Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Which of the following elements is NOT part of the five elements of threat?

1. Means of attack

2. Psychological impact

3. Surprise

4. Target of attack

The correct answer is: Psychological impact

The five elements of threat typically include means of attack, target of attack, and surprise. These components work together to define how a threat can manifest and affect individuals or communities. The psychological impact, while significant in understanding the aftermath of an attack or disaster, is not categorized as one of the core elements that constitute a threat. The means of attack, for instance, refers to the method or tools used to carry out an attack, while the target of attack is the specific entity or location that is being targeted. Surprise involves the element of unpredictability, making it a critical factor in the effectiveness of a threat. In contrast, the psychological impact often examines the emotional and mental effects of an incident on individuals and communities but does not define the parameters of the threat itself. Therefore, it stands apart from the fundamental elements that comprise what constitutes a threat.