Abigail L. Sandling
Fayetteville,North Carolina
Summary
National security and intelligence policy professional with 22 years of U.S. Army experience in Civil Affairs and Special Operations, including strategic advisory roles across the Middle East. Proven expertise in complex problem-solving, national security analysis, and interagency coordination. Holds a Master of Arts in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University with a focus on intelligence, fragile states, and governance. Currently seeking to apply analytic, policy, and leadership skills in support of APL’s mission to address pressing national security challenges.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Training Developer
U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
06.2023 - Current
- Developed SOF senior leader training programs with emphasis on national-level strategic planning.
- Designed curricula to address evolving threats and interagency coordination in gray-zone conflict and influence operations.
Senior NCO in Charge, Student Detachment
HHC, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Directed training pipeline for 500+ Civil Affairs personnel supporting U.S. and allied special operations.
- Led integration of risk preparedness and field resilience training for teams operating in politically unstable and access-restricted regions, aligning with international development best practices for duty of care and mission effectiveness.
Team Sergeant/Senior Civil Affairs Sergeant
96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations)
08.2012 - 08.2022
- Led strategic engagement missions in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Afghanistan, supporting U.S. national objectives.
- Conducted analysis of tribal and informal governance structures to inform force posture and partner engagement.
- Provided strategic recommendations to military and interagency leadership.
- Produced governance assessments using qualitative field data, focusing on legitimacy and effectiveness of local institutions.
- Developed training programs to enhance team capabilities and operational readiness.
Education
Master of Arts - Global Security Studies
Johns Hopkins University – Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts And Sciences
Baltimore, MD12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
Norwich University
Northfield, VT01.2018
Nonprofit Management
Norwich University
Northfield, VT07-2025
Graduate Certificate - International Development And Influence
Norwich University
Northfield, VT05-2019
Skills
- National Security Analysis: Intelligence synthesis, threat environment assessment, foreign influence operations
- Policy Tools: Palantir, CIDNE, ArcGIS, TIGR
- Communication: Interagency briefings, executive-level coordination, strategic communication
- Language & Cultural Awareness: Urdu (basic), Hindi (basic)
- Curriculum design
Languages
Urdu (elementary)
Hindi (elementary)
Hobbies and Interests
Ultra races, marathons, triathlons, reading
Publications
Co-author, “In the Heart of the Caliphate: Civil Affairs Support to Phase IV in Raqqa, Syria,” Special Warfare Magazine, Jan–Mar 2021
Training
- Red Team
- Advanced Analysis & Targeting
- Network Development
- Operational Design
- Advanced Negotiations
- Instructor Development Course
- Training Developer Evaluation Course
Areas of Special Interest
- Tribal Dynamics
- Informal Government Institutions & Governance Legitimacy
- Violent Extremist Organizations
- Strategic Culture Analysis
- Qualitative Methodology
- Integration of Lessons Learned
- Tactical-Level MOP/MOE to Inform Operational & Strategic Decision-Making
Core Competencies
- Strategic Analysis
- Intelligence Integration
- Civil-Military Relations
- Interagency Operations
- Policy Development
- Scenario-Based Planning
- Influence Operations
Work Eligibility
U.S. Citizen, unrestricted work status; currently active duty with expected separation: June 2026
Clearance & Availability
- Active U.S. Security Clearance: TS/SCI
- Available for internship, research, or analyst roles
Timeline
Training Developer
U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
06.2023 - Current
Senior NCO in Charge, Student Detachment
HHC, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group
08.2022 - 06.2023
Team Sergeant/Senior Civil Affairs Sergeant
96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations)
08.2012 - 08.2022
Master of Arts - Global Security Studies
Johns Hopkins University – Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts And Sciences
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
Norwich University
Nonprofit Management
Norwich University
Graduate Certificate - International Development And Influence
Norwich University
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