Advance Your Military Career: Assistant Director of Plans, Operations, and Training

Are you a dedicated officer looking to make a significant impact on military readiness and state-level operations? The Arizona National Guard is currently seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Assistant Director of Plans, Operations, and Training. This Title 32 Excepted Service position offers a unique opportunity to influence high-level strategy, manage critical budget programs, and lead multi-disciplinary teams in Phoenix, Arizona.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you function as the "alter ego" to the Director of Plans, Operations, and Training (G3/5/7). Your responsibilities are vast and cross-functional, requiring a blend of administrative mastery and operational foresight. Key duties include:

Strategic Oversight: Formulating plans, policies, and programming data for operations and security.
Operational Readiness: Managing mobilization, force management, and training programs to ensure the highest levels of unit readiness.
Budgetary Control: Overseeing multi-million dollar budgets to achieve organizational goals.
Civil-Military Support: Serving as the state point of contact for local, state, and federal agencies, particularly regarding emergency response, terrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) protocols.
Personnel Management: Providing leadership to subordinate personnel and coordinating with staff directorates to fill vacancies and enhance employee career development.

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level leadership role, candidates must meet specific military and professional criteria:

Military Grade: Must currently hold a rank of MAJ/O-4 to LTC/O-5.
Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Documentation: You must submit a current Soldier Talent Profile (STP) to verify unit, rank, and branch.
Clearance: Ability to maintain a Secret security clearance.

Comparison of Responsibilities

Area	Key Function
Operational	Planning, Training, and Mobilization
Administrative	Budgeting, Policy Formulation, and Staff Management
External	Interagency Coordination and International State Partnership Programs

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $111,338 to $144,741 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will gain access to a competitive benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and insurance plans.
Federal retirement savings options.
Continued professional education and career development training.
The ability to serve your nation, state, and local community in a prestigious leadership capacity.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly describe your work experience using your own words. Avoid copying the job description or using internal acronyms that an HR specialist might not understand.
Include Details: Provide comprehensive information for every position listed, including pay plan, series, grade, work schedule, and supervisor contact info.
Use the Questionnaire: The online Occupational Questionnaire is a key part of your evaluation. Be prepared to provide evidence for the competencies listed.
Check Deadlines: The announcement closes on August 4, 2026. Ensure your submission is complete well in advance.

This position is ideal for an officer who excels at balancing complex logistical demands with broad strategic vision. If you have the experience and the drive to shape the future of the Arizona National Guard, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application today.

Why This Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32 Job Matters

Take your leadership career to the next level by shaping the operational readiness and strategic future of the Arizona National Guard.

Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32 Job Overview

The Arizona National Guard is seeking a high-level strategic leader for the position of Assistant Director of Plans, Operations, and Training. In this vital role, you will function as the primary advisor and second-in-command for G3/5/7 programs, ensuring the readiness, mobilization capabilities, and operational effectiveness of both federal and state-level National Guard missions. You will manage multi-million dollar budgets, oversee complex emergency response protocols, and coordinate high-stakes international partnerships.

Requirements for Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32

Must be a military member with a rank of MAJ/O-4 to LTC/O-5.
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Proven experience in program management, policy development, and organizational operations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be a male born after 12/31/1959 registered with the Selective Service, if applicable.
Submission of a current Soldier Talent Profile (STP) to verify unit, rank, and branch.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32

Extensive experience in managing multi-million dollar budget programs.
Expertise in coordinating Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA) and disaster response.
Background in international relations, including managing State Partnership Programs.
Strong analytical skills regarding force management, readiness, and strategic planning.
Proficiency in integrating distance learning and advanced training simulation technologies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Opportunity for professional development and career advancement
✓Engagement in high-level national and international missions
✓Impactful work supporting civil-military response and community readiness

💡 How to Apply Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Director Of Plans, Operations, And Training T32 Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Review the specific Occupational Questionnaire via the provided portal.
Prepare your resume with detailed work history, including specific dates, salary information, and supervisor contact details.
Gather supporting documentation, specifically your most current Soldier Talent Profile (STP).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of August 4, 2026.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Avoid using acronyms or internal military jargon in your resume; ensure your experience is described clearly for non-specialized HR readers.
Provide granular detail for each job role—including hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Do not copy and paste the job description verbatim in your resume; describe your experience using your own words.
Double-check that your application package is complete before submitting to avoid disqualification.
Ensure your resume reflects the competencies listed in the job evaluation section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this position?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

Can I apply if I am not currently in the military?

This position is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position, which requires specific military rank and branch compatibility (MAJ/O-4 to LTC/O-5).

What happens after I submit my application?

Once the announcement closes, your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility and qualifications. You will receive notification regarding your status via email.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this position is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and requires on-site leadership presence.*

Can I submit my application after the deadline?

*A: No, the system will not accept applications after 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date.*

How is my application evaluated?

*A: HR reviews your resume against the listed competencies. High-scoring candidates are referred to the hiring official for selection.*

Job from Army National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. With a legacy of service dating back to colonial times, the National Guard remains a pillar of collective defense. By joining the Arizona National Guard, you become part of a tradition of coming to the aid of neighbors in times of emergency, while supporting national security objectives through both federal and state-led missions.