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Lieutenant Colonel Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Retired Marine Corps Colonel (O-6) or Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) with significant MEF or TECOM experience. * Former MSTP, MAGTFTC, TECOM, MEF G-3/G-37, MOCTT, or equivalent leadership experience.

Program Manager

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Retired Marine Corps Colonel (O-6) or Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) with significant MEF or TECOM experience. * Former MSTP, MAGTFTC, TECOM, MEF G-3/G-37, MOCTT, or equivalent leadership experience.

Program Manager

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Retired Marine Corps Colonel (O-6) or Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) with significant MEF or TECOM experience. * Former MSTP, MAGTFTC, TECOM, MEF G-3/G-37, MOCTT, or equivalent leadership experience.

Former military officer at the O-5 level (Lieutenant Colonel, Commander, or equivalent) with significant exposure to IT, communications, cyber, or enterprise technology programs, or an experienced ...

New

Lieutenant Colonel information

See Virginia salary details

$42.6K

$81K

$131.9K

How much do lieutenant colonel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for lieutenant colonel in Virginia is $81,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lieutenant Colonel vs Major?

AspectLieutenant ColonelMajor
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, officer training, advanced leadership experienceMilitary commission, officer training, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary units, command roles, strategic planningMilitary units, operational roles, tactical planning
Employer & Industry UsageArmy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy (as a senior officer)Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy (as a mid-level officer)

Lieutenant Colonels and Majors both serve as officers in the military, often in leadership roles. The main difference lies in their rank and level of responsibility, with Lieutenant Colonels typically overseeing larger units and strategic planning, while Majors focus on operational and tactical tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to military command structures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lieutenant Colonel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lieutenant Colonel, you need extensive leadership experience, a strong understanding of military strategy, and typically a bachelor's degree alongside completion of advanced military education such as Command and General Staff College. Familiarity with military planning systems, operational management software, and secure communications platforms is essential. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and interpersonal skills are crucial for leading diverse teams and managing complex missions. These competencies ensure effective unit leadership, mission success, and the ability to operate in high-pressure environments.

What is the salary of a LT colonel?

The salary of a Lieutenant Colonel varies depending on the country and branch of service, but in the U.S. military, it typically ranges from approximately $80,000 to $150,000 annually, including base pay and allowances. Factors such as years of service, location, and additional benefits can influence total compensation.

What is the oldest age the Army will accept?

For a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, the maximum age for enlistment or commissioning typically is around 35 to 42 years old, depending on prior service and specific program requirements. Age waivers may be available for certain candidates with prior military experience or specialized skills, but generally, the upper age limit is strict to ensure readiness and career progression.

What is a Lieutenant Colonel?

A Lieutenant Colonel is a senior field-grade military officer rank, typically just above Major and below Colonel. In most armed forces, a Lieutenant Colonel commands a battalion or regiment, which can include several hundred to over a thousand personnel. They are responsible for leading operations, managing subordinate officers, and planning missions. This rank requires significant leadership experience and a strong track record of performance. Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel is competitive and involves both time in service and demonstrated capability.

What are some of the key leadership challenges faced by a Lieutenant Colonel in managing both field operations and administrative responsibilities?

A Lieutenant Colonel often balances commanding units in dynamic operational environments while also overseeing significant administrative tasks such as personnel management, training schedules, and resource allocation. One of the main challenges is maintaining clear communication and cohesion across diverse teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the role requires adapting leadership styles to support both junior officers and enlisted personnel, ensuring mission success while fostering professional development. Effective delegation and time management are crucial to juggle these varied responsibilities successfully.

What is the easiest military job to get?

The ease of obtaining a military job varies based on individual qualifications and the current needs of the armed forces. Generally, entry-level positions with lower physical and educational requirements, such as administrative or support roles, tend to be easier to qualify for. However, all military jobs require meeting specific standards and completing basic training.

What can a lieutenant colonel do?

A lieutenant colonel is a senior military officer responsible for commanding battalions or units, overseeing operations, training, and personnel management. They often serve in leadership roles, develop strategic plans, and may specialize in areas such as logistics, intelligence, or operations, requiring leadership skills and military experience.
Infographic showing various Lieutenant Colonel job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,027 per year, or $39 per hour.

