Since 2009, in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), USIP conducted several Interagency simulations in Washington DC. To date we have provided SENSE training to some 400 whole-of-government participants. USIP has also conducted three half-day internal SENSE demonstrations for 74 staff and other invited guests (USIP Board, Congressional Staff, NDU, State Dept., and the World Bank).

USIP is now collaborating with the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) and OSD to develop a new SENSE model that will expand the capability of SENSE further, and create game scenarios for challenges directly relevant to situations like those faced in Afghanistan. USIP's experts on Afghanistan have informed this process of updating and modifying SENSE. The new variant will feature a country model that more closely resembles Afghanistan’s agricultural economic structure, includes elements of organized criminality, and has a regionally-elected legislative assembly.

This new iteration of SENSE will be used to train U.S. government officials involved in peace and stability operations. USIP is currently conducting interagency simulations in the Washington DC area using the existing SENSE model, and plans to debut the new iteration this year.  

Some newly added features will include: 

•   An agricultural vs. industrial-based economy.
•   An ongoing insurgency.
•   The growing and trafficking of illegal drugs.
•   Corruption.
•   Additional actors, including neighboring countries and a Media Official.

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Interagency SENSE Events

USIP, in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), George Mason University's Peace Operations Policy Program, and the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA), conducted a three-day SENSE simulation for 50 interagency participants utilizing the new SENSE model, Sokrona. In addition to elements present in this model, which include an active insurgency, narcotics trafficking, and corruption, USIP introduced an enhanced cultural component to game play, adding complexity and realism to participant roles. The simulation was held at George Mason University in Arlington, VA.

USIP, in cooperation with OSD, George Mason University's Peace Operations Policy Program, and IDA, successfully debuted the Sokrona SENSE model to interagency audiences. The three-day simulation was held for 53 participants at George Mason University's Arlington campus.

SENSE “Graduate Showcase” game held in Arlington, VA
November 12-13, 2011
On November 12-13, 2011 USIP, in partnership with OSD, George Mason University’s Peace Operations Policy Program, and IDA, held a two-day game at George Mason University in Arlington, VA. The new SENSE model, featuring elements such as an active insurgency, drug trafficking clans, and corrupt government officials, was played by 49 graduate school students from Washington-area universities.

Seventh Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
April 26-28, 2011
On April 26-28, 2011 USIP conducted a SENSE simulation for interagency participants in partnership with OSD, George Mason University, and IDA. Forty Seven participants gathered at USIP’s new headquarters, located next to the National Mall, for the three-day simulation. They previewed the upcoming model of the simulation, which includes a larger focus on problems such as an ongoing insurgency, the growing and trafficking of illegal drugs, and corruption.

Sixth Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
January 11-13, 2011
On January 11-13, 2011 USIP held a SENSE simulation for 49 interagency participants in partnership with OSD, George Mason University, and IDA in Washington DC.

Fifth Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
September 28-30, 2010
On September 28-30, 2011 USIP held a SENSE simulation for 48 interagency participants in partnership with OSD, George Mason University, and IDA in Washington DC.

Fourth Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
November 17-19, 2009
On November 17-19, 2009 USIP conducted a SENSE simulation for interagency participants at the Dupont Hotel in Washington, D.C. in partnership with OSD, IDA, and George Mason’s Peace Operations Policy Program. Thirty-three individuals received the training.

Third Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
July 7-9, 2009
On July 7-9, 2009 USIP conducted a SENSE simulation for interagency participants at the Dupont Hotel in Washington, D.C. in partnership with OSD, IDA, and George Mason’s Peace Operations Policy Program. Sixty-one individuals received the training.

Second Interagency SENSE Simulation held in Washington, DC
May 5-7, 2009
On May 5-7, 2009 USIP conducted a SENSE simulation for interagency participants at the Dupont Hotel in Washington, D.C. in partnership with OSD, IDA, and George Mason’s Peace Operations Policy Program. Forty-three individuals received the training.

Institute Staff Participates in SENSE Simulation  
Apr. 22, 2009
On Wednesday, April 22, the Institute’s Education and Training Center/International (ETC/I) hosted a half-day demonstration of the Strategic Economic Needs and   Security Exercise (SENSE) for members of the Institute staff and a handful of outside guests.

First Interagency SENSE Simulation  
Jan. 13-15, 2009
On January 13-15, 2009 USIP conducted a SENSE simulation for interagency participants at George Mason University’s Arlington campus in partnership with OSD, IDA, and Mason’s Peace Operations Policy Program.