The Situation Room: A National Security Council Exercise

This active learning weekend simulates the working experience of the United States National Security Council (NSC). Students role play as an individual member of the NSC: as either a statutory participant of the Principals Committee (PC), Deputies Committee (DC), or an ad hoc policy member from across government. These roles are assigned prior to the weekend for advanced familiarly on their responsibilities on the NSC. Students are required to work in teams and subunits grappling with real-world problems under the impetus of time as a hypothetical yet realistic crisis scenario unfolds. Breakout sessions require the production of key documents, memorandum, briefing content, and the development of policy options. PC meetings require briefing the National Security Advisor (APNSA) on potential courses of action along with updates concerning policy developments. DC meetings foster tough discussion and appreciation for the various departments, agencies, and outcomes of large bureaucracies zeroed in on complex problems. Policy discussion examines precedent, produces realistic assessments, and sparks creativity in solving challenges many deem unsolvable. Consideration for decision-making, policy implementation, and communication highlight known and under-appreciated organizational dynamics. Required readings in advance of the weekend, dedicated lecture time, and special guests illuminate national security history in a tangible way that explores the challenges of planning and managing a crisis unfolding in near real time.