Senior Strategic Planner Strategy, Plans, Exercises & Policy

The Ascendancy Group’s Mission

To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.

Overview

The Ascendancy Group is seeking a highly qualified Senior Strategic Planner to support USCENTCOM’s strategic planning, policy development, and exercise coordination efforts. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with advanced warfighting education and deep experience in joint planning at the combatant command level. You’ll play a critical role in shaping and executing strategy across joint, interagency, and multinational environments.

Security Requirement: Top Secret/SCI Clearance required. 

*This position is contingent upon contract award

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct all aspects of the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP), including:
  • Mission Analysis
  • COA Development
  • COA Analysis (Wargaming)
  • COA Comparison and Decision
• Ensure smooth transition from planning to execution by providing situational awareness and rationale for key decisions to      USCENTCOM staff.
• Support planning efforts across USCENTCOM Component Commands, other Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, OSD, federal agencies, allies, coalition members, and partner nations.
• Provide technical recommendations on joint planning, execution systems, exercise/training planning, and joint doctrine.
• Develop and deliver strategic briefs to senior leaders on planning, policy, and operational topics.
• Evaluate and coordinate USCENTCOM strategies, plans, and policies related to the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
• Offer analysis and recommendations for joint, interagency, and multinational planning initiatives.
• Support coordination between USCENTCOM staff and coalition or regional partners for operations in the AOR.
• Advise USCENTCOM leadership on strategic and regional concerns impacting planning and policy.
• Produce high-quality planning products including orders, estimates, analyses, and briefings for leadership review and approval.
• Coordinate FOIA requests and Mandatory Declassification Reviews (MDR), ensuring compliance with USCENTCOM directives, accurate file searches, and proper safeguarding of plans and orders.

Position Requirements:

• Graduate of one of the following advanced warfighting programs:
  • JAWS, SAMS, SAASS, SAW, MAWS, or Senior Service College equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum 5 years of planning experience
• Minimum 3 years of planning experience at a Geographic or Functional Combatant Command HQ or Service Component HQ supporting a Geographic Combatant Command
• Strong understanding of joint planning processes, strategic policy, and multinational coordination
• Excellent communication and briefing skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with USCENTCOM or in the CENTCOM AOR
• Familiarity with interagency and coalition planning environments
• Ability to manage complex planning efforts under tight timelines

The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust.

We are passionate about everything we do. One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security.

If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!