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Military Deception Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ascendancy Group LTD

MISO/PSYOP Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

Special Operations Military Deception Planners Course; Joint Cyber Operations Planner Course ... Irregular Warfare Course * Strong background in Military Deception (MILDEC), Operational Security ...

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Military Deception Planner information

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How much do military deception planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for military deception planner in the United States is $32.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $40.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a military deception planner?

Military Deception Planners are specialized professionals who design, coordinate, and implement deceptive operations to mislead adversaries and protect military strategies. Their work involves creating plans that manipulate the perceptions and decisions of opposing forces, often using misinformation, camouflage, and other tactics. These planners collaborate with intelligence, operations, and strategic units to ensure deception efforts support broader mission objectives while minimizing risks to friendly forces. Their role is critical in achieving surprise, preserving operational security, and gaining a tactical or strategic advantage.

What are some common challenges military deception planners face when developing effective operations?

Military Deception Planners often encounter challenges such as ensuring their plans are realistic, convincing, and synchronized with overall mission objectives. Another key difficulty is anticipating adversary responses and adapting deception strategies accordingly, all while maintaining strict operational security. Collaboration with intelligence, operations, and communications teams is critical to integrate deception seamlessly into broader military efforts. Planners must also regularly assess and refine their approaches based on feedback and changing battlefield conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a military deception planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Deception Planner, you need a solid background in military operations, intelligence analysis, and strategic planning, often supported by military training and security clearances. Familiarity with intelligence gathering tools, data analysis software, and classified communication systems is typically required. Strong critical thinking, creativity, and effective collaboration skills set exceptional planners apart. These skills enable the development and execution of effective deception strategies that protect forces and achieve mission objectives.

What is the difference between Military Deception Planner vs Military Intelligence Analyst?

AspectMilitary Deception PlannerMilitary Intelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, military training, specialized deception coursesSecurity clearance, military or intelligence training, analytical skills
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, strategic planning, classified settingsIntelligence centers, field analysis, data interpretation
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense agenciesMilitary, government intelligence agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on strategic deception planningFocuses on intelligence analysis and data interpretation

The main difference is that Military Deception Planners develop strategic deception operations to mislead adversaries, while Military Intelligence Analysts interpret intelligence data to inform military decisions. Both roles require security clearances and military training but serve different functions within defense operations.

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Military Deception Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Deception Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,644 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Military Deception (MILDEC) Planner

Colorado Springs, CO

Blue Sky Innovators
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Blue Sky Innovatorsexternal

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking an experienced Military Deception (MILDEC) Planner with a strong background in joint military planning, intelligence integration, and operational deception. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience developing, coordinating, and integrating military deception activities into joint campaigns and operations.

As a Blue Sky Innovator, you will work collaboratively with USNORTHCOM planners, intelligence professionals, and operational stakeholders to develop and integrate military deception concepts and plans in support of strategic and operational objectives. The successful candidate will apply a comprehensive understanding of joint planning doctrine, intelligence processes, operational design, and deception planning to address complex challenges across the homeland defense and security mission.

This role offers a select opportunity to contribute to the nation's defense by supporting senior military leadership and helping develop innovative approaches to complex operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities:
  • MILDEC Planning: Develop, coordinate, and integrate military deception concepts, plans, and activities into joint operational and campaign planning in accordance with applicable Department of War and joint doctrine.
  • Joint Campaign Planning: Participate in operational and strategic planning efforts, ensuring MILDEC considerations are incorporated throughout the planning process and aligned with command objectives.
  • Intelligence Integration: Integrate strategic, operational, foundational, and current intelligence into deception planning and assessment to support informed operational decision-making.
  • Operational Design: Analyze complex operational problems and develop deception approaches that support broader campaign objectives, operational plans, and commander priorities.
  • Interagency and Joint Coordination: Coordinate MILDEC planning and activities with appropriate military services, combatant command staff elements, interagency partners, and other stakeholders as required.
  • Senior Leader Engagement: Prepare and present MILDEC plans, assessments, recommendations, and decision briefings to senior military and civilian leadership.
  • Planning Products: Develop high-quality planning products, assessments, briefings, synchronization materials, and other documentation required to support command planning activities.
  • Assessment: Support the development of measures and indicators to assess the effectiveness of deception activities and provide recommendations for adaptation.
  • Adaptability: Thrive in a changing operational environment, demonstrating creativity, sound judgment, and the ability to rapidly adapt planning approaches to evolving requirements.
  • Initiative: Analyze complex problems, identify opportunities, and develop practical solutions while operating effectively with limited guidance.
Qualifications:
  • Experience: Extensive experience in military planning, with demonstrated expertise in joint and/or service planning doctrine and operational planning processes.
  • MILDEC Experience: Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, integrating, or assessing military deception activities in support of military operations or campaigns.
  • Joint Planning: Strong understanding of Joint Planning Process (JPP), operational design, campaign planning, and the integration of intelligence into military planning.
  • Communication: Superior written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop and present complex planning concepts to senior military and civilian leadership.
  • Security Clearance: Must have a Top Secret/SSBI security clearance.
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Master's degree in a relevant field desired.
Experience Desired:

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful assignments in military deception, joint military planning, intelligence integration, operational design, or related information-related capabilities.

  • At least 5 years of experience supporting a Combatant Command, Joint Task Force, or other senior-level joint headquarters is highly desirable.
  • Experience conducting Military Deception activities is preferred.
  • Experience working in complex interagency, multinational, or international environments is also desired.
Specialized Military Training:
  • JPME II
  • Service advanced military schooling such as SAMS, JAWS, SAASS, or MAWS
  • Joint Planners Course and/or equivalent joint planning experience
  • Joint or Service Military Deception course

If you are a seasoned military planning professional with a proven record of excellence in joint planning, military deception, intelligence integration, and operational design, we invite you to apply for this unique and impactful position as a Blue Sky Innovator supporting USNORTHCOM. Join our team and help shape innovative approaches to homeland defense and national security.

Salary range for the position is $180,000 - $200,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at careers@blueskyinnovators.com and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.