Contingency planning Pentagon MASCAL exercise simulates scenarios in preparing for emergencies
Photos by Dennis Ryan

Police and fire department personnel contemplate responses during the MASCAL drill.

Police and fire department personnel contemplate responses during the MASCAL drill.

A plane crash is simulated inside the cardboard courtyard of a surprisingly realistic-looking model Pentagon. 

A plane crash is simulated inside the cardboard courtyard of a surprisingly realistic-looking model Pentagon.  This "tabletop" exercise was designed to help emergency relief personnel better prepare for disasters when they occur.

Police and fire department personnel contemplate responses during the MASCAL drill.

Police and fire department personnel contemplate responses during the MASCAL drill.