Strategic Plans and Communications Analyst (Senior)

Nextstep Technology Inc

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Strategic Plans and Communications Analyst provides senior-level strategic planning and strategic communications support to Army National Guard Air and Space division leadership. This position directly supports the development, synchronization, transformation, and long-term management of the ARNG Aviation Enterprise at the national level.

The successful candidate will advise senior leaders (Colonel and General Officer level) and translate Department of Defense, Army, Joint, and ARNG strategies into actionable, measurable plans that guide aviation force structure, modernization, readiness, and resource decisions.

Key Responsibilities

The Contractor shall:

  • Develop strategic plans and strategic communications supporting ARNG Aviation enterprise transformation and management.
  • Create decision briefings, informational presentations, position papers, and senior-leader correspondence for ARNG-AV leadership.
  • Articulate ARNG Aviation equities in Defense, Joint, Army, and Reserve Component forums, conferences, and working groups.
  • Propose and manage ARNG Aviation strategic communications plans for approval by ARNG, NGB leadership, and NGB Legislative Liaison for submission to Congress.
  • Support Army Transformation Initiative, Large Scale Ground Combat Operations (LSGCO), Aviation Force Updates, Aviation OPR initiatives, and Future Modernization Platforms.
  • Develop and analyze alternative ARNG Aviation restructuring and modernization plans; assess feasibility, value, and impacts.
  • Analyze readiness strategies, sustainable readiness implementation, and transitions to organizational-based readiness models.
  • Conduct force structure, personnel, equipping, training, and modernization analyses with quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Assess impacts of budget reductions and develop mitigation courses of action.
  • Prepare articles and communications for professional publications, Annual Program Guidance, and newsletters (AAAA).
  • Facilitate strategic communication venues, executive councils, dashboards, seminars, and town halls.
  • Maintain historical records and reference materials in designated collaboration platforms (e.g., MS Teams).
  • Coordinate across ARNG, Army, Joint Staff, OSD, and Aviation Enterprise stakeholders.
  • Support crisis response operations, including ARNG Crisis Response Cell (CRC) and Crisis Action Team (CAT).
  • Draft and coordinate senior-leader correspondence and congressional responses.
  • Perform Internal Control Evaluator (ICE) duties in support of Risk Management and Internal Control Programs.
  • Facilitate strategic communication venues, executive councils, dashboards, seminars,and town halls.atforms (e.g., FARA, FLRAA).
Requirements:

Required Qualifications


Security Clearance: Top Secret (Required); SCI Eligibility

  • Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) level experience or equivalent civilian expertise
  • Masters Degree; (Senior Service College Preferred; “War College”)
  • Senior staff experience at Joint Staff, HQDA, ASCC, Corps, NGB, or equivalent organizations
  • Active Top Secret clearance (mandatory)
  • Proven ability to translate strategy into executable plans, policies, and guidance
  • Strong written and oral communication skills suitable for General Officer, Director Army National Guard; Chief, National Guard Bureau and CJCS level audiences
  • Direct experience with Army or Joint aviation operations (fixed-wing and rotary-wing)
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Army Aviation 2032 and Future Force Design
    • Large Scale Ground Combat Operations
    • GFTAA and force design updates
    • Aviation force structure, manning, equipping, and modernization
  • In-depth understanding of:
    • Army Transformation Initiative 1.0 (ATI)
    • The Army Plan (TAP)
    • Army Strategic Planning Guidance (ASPG)
    • Army Planning Priorities Guidance (APPG)
    • Army Program Guidance Memorandum (APGM)
    • Army Campaign Plan (ACP)
  • Knowledge of Joint and Army planning systems, including:
    • Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS)
    • Joint Operations Planning
    • Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE)
  • ARNG-specific expertise, including:
    • Title10 and Title 32 authorities
    • Reserve Component management
    • Reserve Component Transformation Campaign Plan

Desired Qualifications

  • Senior Service College Graduate (National Defense University)
  • Joint Staff, Army Staff, Combatant Command level experience
  • Experience engaging with Congress or legislative liaison activities
  • Familiarity with DAMO-AV, Army Secretariat, HQDA G-Staff and Joint Staff
  • Quantitative analysis experience using probability and statistical methods
  • Experience supporting domestic operations and Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA)

Deliverables

The position supports delivery of multiple formal products including strategic plans, modernization analyses, readiness assessments, senior-leader correspondence, dashboards, seminars, and approved communications (Deliverables 14–18, 22–25).