The origin of the term goes back to the 1950s when it was used to refer to a person who would assume the presidency should the president and vice president become incapacitated or die. In practice, the designated survivor comes from a line of succession defined by the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. Today’s best-known example of a designated survivor is the television series of the same name, where a member of the Cabinet is named the designated survivor and unexpectedly becomes the President after an attack on Congress.
Designated survivors have become increasingly relevant in today’s world. With advancements in technology, it’s much easier to commit terrorist attacks, and the use of biological or chemical weapons is becoming more likely. Governments across the globe are aware of these risks and are developing protocols. The United States has a protocol in place that requires the president, vice president, and every Cabinet member to skip certain events, such as the State of the Union, to avoid a catastrophic loss of leadership.
The designated survivor’s role goes far beyond just being in a bunker or basement, waiting to take over as president. They must undergo extensive training to ensure they are prepared to carry out the duties of the president. They undergo intense drills to mimic various scenarios that would demand action from the President of the United States. The designated survivor is also given access to classified information and intelligence briefings to ensure they are informed on issues that may arise.
The importance of the designated survivor has become very apparent in today’s world. By having a designated survivor in place, it provides a level of assurance to the public that the government can still function even in the face of an attack. It also ensures that the government can continue to lead and make decisions when the security of the nation is threatened.
One example of when the designated survivor protocol was put into action was during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the possibility of the virus spreading to multiple government officials, the decision was made to have a designated survivor in place in case the top leaders became ill or incapacitated. This was a precautionary move that proved to be critical in managing the pandemic, as it ensured that government protocols remained in place, allowing the country to move forward.
In conclusion, designated survivors are an important aspect of our government’s continuity plan. The role they play provides a level of trust and comfort to the public that, even in the face of potential disaster, our government can function as it should. It’s a role that requires immense preparation and training which truly tests the individual’s mental and physical determination. The variable and unpredictable nature of our world demands that we continue to hone and adapt our protocols to ensure the best level of protection for our citizens. With a designated survivor, our nation can continue to prevail during any type of catastrophic event.