Jim Houseman

United States Secretary of Defense

United States Secretary of Defense. In the latter half of the incident, he assumes operational command and attempts to eliminate evidence via nuclear strike, but is ultimately arrested.

Quotes

  • “I will take custody of Colonel Campbell.”
  • “We have no choice but to erase all evidence with a nuclear strike.”
  • “This is not merely a riot; it is a battle for the survival of the nation.”
  • “Your mission is to obey orders.”
  • “The truth should be buried in darkness.”

Trivia

  • In the latter half of the operation, restrains Commander Campbell and hijacks operational command himself.
  • Ordered the nuclear airstrike on Shadow Moses Island.
  • After the incident's conclusion, arrested and detained, but later reported as suicide.
  • Depicted as a mastermind-like figure for the incident, performing hardline cover-up measures.
  • Voice actor Tomohisa Asō has performed important roles in multiple Metal Gear works.
  • Depicted in the game's staging as a symbol of political authority and dark power.

Alternate names

Jim Houseman Secretary of Defense Houseman

Tags

Metal Gear Solid Secretary of Defense US Government Cover-up Operations Political Conspiracy

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birth year
Around the 1940s to 1950s

Appearance

Overall appearance
Elderly male with the dignity befitting a public servant. Wears a suit with calm black hair suited to his age.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cunning
Detailed personality
A strategist who prioritizes self-preservation and actively participates in operation cover-ups and evidence destruction. Outwardly composed, but displays an overbearing demeanor.
Keywords
  • Political
  • Conspirator
  • Elderly
  • Authoritarian
  • Cover-up
Talents
  • Political Maneuvering
  • Strategic Command
  • Crisis Management
Skills
  • Military Operation Command
  • Information Manipulation
  • Cover-up Schemes
Motivation
To cover up the incident in order to protect his own interests and those of the organization, striving to maintain domestic order.

History

Backstory
United States Secretary of Defense. In the Shadow Moses Incident, he takes command in the latter half of the operation, restrains Campbell, and enforces a thorough cover-up operation including nuclear attack, but is ultimately arrested as a collaborator. After the incident, it was reported as suicide, but there are theories that he was actually politically eliminated.
Debut date
September 3, 1998
Work title
Metal Gear Solid
Media type
Game

Shadow Moses Incident

Significant event
Shadow Moses Incident
Description
Takes operational command in response to the terrorists' uprising, restrains Campbell, and decides on a cover-up using nuclear attack. Ultimately arrested.

Post-Incident Assassination Rumors

Significant event
Post-Incident Assassination Rumors
Description
Reported as suicide a few days after the incident, but there is a possibility he was assassinated by political forces behind the scenes.

Central Figure in Political Conspiracy

Significant event
Central Figure in Political Conspiracy
Description
Operates as one of the masterminds behind the incident, deeply involved in the strategies of the overall operation.

Relationships

Roy Campbell

Advisor

Restrains Campbell and seizes operational command in the final stages.

United States Department of Defense

United States Department of Defense: leader

Media appearances

Metal Gear Solid

Game / Supporting

1998

Metal Gear Solid Integral

Game / Supporting

1999

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Game / Supporting

2004

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1

Game / Supporting

2023

Voice cast and creators

Tomohisa Asō

Voice actor
Tomohisa Asō
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Original Game Version

William H. Bassett

Voice actor
William H. Bassett
Language
English
Version or series
Original Game Version

Hideo Kojima

Creator name
Hideo Kojima
Role
Original author

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