Command the Digital Battlefront: Becoming an Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner
In the modern theater of war, the traditional boundaries of land, sea, air, and space have expanded to include a volatile, rapidly evolving fifth domain: cyberspace. As cyber threats from state and non-state actors grow in sophistication, the United States Department of the Navy relies on elite technical minds to plan, coordinate, and execute strategic digital responses.
Among the most critical of these roles is the Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner). Operating within the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (USFLTCYBERCOM) at Fort Meade, Maryland, this position represents a pinnacle career path for seasoned cyber warfighters and military analysts. Positioned within the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES) at the GG-13 grade level, this role commands a competitive salary of $131,841 to $180,186 per year and places you at the nerve center of the nation's cyber defense and offense.
About the Agency: United States Fleet Cyber Command
The United States Fleet Cyber Command serves as the Navy’s premier cyber defense and offensive operations arm. Operating under the broader umbrella of the Department of the Navy and U.S. Cyber Command, USFLTCYBERCOM acts as the Navy's service cryptologic component and joint force cyber headquarters.
At the tactical heart of this mission is the Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber (JFHQ-C). Located at Fort Meade, Maryland, JFHQ-C acts as the command-and-control engine for over 800 Joint Service Cyber Combat Mission Forces (CMF) personnel. Joining this team means aligning your professional goals with a highly trained, interdisciplinary force of military and civilian experts who work daily to defend critical infrastructure, protect military assets, and project decisive warfighting power in and through cyberspace.
Key Responsibilities of the Fires Planner
As an Offensive Cyberspace Operations (OCO) Fires Planner, your day-to-day duties go far beyond simple technical analysis. You are a strategic facilitator, tactical architect, and commander of complex cyberspace priorities. Your primary duties include:
- Command and Control (C2) Leadership: You will play a pivotal role in directing and managing more than 800 joint service cyber warriors, translating high-level military intent into clear, actionable digital directives.
- Offensive Operational Design: You will be responsible for planning, executing, and synchronizing offensive cyberspace operations (OCO), ensuring cyber capabilities are integrated seamlessly into broader multi-domain military operations.
- Joint Operations Integration: Collaborating with Cyberspace Operations-Integrated Planning Elements, C10F Task Force Elements, and other high-level defensive agencies, you will sync cyber activities with conventional military movements.
- Targeting and Fires Methodology: You will analyze operational capabilities to deliver non-lethal targeting options and information operations effects that carry significant strategic impact on national-level priorities.
- Strategic Planning: You will design administrative, operational, and tactical controls (ADCON, OPCON, TACON) for joint forces assigned to the command, establishing structural clarity during intense combat and training exercises.
Requirements and Qualifications
Because this role operates at the highest levels of national security, the qualifications are rigorous and highly specific. To succeed, candidates must demonstrate technical proficiency alongside a deep understanding of operational military frameworks.
Required Core Competencies:
- OPLAN and CONPLAN Proficiency: Candidates must possess direct experience utilizing Operation Plans (OPLANs) and Concept Plans (CONPLANs) to construct targeting methodologies and deliver critical operational recommendations.
- Targeting Effects Engineering: Experienced in designing non-lethal targeting strategies and information operations priorities that influence high-stakes command resources and planning protocols.
- Command Structuring (ADCON/OPCON/TACON): Candidates must possess a strong foundational understanding of military command relationships, specifically controlling organic forces during joint, combined, or bilateral military operations.
- Staff and Material Oversight: Proven background in orchestrating materials, resource allocations, and diverse technical teams during complex exercises or active operational missions.
Conditions of Employment:
- Security Clearance: Candidates must possess, or be able to immediately obtain, a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
- Drug Testing: The role requires passing an initial drug screening within 30 days of entry on duty, as well as maintaining a drug-free status subject to continuous random testing.
- Probationary Term: New appointees to the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) will serve a mandatory 3-year probationary period.
- Resume Formatting: Applications must submit a maximum of two (2) pages for their resumes. Any submissions exceeding this limit or deemed unreadable will be automatically disqualified.
Salary Overview & Comparison
This role is positioned within the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) pay scale, which provides competitive advantages over traditional civil service systems. It features structured, step-based pay progression paired with specialized incentives. Below is a comparative look at how this GG-13 role contrasts with typical Federal General Schedule (GS) roles:
| Feature | Traditional Civil Service (GS-13) | Cyber Excepted Service (GG-13 CES) |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Range | $131,841 - $180,186 (Locality Adjusted) | $131,841 - $180,186 (Plus Specialized Incentives) |
| Appointment Class | Competitive Service | Excepted Service (10 U.S.C. 1599f) |
| Probationary Period | Typically 1 Year | 3-Year Probationary Term |
| Hiring Authorities | Standard Competitive Pathways | Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA) Eligible |
| Incentives | Standard Agency Discretionary | Authorized Recruitment, Relocation, and Student Loan Repayment |
Comprehensive Benefits Portfolio
Choosing a career with the Department of the Navy means securing a robust, comprehensive support system for you and your family. In addition to a competitive base salary, selected candidates can expect:
- Healthcare Coverage: Choice of premium Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including dental, vision, and long-term care programs.
- Retirement Planning: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) featuring immediate agency matching up to 5%.
- Work-Life Integration: Telework flexibilities modeled around mission requirements, robust sick leave, and generous annual leave allocations.
- Career Advancement: Robust continuous training and professional development pathways under the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework.
- Financial Incentives: Selectees may be considered for specialized recruitment or relocation incentives, as well as Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) assistance.
Insider Application Tips
Landing a senior-level position within JFHQ-Cyber requires precision and strict attention to administrative details. Avoid common pitfalls by executing the following tips:
- Watch the Page Count: The Navy enforces a strict two-page limit for resumes. If your resume is 2.1 pages, it will be discarded immediately. Condense your experience down to high-impact cyber achievements.
