London, Dec 18 : President elect Barack Obama''s White House team is to undergo a crash course in how to handle terrorist attacks and international crises as part of rigorous efforts to prepare the new administration for early challenges in office.

The briefings and exercises on potential international alarms and security threats - the most comprehensive ever for any incoming officials - will include two days of hands-on training next January in which cabinet officials will be questioned on dealing with potential disaster scenarios, including an attack that would wipe out the top tier of America''s political leadership.

Ken Wainstein, President Bush''s adviser on homeland security, told reporters the "tabletop exercises" for incoming cabinet officials were part of an initiative by Bush to ensure the US does not drop its guard during the first post-9/11 transition of power, The Guardian reported.

Preparing for Obama''s takeover on January 20 has become an overriding preoccupation of both camps. Bush has pledged repeatedly to ensure a smooth handover.

"We care about [Obama]. We want him to be successful, and we want the transition to work," Bush told CNN this week.

The Obama camp has praised the Bush administration for its co-operation. White House officials yesterday cast those efforts as part of Bush''s mission to leave America safer than it was at the time of the 9/11 attacks.

Senior administration officials have been deputed to conduct personal security briefings for their successors. The White House has issued dozens of memos setting out what it sees as problems awaiting the next president.

Wainstein said he spent 30-40 percent of his time briefing the Obama camp on security issues, the Paper reported.

The preparations extend to crafting up to a dozen possible responses to scenarios, from a nuclear explosion in North Korea to terrorists hacking US computer systems. These have been seen as a sign of the extraordinary efforts by Bush and Obama to ensure a smooth transition.

Obama can also expect more conventional early diplomatic challenges. Yesterday the state department''s top arms control official, John Rood, said he believes the Russian government intends to "test the mettle" of the Obama Administration on missile defence and other issues.

Security experts concede that the transition period between election and inauguration could leave America exposed to attack. Obama cited those dangers as a rationale for his drive to install his White House staff and cabinet without delay. (ANI)