The Future of Intelligence is Here

We're all competing for the skilled workforce across the private sector, across the DOD, with the IC and across the globe. We need to start investing and we need to think of new and different ways in which we can bring them into the workforce.

"We're all competing for the skilled workforce across the private sector, across the DOD, with the IC and across the globe. We need to start investing and we need to think of new and different ways in which we can bring them into the workforce."

Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer for the IC

The Challenge: A Widening Talent Gap

The global intelligence landscape is facing a critical challenge: a shrinking workforce. In the US, agencies like the NSA are struggling to meet recruitment goals, competing fiercely with the private sector for top talent while bracing for a wave of retirements.

This isn't just a US problem; it's a global phenomenon. As strategic competitors like China and Russia continue to invest heavily in their intelligence capabilities, the need for a new generation of curious, capable, and committed intelligence professionals has never been more urgent.

A Numbers Game We Can't Afford to Lose

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Up to 50%

Higher Salaries

Critical cyber, data science, and AI talent can earn significantly more in the private sector, making it nearly impossible for government agencies to compete on compensation alone.

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30%

Retirement Eligibility

Nearly a third of the experienced federal STEM workforce will be eligible to retire within the next five years, creating a massive knowledge and leadership gap that must be filled.

(Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management projections)

⏱️

9-12 Month

Hiring Process

The average security clearance process can take the better part of a year. During that time, top-tier candidates receive multiple, faster offers from tech companies and move on.

(Source: Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency data)

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The Paradox

Skills Obsolescence

This security clearance delay creates a critical paradox: by the time an expert is cleared to start, their cutting-edge skills are already approaching obsolescence, making them less effective from day one.

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Only 7%

of Gen Z

Recent surveys show that only a small fraction of college graduates are interested in a career with the federal government, citing slow processes, bureaucracy, and a lack of modern appeal.

(Source: Gartner, Inc. workforce studies)

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40%

Increase in Cyberattacks

Targeting federal agencies has occurred over the recent years. An obsolete workforce is a vulnerable one. When cyber and IC professionals' skills don't keep pace with the rapidly evolving tactics of adversaries, it creates critical gaps in the nation's defenses, putting sensitive data and infrastructure at constant risk.

(Source: White House OMB and CISA incident reports)

Engaging the Next Generation

IntelSim is more than a game, it is a tool and a pipeline.
How do we inspire a new generation to consider a career in intelligence? We meet them where they are. IntelSim is a revolutionary 3D, AI-powered gamification engine that brings the world of espionage to life. By transforming real-life spy stories into immersive, interactive experiences, we can:

✴ Engage a Broader Audience:

Games are the language of the modern world, making complex subjects accessible and exciting. By leveraging immersive, experiential learning, we tap into a powerful educational model where "learning by doing" boosts information retention to over 75%—far beyond traditional methods. This allows potential recruits to practice critical decision-making under pressure in a safe-to-fail environment, directly bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Furthermore, this approach helps build a more equitable and diverse talent pipeline while fostering a lasting public connection and interest in the vital mission of the IC community.

✴ Demystify Espionage:

Move beyond Hollywood portrayals. IntelSim provides a realistic look into the intellectual rigor and ethical complexities of modern spycraft, allowing players to test their skills in authentic scenarios based on declassified operations.

✴ Cultivate Curiosity and Capability:

IntelSim is more than just a game; it's a powerful tool for identifying and nurturing the skills essential for a successful intelligence career, from analytical reasoning to creative problem-solving.

✴ Build a Talent Pipeline:

By creating a vibrant and engaged community of players, we can provide key stakeholders in the US and globally with a direct pipeline to the next generation of intelligence talent.

IntelSim Capabilities

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AI ENGINE

AI-Powered Narrative Engine

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REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS

Real-World Scenarios

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ANALYTICS

Advanced Analytics

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SCALABILITY

Secure and Scalable

✴ AI-Powered Narrative Engine:

Our proprietary AI technology adapts to player choices, creating a unique and personalized experience every time.

✴ Real-World Scenarios:

Developed in collaboration with intelligence community experts, our simulations are grounded in the real-world challenges and tradecraft of modern espionage.

✴ Advanced Analytics:

IntelSim provides detailed insights into player performance, identifying key strengths and areas for development.

✴ Secure and Scalable:

Built on a robust and secure platform, IntelSim can be deployed at scale to meet the needs of any organization.

The Team: Unmatched Expertise

IntelSim is the brainchild of a team with a combined experience that is second to none.

Robin Lobb

With over 30 years of experience in higher education including AI, big data, and intelligence, Robin has consulted for the IC and is a respected voice on the future of intelligence.

https://www.zoinc.org/about

Adam Leslie

A former member of the Australian intelligence community, Adam brings over 30 years of experience in national security, defense, and diplomacy to the team. He is the CEO of Real Spy Comics, a key partner in the IntelSim project.

https://www.realspycomics.com/

Richard Boyd

A pioneer in AI, 3D simulation, and computer gaming, Richard's past successes include contributions to the highly successful America's Army game and the development of the Pentagon's Virtual World Framework.

www.ultisim.com

Together, this team represents a unique fusion of deep intelligence community knowledge, cutting-edge technological expertise, and a proven track record of delivering excellence.

Join Us in Madrid!

As a testament to their thought leadership, Robin Lobb, Adam Leslie and Richard Boyd will be leading a special workshop on IntelSim at the Joint IAFIE Europe & IAFIE Global Annual Conference in Madrid next week.

Event: Joint IAFIE Europe & IAFIE Global Annual Conference

Theme: "Enhancing Intelligence Competencies for a New World of Threats"

Session: IntelSim Workshop

Featuring:

• Three lightning talks

• Real Spy Comics samples

• An interactive discussion on the future of intelligence training

We invite you to join us for this exciting event and discover how IntelSim is poised to revolutionize the world of intelligence.