Introduction to GOG
Every day, individuals, organizations, and government institutions provide critical services and conduct essential functions upon which our neighbors and communities depend. These interdependencies are integral to the survival and support of our way of life.
Continuity ensures that the whole community has planned for ways to provide essential services and conduct these functions when normal operations are disrupted. Without the planning, provision, and implementation of continuity principles, our organizations, communities, and government may be unable to provide services to help fellow citizens when needed the most.
People may die, elected officials may be unable to carry out statutory authorities, organizations may be unable to respond, and communities may be unable to recover. Continuity of Government (COG) provides guidance on the integration of continuity concepts, provides a common foundation for understanding continuity, and guides the development of other tools and resources.
Presidential Policy Directive-21, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, defines resilience as “the ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and recover rapidly from operational disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents.” Continuity is an important part of ensuring a resilient Nation. It is imperative that federal and non-federal entities strengthen the security and resilience of the United States through systemic preparation for the threats that pose the greatest risk.
Trump approved this COG before leaving office!