INDOPACOM - ALPHA - Exercise Planner - Journeyman

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $95,000 - $105,000

Position Location: Hampton, VA - Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE)

This position and the associated duties and responsibilities are contingent upon securing the necessary funding and formal contract award.

Makai is an NHO 8(a) that specializes in C5ISR services, DoD systems integration, business analytics, and the modernization of wired and wireless government networks. Makai provides professional services and technical expertise in mobile/edge computing (deployable 5G), systems engineering, cybersecurity, data migration and storage, software development (DevSecOps), and process improvement.

Makai is seeking an Exercise Planner to support Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Air Combat Command (ACC). The Exercise Planner will support the planning and execution of joint and coalition exercises within the Indo-Pacific region. The Exercise Planner will oversee the full lifecycle of exercises, from concept development and coordination through execution and after-action review, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and strategic priorities. This position requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as experience managing operational and logistics requirements in a dynamic environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage assigned exercises throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including concept development, execution, and after-action review
• Develop exercise options based on unit availability, training requirements, and exercise objectives
• Develop and brief exercise options to senior client leaders. Work with outside organizations and subordinate units during mission analysis.
• Finalize exercise planning by providing concept of operations and writing exercise orders
• Collect data and develop after action reports
• Build after action briefings for senior client leaders
• Utilize existing resources to develop exercises of Joint and Combined training events
• Develop exercise objectives, attendee lists, and coordinate logistics for planning meetings, conferences, and execution events
• Estimate and manage funding requirements within assigned budgets for each exercise
• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including service components, partner nations, and interagency participants, to ensure effective execution and continuity
• Provide guidance, assistance, and training to exercise participants and planning teams
• Analyze and document the effectiveness of exercise planning and execution as part of after-action reporting
• Identify, analyze, and resolve contingency issues or execution challenges by developing and socializing Courses of Action (COAs)
• Ensure compliance with all applicable performance standards, deliverables, and reporting requirements
• Maintain awareness of regional relationships, customs, and courtesies relevant to joint and coalition exercise planning
• Account for current and projected force structure, roles, responsibilities, and capabilities when developing exercise participation plans
• Liaise with national-level agencies, DoD, Services, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence organizations as required
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications and learn new planning and collaboration tools, including AI, ML, and LLM-enabled systems, to enhance efficiency and coordination

Degree/Education and Training Requirements

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Years of experience can be substituted for a degree.

Experience

Required:

• 5-10 years of experience planning MAJCOM (or equivalent) exercises
• Familiarity with operational and logistical requirements for exercises, deployments, and mobilizations
• Working knowledge of force structure, including country locations, units, and assigned assets
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to respond to communications within established timelines
• Ability to lead and collaborate within a team environment, demonstrating strong leadership and customer interface skills
• Proficiency with current Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new planning software
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Recent military experience (within the last 10 years)
• Rated officer background or logistics experience
• AOC or MAJCOM/NAF staff experience
• Experience in planning and executing Joint or Coalition Field Training Exercises (FTXs), Command Post Exercises (CPXs), Staff Exercises, or Table-Top Exercises involving aviation assets
• Familiarity with Theater Campaign Plans and organizational strategy
• Experience of liaising with national-level agencies and intelligence organizations
• Experience with Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES)
• Familiarity with financial documentation and management systems (MIPRs, AF-616s, Comptroller Alerts, Manpower MPA Man-day Management System)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work will be performed inside a large facility. An inside environment may be a cubicle (considerations: close quarters, low to moderate noise, bright or dim lighting).
• Work assignments vary based on client requirements.
• Sitting at desk. Phone use and PC or laptop. Filing required. May require lifting and carrying boxes of supplies or files up to 25 lbs. Extended periods of sitting while on PC/laptop or phone.
• General office equipment, which includes telephone, fax machine, copier, PC/laptop, and other miscellaneous office equipment.
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is mandatory.
• You may be asked to continue performance during inclement weather or other conditions when others are not permitted to work
• No regular travel in support of this contract, however ad-hoc travel may be required
• Candidates must exhibit professional behavior that promotes teamwork, fosters cooperation, and enhances productivity in the workplace. Must be well organized with the ability to coordinate, prioritize and execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.Ability to communicate verbally andin writing to work effectively with a variety of government, military and contractor personnel at all levels.
• Candidates must be able to interface effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Grooming and dress is usually business casual, but dependent on clients standards. Must not pose a safety hazard to employees working in the same general area.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

• Active TS/SCI clearance required
  
  

Estimated Compensation

• $95,000 - $105,000
  
  

Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to employee's experience, skills, education, industry, location, company size, and overall market demand.

General Description of Benefits and Other Compensation to be Offered:

• 11 Federal Holidays with Pay
• Vacation (Personal/sick leave)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellness Participation
• Weight Loss Reimbursement
• Health Care Flex Spending
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Simple IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other Paid Absences
• Professional Memberships
• Overtime Pay
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

As an EOE/AA employer, Makai, LLC will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.