Recent Listing

Posted: January 6, 2026 (9 days ago)

This job has been posted for 1-2 weeks. Still a good time to apply.

PROGRAM ANALYST

Air Force Elements, U.S. Central Command

Department of the Air Force

Recent

Location

Salary

$106,437 - $138,370

per year

Closes

January 12, 2026More Air Force jobs →

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves analyzing and planning how military forces are managed and deployed for the U.S.

Central Command, focusing on assessing needs, improving strategies, and ensuring smooth operations during crises or long-term missions.

It's ideal for someone with experience in military or government planning who enjoys using data and analysis to solve complex problems and support national defense.

The role requires a high level of security clearance and reliability, making it suited for detail-oriented professionals committed to public safety and mission success.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent, including force management planning and execution
  • TOP SECRET security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access
  • Ability to pass initial and random drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP)
  • Expert knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods for assessing force requirements and program impacts
  • Comprehensive understanding of Global Force Management processes, joint programs, and national defense strategies
  • Federal Time-in-Grade requirement: One year at GS-12 for GS-13 eligibility
  • Willingness to sign a non-disclosure agreement and adhere to drug-free policies

Full Job Description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Condition of Employment Continuation: Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. This position has been designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program.

Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the USCENTCOM, national security, and public safety.

Therefore, incumbent is required to: (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medication, and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing on short notice.

Incumbent must pass initial and may be selected for random drug testing. May be subject to reasonable suspicion testing, safety mishap, or accident testing.

The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Management and Program Analysis Series, 0343.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes substantial knowledge of Force Management planning and execution formats and guidance, processes, joint programs, activities, missions, policies, and objectives; applies analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing rotational and emergent force requirements, and the impact on assigned programs and initiates corrective action; expert knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of critical command plans for participating in or conducting force management operations, which includes various Global Force Management processes that directly impact training objectives, operations and strategies; comprehensive knowledge of analysis principles, practices, and techniques required to perform studies, and develop recommendations on issues related to force management planning to improve concepts, resolve problems, and gain effectiveness and efficiency.

Directs the force management program segment as it pertains to crisis planning, current operations, strategic outlook, and force sustainment that directly affect the efficiency of the USCENTCOM force management program, and support national defense strategies; expert knowledge and skill to analyze, develop, and evaluate detailed requirements, goals, and objectives for immediate, short, and long range implementation of force requirements.

Knowledge of the mission, organization, and work processes of various programs and the relationships of administrative support activities to such missions is crucial to this skill.

Knowledge is applied in conducting studies, analyzing findings and making recommendations on the overall force management program, concentrating on long range planning and forecasting.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of Force Management planning and execution formats and guidance, processes, joint programs, activities, missions, policies, and objectives; analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing rotational and emergent force requirements.

Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of command plans for force management operations.

Knowledge of analysis principles, practices, and techniques required to perform studies, and develop recommendations on issues related to force management planning to improve concepts, resolve problems, and gain effectiveness and efficiency.

Knowledge of database operations, management, structures, and reports in regards to force management.

Knowledge and skill to analyze, develop, and evaluate detailed requirements, goals, and objectives for immediate, short, and long range implementation of force requirements.

Ability to prepare and deliver presentations such as briefings, training sessions, consultations lead others in studies or projects; and to negotiate effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations, where proposals involve substantial resources, and require extensive changes in established concepts and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to justify, defend, present, and/ or advise on global force management processes/actions.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a CENTCOM headquarters program analyst, applying expertise of joint military capabilities to plan, organize, formulate and defend requirements for allocated forces for the execution of Global Force Management interests and activities to support military operations across the Central region.

DUTIES: Applies operational experience to analyze, research, plan, develop, coordinate, formulate practical and innovative solutions, make recommendations, and evaluate detailed plans, goals, and objectives for short, mid, and long-range implementation of assigned tasks to support U.S.

Central Command's overall goal achievement. Documents planning and programming decisions into appropriate formats to meet Combatant Command requirements.

Represents the Operations Directorate, Forces Division with a variety of installation and functional area organizations.

Actively participates in strategic planning to improve organizational direction and focus using strategic planning tools and techniques.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 1/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/6/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 5I-AFPC-12860633-052428-SCG