Strategic/Operational Planner III

Position Summary

The Strategic/Operational Planner III provides expert-level planning support across the full spectrum of joint military operations. This role delivers strategic, operational, and staff planning in areas such as operations, logistics, information operations, ISR, military information support operations, cyber operations, public diplomacy, public affairs, and broader staff support. The planner develops detailed operational options, identifies resource requirements, and assesses risks to ensure the Command is prepared to meet its mission across a diverse and dynamic operational environment.

This role ensures that Joint Operation Planning aligns with the strategic employment of military power, enabling the Command to shape events, meet emerging contingencies, and respond effectively to crises. The planner integrates two core processes—the Adaptive Planning and Execution System (APEX) and the Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP)—to support full-spectrum planning for military operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Develop and support comprehensive strategic and operational planning efforts across multiple mission areas.


• Conduct detailed operational planning to develop viable courses of action (COAs), identify resource needs, and assess and mitigate operational risk.


• Support planning efforts addressing current operations, future operations, and long‑range strategic initiatives.

Joint Operations Integration

• Ensure planning aligns with Joint Operation Planning guidelines and the strategic employment of military capabilities.


• Integrate APEX and JOPP methodologies into all planning products and processes.


• Prepare the Command staff to meet joint requirements within its extensive mission area.

Mission Area Support

• Provide planning expertise in:
  
  
  
  • Operations and logistics
  
  
  • Information operations
  
  
  • Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
  
  
  • Military information support operations (MISO)
  
  
  • Cyber and computer network operations
  
  
  • Public affairs and public diplomacy
  
  
  • Staff operations support
  
  
  
  

Risk Assessment & Resource Identification

• Identify critical risks associated with plans and propose mitigation strategies.


• Identify required resources and synchronize planning efforts to support mission success.

Staff Support & Coordination

• Provide planning support and guidance to senior leadership and staff organizations.


• Contribute to integrated staff planning efforts to ensure coherent operational and strategic outcomes.


• Support the development of planning directives, briefings, and decision‑ready materials.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree
AND
Nine (9) years of relevant experience

Acceptable Equivalencies:

• High School + Thirteen (13) years of experience


• Associate’s Degree + Eleven (11) years of experience


• Master’s Degree + Seven (7) years of experience


• PhD + Five (5) years of experience

Relevant Experience Requirement:

• Minimum of Five (5) years of position‑specific relevant experience

Required Qualifications

• Expertise in joint planning processes including APEX and JOPP


• Demonstrated experience supporting strategic, operational, or contingency planning


• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills


• Excellent oral and written communication abilities


• Ability to synthesize complex operational data into decision-ready products


• Experience collaborating with senior military or government personnel


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications


• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high‑tempo environment