Special Operations Forces (SOF) Planner

Overview

Culmen International is hiring a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Planner to support SOCEUR HQ in Stuttgart, Germany. This position works on-site at Patch Barracks and supports commanders by shaping plans that help advance national objectives across the full spectrum of competition, from cooperation and competition to armed conflict.

The role calls for a strong understanding of the operating environment, a people-focused approach, and the ability to integrate information into planning and execution. You will apply special operations operational design methods to help build, synchronize, and carry out complex missions for joint and special operations formations.

In this position, you will provide planning and advisory support to a Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF), Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC), or similar joint force headquarters.

What You Will Do

• Use special operations operational design methods to define complex problems and guide both deliberate and crisis-action planning.
• Develop detailed, doctrine-aligned OPLANs, OPORDs, FRAGORDs, and the necessary supporting annexes.
• Create and refine support-to-resistance plans that strengthen partner resilience against aggression throughout the competition continuum.
• Coordinate SOF plans with conventional forces and assist deconfliction efforts, including coordination with the JAOC through the Special Operations Liaison Element (SOLE).
• Apply a human-centered lens to information integration in order to shape relevant actors and populations.
• Contribute to the joint targeting process and coordinate with U.S. government agencies and partner nations.
• Identify SOF-specific sustainment needs and manage the TPFDD process.

What We Are Looking For

The right candidate will be a true subject matter expert in joint doctrine with demonstrated experience planning at the operational level.

Strong knowledge of joint doctrine is essential, especially JP 3-05 (2025) and JP 5-0 (Joint Operation Planning). You should also have hands-on experience using special operations operational design methodology, along with significant time serving on joint staffs and in SOF organizations across tactical and operational levels.

You must be able to write and communicate high-level military plans and orders clearly and accurately.

An active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility is required.

TESA and SOFA Eligibility

To qualify for Technical Expert Status Accreditation (TESA) under the US-Germany SOFA, you must meet one of the following combinations of education and specialized experience:

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of specialized experience.
• Associate’s degree plus 7 years of specialized experience.
• Major certification such as CompTIA Security+ or CASP plus 7 years of specialized experience.
• No degree plus 11 years of specialized experience.

Under SOFA rules, applicants must be U.S. citizens and must not be ordinarily resident in Germany. This means you cannot have deep local ties such as owning German property or being married to a German national.

About Culmen International

Culmen International focuses on strengthening international safety and security, reinforcing homeland defense, supporting humanitarian missions, and improving government operations. The company has worked in more than 150 countries to help clients deliver critical missions in demanding environments.

Equal Opportunity

Culmen International states that it is committed to fair treatment and equal access for all employees and applicants under its global EEO principles.