Michael A. Santacroce has 35 years of joint and interagency experience working within the Department of Defense as a Joint Staff, Combatant Command and Service Planner. As Faculty and Chair for the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, Campaign Planning and Operational Art, Mike taught advanced planning to leaders from all branches of the government and our allies. His current SMARTbook, Planning for Planners, walks the prospective or advanced planner through joint strategic and operational planning as well as the complex world of global force management. During his Marine Corps career Mike served in a multiple of demanding leadership, senior staff, strategic and operational planning positions. As a Marine aviator he flew the AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet and participated in operations globally. He commanded a Marine Harrier Squadron (VMA-214 Blacksheep) and later led a Marine Air Group (Forward) for combat operations in Iraq. A seasoned military professional and teacher, Mike has a unique understanding of operations and planning at all levels. Mike retired with more than 30 years of military service.