Defense Strategy Analyst / Strategic Document Analyst - Arlington, VA
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 analyst translates complex strategic documents and emerging policy developments into clear, actionable insight, identifying changes, risks, trends, and opportunities to support senior leaders’ awareness and decision-making. The role is based at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, with some work at the Pentagon. It includes approximately 4–6 trips within the continental United States per year to support training events and strategic planning activities. The position requires an active Top Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one; previously held clearances will be considered.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field; the posting asks candidates 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 or ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance; previously held clearances will be considered.
- Excellent 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.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet changing deadlines.
- Strong attention to classification requirements and proper handling of sensitive information.
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.
- Familiarity with policy tracking, stakeholder coordination, and strategic risk identification.
- Curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions while remaining grounded in evidence.
Responsibilities
- Review and analyze strategic documents, including the NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP, and related planning guidance.
- Assess changes to Department of Defense 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
