Exercise Planner

Exercise Planner

The Exercise Planner is responsible for supporting the full lifecycle of joint and coalition exercises, from initial concept development through execution and after-action review. This role involves planning, organizing, implementing, and documenting exercises and engagements, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational requirements. The Exercise Planner coordinates with various stakeholders, including service components, partner nations, and internal teams, to deliver effective, well-managed exercises. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as familiarity with operational and logistical support in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and manage assigned exercises throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including concept development, execution, and after-action review.

Develop exercise objectives, attendee lists, and coordinate logistics for planning meetings and conferences.

Estimate costs and manage funding within assigned budgets for each exercise.

Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., service components, partner nations, agencies) to ensure continuity and effective execution.

Provide guidance, assistance, and training to exercise participants and planners.

Analyze and document the effectiveness of exercise planning and execution as part of after-action reporting.

Identify, analyze, and resolve contingency issues and errors during the exercise lifecycle, proposing and socializing Courses of Action (COAs) as needed.

Ensure compliance with applicable performance requirements and deliverables.

Maintain awareness of historic inter-country relationships, customs, and courtesies relevant to exercise planning.

Account for current and projected force structure, roles, responsibilities, and capabilities when coordinating participation.

Liaise with national-level agencies, DoD, Services, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Agencies as required.

Utilize current Microsoft Office applications and quickly learn new planning tools, including basic knowledge of AI / ML / LLM tools.

Required Qualifications

Active TS / SCI Security Clearance

Bachelor's degree

At least 3 years of experience planning Major Command-level (or equivalent) exercises.

Familiarity with operational and logistical support requirements for exercises, deployments, and mobilizations.

Working knowledge of force structure, including country locations, units, and assigned assets.

Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to respond to communications within 12 business hours.

Ability to work and lead in a team environment with demonstrated leadership and customer interface skills.

Working knowledge of current Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn new planning software.

Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Recent military experience within the last 510 years.

Rated military officer background or logistics experience.

Air Operations Center (AOC) and / or Major Command / Numbered Air Force (MAJCOM / NAF) staff experience.

At least 6 years of aviation background (Pilot, Navigator, Air Battle Manager, Aircrew Member).

Experience in planning and executing Joint / Coalition Field Training Exercises (FTXs), Command Post Exercises (CPXs), Staff Exercises, or Table-Top Exercises involving aviation assets.

Knowledge of Theater Campaign Plans and organizational strategy.

Experience liaising with national-level agencies and intelligence organizations.

Experience with Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and / or Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES).

Operational and / or logistical experience in the Asia-Pacific Theater.

Familiarity with financial documentation and management systems (e.g., MIPRs, AF-616s, Comptroller Alert Messages, Manpower MPA Man-day Management System).

Working knowledge of Joint Training Tool (JTT) and Global Theater Security Cooperation Management Information System (G-TSCMIS).

Experience in planning and executing CPXs and FTXs within the relevant Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Compensation and Benefits : Salary Range : $115,000.00 - $140,150.00 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.) Benefits : Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron's benefits programs.

Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status. Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.