Under all five mission areas (Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery) there are a combined total of 32 core capabilities. These capabilities are highly interdependent and require us to use existing preparedness networks and activities, to coordinate and unify efforts, to improve training and exercise programs, to promote innovation, and to ensure that the administrative, finance, and logistics systems are in place to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities. There are a number of key characteristics of these capabilities that you should remember.

The core capabilities:

• Are distinct critical elements necessary to meet the National Preparedness Goal
• Are essential for the execution of each mission area: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery
• Provide a common language for preparedness across the whole community
• Are not exclusive to any single level of government or organization and encompass the whole community

More information regarding the National Preparedness System, the National Preparedness Goal, and Core Capabilities can be found in IS-2000: National Preparedness Goal and System: Overview (https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-2000).