L.LEA 195 – Intelligence, Defense, and National Security

Overview: This conference is a ten-day immersion in Intelligence, Defense, and National Security for high-performing high school students. Through classroom teaching, guest speakers, interactive small-group work, and a final simulation, students will gain exposure to a broad array of current issues relating to many dimensions of national security. In addition, students are taken through LeadAmerica’s leadership curriculum, which is designed to help them enhance their abilities to lead in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Students who complete the course earn one college credit from Loras College (a second credit is optional). Lecturing is performed by experienced teachers and government officials with the assistance of Team Leaders, who are typically recent college graduates and undergraduate upperclassmen with background in defense and intelligence.

Course Content: The following topics will be covered in the Intelligence, Defense, and National Security conference.

Readings: Students will be given approximately 60 pages of college level background reading assignments in defense, intelligence, and national security. In addition, they will be given approximately 50 additional pages of material to read for the simulation.

Simulation: Throughout the course of the program, students will take part in a United States National Security Simulation. They will play the roles of US intelligence and defense officials to deal with both a domestic and international crisis simultaneously. At the end of the program students will present a long term National Security plan to panel acting as the National Security Council.

Classroom Activities: In addition to lecture and discussion, students will:

          • Experience a briefing on national security and defense at the Pentagon
          • Study a single agency in depth so accurate role-play can occur
          • React to consistent intelligence reports and updates
          • Write and deliver speeches on national security and intelligence and defense policy
          • Produce visual aids to accompany speeches

Off-site experiences: In addition to field trips intended to expose students to the city in which the conference is held, conference participants take trips to some or all of the following: The Pentagon, the International Spy Museum, the State Department, the United States Naval Academy, Arlington Cemetery, and Capitol Hill. While visiting Capitol Hill, students will have an opportunity to meet with their senator and/or representative.