Military Intelligence Strategic Planner
Darkblade Systems.com
130k - 220k USD/year
Office
Crystal City, VA, United States
Full Time
Overview
Darkblade Systems, a CIS Secure company, is a trusted provider of specialized capabilities to priority programs within the defense and intelligence communities, delivering scientific, engineering, technical, operational support and training services. Formed in 2010, Darkblade Systems strives to be a business that puts people first: clients, colleagues, employees, and teammates. Our cleared personnel are experts in the operationalization and deployment of new and emerging technologies.
Darkblade Systems is seeking an experienced and insightful MILITARY INTELLIGENCE STRATEGIC PLANNER & ADVISOR to provide expert support to the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2 (Intelligence). This position is ideal for a professional who excels at the intersection of national policy, military strategy, and intelligence operations.
Responsibilities
Serve as a key advisor, responsible for conducting long-range strategic analysis, developing future-focused concepts, and assessing the geopolitical landscape to inform the direction of the Army's intelligence enterprise. You will be tasked with thinking critically about the future operational environment, the character of war, and their implications for Army Intelligence, ensuring the G2 is postured to meet future challenges.
- Research, develop, and write strategic assessments, estimates, and other papers on complex national security and intelligence topics.
- Analyze national and military strategic guidance (e.g., National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy) to determine implications for the Army G2.
- Lead and facilitate strategic planning teams, working groups, and communities of interest to develop and refine Army intelligence plans and concepts.
- Develop and articulate strategic-level insights on geopolitical trends, competitor strategies, and emerging threats.
- Engage with counterparts across the Joint Staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Intelligence Community (IC), and with academic and policy institutions.
- Prepare and present clear, concise, and persuasive briefings and written products for senior Army leaders (General Officer / Senior Executive Service level).
- Assist in the integration of strategic planning efforts with Army intelligence resource allocation, capabilities development, and operational planning.
- Provide intellectual leadership and serve as a subject matter expert on military strategy and its application to the intelligence discipline.
Operating Hours And Expectations:
- This position operates on a standard 8-hour schedule Monday - Friday.
Travel:
- Approximately 10% CONUS and possible OCONUS travel.
Qualifications
Clearance:
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
Certification(S):
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, Political Science, National Security Studies, History, or Public Policy.
- Preferred Education: Master's Degree or Ph.D. in relevant field.
- Preferred Education: Graduate of a military Senior Service College (e.g., Army War College, National War College), the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), or the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS).
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or other relevant technical certifications (preferred).
Required Skills And Experience:
- A minimum of 12 years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis, or military planning at a service headquarters, Joint Staff, Combatant Command, or equivalent level.
- Demonstrated mastery of critical thinking, research, and qualitative analysis.
- Exceptional writing and communication skills, with a proven ability to craft strategic documents and articulate complex concepts to senior audiences.
- Deep understanding of the international security environment, U.S. national security policy, and military strategic planning processes.
Preferred Skills And Experience:
- Direct experience as an Army Strategist (FA59) or equivalent from another service.
- Significant experience on the HQDA Staff (especially G-2 or G-3/5/7), the Joint Staff (especially J5), or in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD Policy).
- Experience planning or supporting intelligence operations in a strategic context.
- Published articles, papers, or book chapters on national security or military strategy.
- Deep subject matter expertise in a specific geographic region (e.g., INDOPACOM, EUCOM) or a functional topic (e.g., Great Power Competition, information warfare, emerging technologies).
Benefits
What We Offer:
At CIS Secure and its associated companies, Intrepid Solutions and Services and Darkblade Systems, we believe in promoting fair and transparent pay practices. We are committed to disclosing the compensation range for transparency and to set clear expectations for all applicants for this posting. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base salary for the advertised job, promotion, or transfer opportunity. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. The actual salary offered may vary based on various factors including but not limited to relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, education, geographic location, as well as internal equity, and alignment to market data.Job Type: Full-time (onsite)
Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) with company matching
- Dental insurance
- Medical insurance
- Health Savings Account option
- Flexible Spending
- Vision insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Ancillary offerings (Hospital Indemnity, Accident, Critical Illness, Pet Insurance)
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday pay
Darkblade Systems, a CIS Secure company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Military Intelligence Strategic Planner
Office
Crystal City, VA, United States
Full Time
130k - 220k USD/year
September 26, 2025