Defense Strategy Analyst / Strategic Document Analyst - Arlington, VA

VetJobs • Arlington, VA

2d • $115,500 - $124,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Defense Strategy Analyst helps National Guard Bureau leaders understand how changes in national strategy, defense policy, and Joint guidance may affect the Guard’s missions, responsibilities, and future priorities. The role translates complex strategic documents and emerging policy developments into clear, actionable insight by identifying changes, risks, trends, and opportunities. The analyst supports senior leaders’ awareness of the evolving defense environment and their decisions about potential National Guard adaptations.

The position is based at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, with some work at the Pentagon. The stated start date is ASAP, and the salary range is $115,500 to $124,500. Travel is approximately four to six CONUS trips per year to support training events and strategic planning activities. The role supports CNGB and senior leadership decision-making and involves working with classified and unclassified strategy developments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field; the posting says to specify if the degree is in progress.
• At least 5 years of experience in strategic policy analysis, defense planning, intelligence analysis, or a related national security environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of complex information into concise, actionable findings.
• Experience operating in classified and unclassified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance; candidates must be able to obtain TS clearance. Previously held clearances will be considered.
• Strong written communication skills, particularly for information papers, executive summaries, and senior leader briefings.
• Ability to identify meaningful changes, risks, and opportunities in complex policy and strategy documents.
• Strong analytical judgment and ability to distinguish important information from noise.
• Familiarity with policy tracking, stakeholder coordination, and strategic risk identification.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet changing deadlines.
• Strong attention to classification requirements and proper handling of sensitive information.
• Curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions while remaining grounded in evidence.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, National Security Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting the National Guard Bureau, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, or other DoD strategy organizations.
• Experience using SIPR and NIPR research tools.
• Familiarity with major DoD and Joint strategy documents, including NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP, and campaign planning frameworks.
• Strong understanding of National Guard missions, structure, and integration with federal defense planning.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze strategic documents, including the NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP, and related planning guidance.
• Assess changes to DoD and Joint Staff publications for potential impacts on National Guard roles and responsibilities.
• Monitor think tank, academic, and policy developments relevant to National Guard strategic priorities.
• Develop concise information papers, executive summaries, and senior leader briefing materials.
• Compare historical and emerging guidance to identify changes in policy, risk, priorities, and strategic direction.
• Maintain awareness of classified and unclassified strategy developments and support appropriate dissemination.
• Identify emerging issues or implications that may require additional analysis or senior leader attention.
• Support CNGB and senior leadership decision-making with clear, timely, well-reasoned analysis.
• Participate in working groups, planning events, and other strategic engagements as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level