for Safeguards and Security(AMSS):
8. CONTACT.
ATTACHMENT 1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT
1. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a .Protective Force Managers:
b. Protective Force Training Managers:
C. Protective Force Performance Testing Managers:
cl. Vulnerability Assessment Managers:
ATTACHMENT 2: METL DESCRIPTION
1. PROCESS OVERVIEW:
a. METL Tasks, Conditions, and Standards:
b. Levels of evaluation and assessment:
c. Task Evaluation
d. Task Assessment
2. TRAINING I TESTING EXECUTION CYCLE: