“I wish all young professionals before they go into government could have the benefit of this remarkable simulation Ohio State has built. You will not find a more intensive or realistic experience, short of doing the real thing. Amazing!”
– U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad (ret.)
“The simulation helped me land a great job after graduation. I was part of a corporate leadership team during the simulation, and as we managed a series of crises we were able to impress the well-connected practitioners who were playing alongside us. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity!”
– Brian Geiser, Fisher College ’18
Undergrad (junior and senior), graduate, and professional school Ohio State students are invited to apply to be student players in this year’s Ohio State National Security Simulation, sponsored by the Mershon Center for International Security Studies.
Apply
- Application Deadline September 10, 8:00 PM. We will respond to applicants by September 20.
- Register for the September 3, 3:00-4:00 PM Information Session in 1039 Derby Hall
When
- Thursday, October 23, 2025: Welcome Dinner and Keynote Address (optional but strongly recommended)
- Friday, Oct. 24 & Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025: National Security Simulation
This is a football bye week. Breakfast and lunch are provided both days and there is a reception following the final debrief on Saturday.
Where
The Fawcett Center on campus
What
Held every other year in the fall, the National Security Simulation ("Sim") is an unforgettable two-day, real-time role-play and professional training experience. Its 200 players simulate governance at the federal, state, and local levels, plus the media and private sector. This training experience bridges academic learning and the work world. Participating in the Sim is very much like your first two days in an exciting new job – suit up in professional attire and go to work!
Who
All Ohio State students with a serious interest in governance, national and international security, public policy, crisis management, the media, professional ethics, and related issues. Students without backgrounds in national security or international affairs are welcome – they routinely participate and find the Sim a valuable and accessible experience. Roles are geared toward Ohio State students from a range of liberal arts and professional majors. Students step into policy, diplomacy, intelligence, communications, military, and management roles in government, the media, and the private sector. Available roles include:
- Intelligence analysts
- Law enforcement analysts (e.g., at FBI)
- International affairs analysts
- Military headquarters staff to senior military officials (for students with military backgrounds)
- Policy advisors to U.S. Senators
- Policy advisors in Executive Branch agencies including the Departments of Defense and State
- Policy advisors to the Governor of Ohio and Mayor of Columbus
- Journalists
- Social media content creators (using our internal social media platform)
- Press secretaries (strategic communications, or “stratcomms”)
- C-suite corporate officers at the Simulation’s private sector entity
Skill Development
The Sim’s scenarios involve current events, allowing students to bring to bear everything they have learned in their coursework and other experiences. Students role-play alongside experienced professionals who are in the top roles (e.g., President, Secretary of State, U.S. Senators, newspaper editors, corporate leadership). The Sim develops a host of professional skills: role assumption, appraisal of imperfect information, working with senior leaders, "briefing short" to busy people, collaborating across professional and institutional lines, prioritizing, acting with integrity under pressure, and using processes to generate policy and decisions.
Networking
In your player role, you'll spend two days working closely with well-connected real-life practitioners, including many OSU alumni, who volunteer their time to mentor new professionals. Among the Sim's practitioner players are well-known working journalists, sitting federal judges, current and former legislators (federal and Ohio) from across the political spectrum, retired generals, current Ohio National Guard leaders, former Executive Branch officials, diplomats, top advisors to Ohio governors, Columbus-based Fortune 500 business leaders, and, this year, some intriguing international visitors. You can also make connections with students and faculty from other participating universities: OU, Purdue, Dayton, Penn State Law, and Virginia Law. Receptions before and after the Sim give you opportunities to socialize outside of role.
Time Commitment
Two work days – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, plus a few hours in advance reviewing materials and getting into the exercise’s simulated internet, news site, and social media sites. Player commitment is vital to the success of the Sim. Players receive a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the event.
Optional Academic Credit
Students are also encouraged (but not required) to sign up for a connected, hybrid one-credit S/U course in the fall. Tactical Writing (English 5193 #22618) trains students to “write short” in the Sim’s fast-paced office environment and familiarizes them with professional genres: daily briefs, talking points memos, continuation documents, and more. Note: taking the course gives you a guaranteed role/slot in the Sim.
Questions
Please email Prof. Rudesill at NSSIM@osu.edu with "Question - National Security Simulation" in the subject line.