Which of the following best describes a tabletop exercise (TTX)?

A tabletop exercise (TTX) is primarily focused on a discussion-centered format that allows participants to explore emergency issues in a low-stress environment. During a TTX, participants typically gather around a table to discuss a hypothetical emergency scenario, which stimulates conversation about roles, responsibilities, and actions that should be taken during an actual emergency. This encourages collaboration and thought while avoiding the logistical complexities of physical simulations or role-playing scenarios.

While physical simulations, structured scenarios with role-playing, and critiques of past performance are valuable in their own right, they do not capture the essence of a tabletop exercise. The primary goal of a TTX is to promote dialogue and critical thinking among participants about preparedness, response strategies, and coordination within teams without the pressures that come with physical demonstrations or reenactments. Therefore, the focus on discussion makes option C the most accurate description of a tabletop exercise.