Which of the following are considered discussion-based exercises?

Discussion-based exercises are primarily focused on discussions and are designed to promote dialogue and decision-making around specific scenarios or challenges, rather than involving actual deployment of resources or equipment. Among the options provided, tabletop exercises are specifically characterized as discussion-based, as they involve key personnel gathering to discuss roles, responsibilities, and responses to specific emergency situations or scenarios in a low-stakes, controlled environment. This format allows participants to explore complex issues and enhance their understanding of operational environments through collaborative discussion.

While other types of exercises, like games, may involve discussion elements, they are typically more complex and competitive in nature, potentially diverting from the focus on critical thinking common in discussion-based formats. Drills and functional exercises, on the other hand, incorporate practical, hands-on activities that simulate real-time responses. Thus, tabletop exercises uniquely embody the defining characteristics of discussion-based exercises by emphasizing strategic dialogue and the sharing of knowledge among participants.