This article describes the approach and the experience of the Defense and Force Management Department at the “G. S. Rakovski” Defense and Staff College in Sofia, Bulgaria in conducting interactive simulations that support decision making on force structure, force development programs, and the respective allocation of resources. The primary purpose of the simulation is to educate students (mostly senior military and civilian MOD personnel) in the intricacies of defense planning and programming in a changing environment, and to provide hands-on experience in defense programming and budgeting. In addition, it allows participants to explore the space of potential policy alternatives, force structuring, and programming decisions, thus serving as a powerful decision-support tool.