Become an Intelligence Operations Specialist with the Wisconsin Air National Guard

Are you looking for a rewarding civil-service career that directly supports national security and tactical aviation operations? The Wisconsin Air National Guard is recruiting an Intelligence Operations Specialist (GS-0132-11) based in Madison, Wisconsin. Assigned to the 115th Operations Support Squadron (115 OSS), this Title 32 Excepted Service role presents a unique intersection of military readiness and specialized civilian service.

Positioned at the core of unit operations, the Intelligence Operations Specialist is responsible for critical threat evaluations, operational planning, and the comprehensive training of assigned military personnel. Read on to explore the job responsibilities, compensation structure, mandatory qualifications, and application steps for this exciting career path.

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About the Agency: Wisconsin Air National Guard

The National Guard stands as the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces, tracing its origin back to early American defense traditions. Serving dual state and federal missions, the Wisconsin Air National Guard responds to local emergencies, state crisis relief, and global defense initiatives.

The 115th Operations Support Squadron, situated at Truax Field in Madison, plays a pivotal role in maintaining combat flight readiness. Joining this unit means collaborating with dedicated service members who prioritize community defense, national protection, and operational excellence. As a Title 32 technician, you serve as a vital link in maintaining high unit preparedness.

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Key Responsibilities of the Role

As an Intelligence Operations Specialist (GS-11), your core focus will center on analyzing tactical data, supporting operational aircrews, and delivering robust training to unit members. Key responsibilities include:

• Mission Planning and Support: Conducting thorough intelligence assessments to assist flight commanders and aircrews in planning combat or training operations.
• Threat Analysis: Executing detailed evaluations of adversary weapon systems, integrated air defense networks, and global geopolitical situations impacting unit objectives.
• Aircrew Briefing and Debriefing: Providing timely, mission-essential threat briefings to pilots prior to flight and gathering vital intelligence data during post-flight debriefs.
• Instruction and Task Certification: Serving as a primary instructor and certifier for unit personnel on order of battle maintenance, threat analysis tools, and Geospatial Intelligence & Services (GI&S).
• System & Data Management: Maintaining complex intelligence databases, analytical tools, and operational security guidelines.

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Position Overview & Grade Breakdown

This position is listed under the Federal General Schedule (GS) classification system at the GS-11 grade level. The appointment type is Indefinite, which offers employment continuity with potential conversion to permanent status at management's discretion.

Position Aspect	Details
Job Title	Intelligence Operations Specialist-T32
Pay Grade	GS-0132-11
Annual Salary Range	$74,678 to $97,087
Location	Madison, Wisconsin
Duty Type	Indefinite (Excepted Service)
Military Rank Req.	Enlisted Ranks E-3 through E-5
Security Clearance	Top Secret / SCI Eligible
Telework Eligibility	Yes (As approved by policy)

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Mandatory Qualifications & Eligibility

To be considered for this GS-11 position, candidates must meet strict military, security, and administrative prerequisites:

General & Specialized Experience

Applicants must demonstrate at least 36 months of specialized experience, training, or education in:

1. Developing and recommending operational intelligence policies and procedures.
2. Managing administrative, technical, or investigative programs.
3. Evaluating geopolitical threat conditions and complex weapon systems.
4. Organizing factual data into clear, concise analytical intelligence reports.

Military Requirements

• Guard Membership: This Excepted Service position requires active membership in the Wisconsin Air National Guard upon hire.
• Rank Compatibility: Applicants must hold or be eligible to hold an enlisted grade between E-3 and E-5.
• Uniform Requirement: The selected candidate will be required to wear the official military uniform during duty hours.

Security and Suitability Clearances

• Top Secret/SCI Clearance: Must be eligible for and maintain Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information access.
• Lautenberg Amendment: Position is subject to the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. Applicants convicted of qualifying domestic violence crimes are ineligible.
• Travel & Physicality: Occasional travel aboard military or commercial aircraft may be required, as well as non-standard work hours during exercises or operations.

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Salary, Benefits, and Perks

Federal service with the National Guard offers a competitive compensation framework and comprehensive employee perks. In addition to an annual salary between $74,678 and $97,087, employees enjoy:

• Retirement Protection: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan after 5 years of civilian service.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-style investment plan offering automatic government contribution matching.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Earn annual leave, accrued sick leave, and observe 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Military Leave: Additional paid leave for active military duty requirements and weekend training drills.
• Work-Life Integration: Flexible work scheduling options and up to 3 hours per week of paid duty time for physical fitness.
• Health Benefits: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

Submitting a complete application package is crucial for receiving consideration by the Human Resources Office. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is compliant:

1. Log in to USAJOBS: Access your existing USAJOBS account or create a new profile at USAJOBS.gov.
2. Prepare Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines relevant job titles, military/civilian series and grades, full dates of employment (Month/Year), and explicit detail regarding your specialized intelligence duties.
3. Initiate the Online Application: Click the "Apply" button on the official job posting to be directed to the USA Staffing system.
4. Complete the Assessment: Answer all questions in the online questionnaire accurately. Align your self-ratings with verifiable evidence in your resume.
5. Upload Required Documentation: Attach military documents, transcripts, or certifications if applicable.
6. Review and Submit: Confirm that all uploaded documents have successfully passed virus scans, verify your personal information, and submit your package prior to 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2026.

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Application Tips for Success

• Quantify Experience: Use detailed metrics and precise military or intelligence terminology when writing your duty descriptions.
• Consult a Recruiter: If you are not currently a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, contact a Guard recruiter prior to applying to confirm military enlistment eligibility.
• Verify Document Uploads: Uploaded PDF documents can take several hours to pass security scanning in USA Staffing; do not wait until the final hours on the closing date.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if an indefinite position is converted to permanent?

If management decides to make the position permanent, an incumbent serving in an indefinite capacity may be converted to a permanent appointment without additional competition.

Q2: Can civilian non-guard members apply?

Non-members may apply, but they must be fully eligible for immediate enlistment and assignment into the Wisconsin Air National Guard in ranks E-3 through E-5 prior to placement.

Q3: Who can I contact for human resources questions?

For official inquiries, contact the Human Resources Staffing Office at [email protected] or by phone at 608-242-3710.

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The Intelligence Operations Specialist (GS-0132-11) role with the Wisconsin Air National Guard is an exceptional opportunity for dedicated military personnel to leverage tactical intelligence expertise in a high-impact civilian role. If you are qualified, eligible for Guard enlistment, and driven to protect national interests in Madison, WI, start your application package today!