- Avoid Generic Duty Lists: Rather than copying the job listing, detail how you applied targeting methodologies, the scale of the teams you coordinated, and the impact of your plans on organizational objectives.
- Include Operational Quantifiers: Highlight key military terminologies such as OPLANs, CONPLANs, ADCON, OPCON, and TACON. Having these keywords prominently detailed on your resume is essential for HR evaluation.
- Verify Document Legibility: Double-check that all uploaded documents, transcripts, DD-214s, and certifications are fully readable. Smudged or poorly formatted scans are classified as ineligible.
Q: Can I apply through USAJobs directly?
No. This position uses a direct-hire public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted via the USAJobs portal. Candidates must submit their materials directly to the Navy HR point of contact via email.
Q: What is the exact email address and subject line for submission?
To apply, email your complete resume and supporting documents to [email protected] using the exact subject line: DE-13006278-26-SLL GG-13.
Q: What is the target closing date for applications?
Your application package must be received via email no later than July 29, 2026.
Serving as an Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner is more than just a job; it is a vital, high-stakes contribution to national sovereignty in the digital age. By translating sophisticated cyber strategies into coordinated combat effects, you will protect service personnel, defend federal infrastructure, and stand at the vanguard of the United States Navy's technological defense systems. If you have the technical foresight, operational expertise, and command-ready leadership required to guide 800+ joint forces, step up and submit your application package before the July 29, 2026 deadline.
Why This Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner) Job Matters
Command the digital battlefront: Lead critical offensive cyber strategies and synchronize elite joint forces at the Navy's premier cyber command.
Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner) Job Overview
The Department of the Navy is seeking a highly skilled Program Analyst to serve as an Offensive Cyberspace Operations (OCO) Fires Planner with Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber (JFHQ-C) under the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (USFLTCYBERCOM) at Fort Meade, Maryland. This critical, high-visibility role within the DoD Cyber Excepted Service (CES) is designed for a senior-level technical professional who will oversee command and control efforts for over 800 Joint Service Cyber Combat Mission Forces (CMF) personnel. Operating at the intersection of intelligence, strategy, and cutting-edge technology, the selected candidate will define, plan, coordinate, and synchronize offensive cyber operations to project national warfighting capabilities.
Requirements for Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner)
- Must be a US Citizen.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
- Subject to initial pre-employment drug screening and subsequent random drug testing.
- Must serve a three-year probationary period under the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) guidelines.
- Applicants must submit a comprehensive, legible resume restricted to a maximum of two (2) pages.
- Must have direct experience using Operation Plans (OPLANs) and Concept Plans (CONPLANs) to apply targeting methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner)
- Proven experience defining, planning, and synchronizing offensive cyberspace operations across diverse tactical and operational command structures.
- Expertise in coordinating administrative control (ADCON), operational control (OPCON), and tactical control (TACON) force relationships.
- Background in establishing non-lethal and information operation targeting effects with high-level mission impact.
- Strong background in joint military environments, collaborating directly with C10F Task Force Elements and Integrated Planning Elements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary within the GG-13 pay scale.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives for eligible candidates.
- ✓Flexible work options including telework eligibility as determined by operational requirements.
- ✓Paid parental leave and standard federal retirement pension benefits.
💡 How to Apply Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Analyst (Offensive Cyberspace Operations Fires Planner) Job
- Prepare a detailed professional resume matching the specific requirements of the GG-0343-13 role.
- Ensure your resume does not exceed the strict two-page limit and explicitly details dates of employment (Month/Year), hours worked per week, and federal grade levels if applicable.
- Gather all necessary supporting documentation, including unofficial transcripts (if substituting or verifying education), DD-214 (if claiming veterans' preference), and professional certifications.
- Submit your complete application package via email directly to [email protected].
- Ensure the email subject line reads exactly: DE-13006278-26-SLL GG-13.
- Verify that your application and documents are sent and received prior to the closing date on July 29, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume ceiling. Applications with resumes exceeding two pages, or those deemed illegible, will be disqualified without review.
- Quantify your accomplishments. Instead of listing duties, describe the scope of your responsibilities, such as managing multi-agency stakeholders or executing high-stakes OCO frameworks.
- Use USAJOBS Resume Builder as a structural guide to ensure you do not omit crucial information like employer addresses, supervisors' contact info, or exact weekly work hours.
- Ensure all military or veterans' preference documentation (like a Member-4 DD-214 or Va Disability Letter) is clear, unredacted (or correctly redacted as permitted), and submitted in full.
- Do not wait until the final deadline to submit. This is a public notice flyer, and vacancies are filled as they materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cyber Excepted Service (CES)?
The Cyber Excepted Service is a specialized federal personnel system established under 10 U.S.C. 1599f. It offers unique flexibilities in recruitment, compensation, and professional development designed to build and maintain a highly agile, world-class DoD cyber workforce.
Where is this position located?
The duty station is located at Fort Meade Naval Facilities in Maryland, a central hub for national cyber defense and military intelligence operations.
Is telework permitted for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy, supervisor approval, and operational security requirements.
What is the probationary period for a new hire?
In accordance with DoD instructions, newly appointed personnel within the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) must serve a three-year probationary period.
How can I apply for this position?
This flyer serves as an active notification. Interested candidates must bypass standard USAJobs submission pathways and email their complete application packets directly to the POC at [email protected] with the subject line 'DE-13006278-26-SLL GG-13'.
Q: Is this position open to the general public?
Yes. This is a public notice flyer, meaning any qualified U.S. citizen may submit an application for consideration.