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Commander Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Command and Control Analyst

Portsmouth, VA

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Command and Control (C2) Analyst supporting Plans, Policies, and Operations (PP&O) South located in Norfolk, VA and training team located in Virginia Beach ...

SAIC

Command and Control Analyst

Arlington, VA

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Command and Control (C2) Analyst supporting Plans, Policies, and Operations (PP&O) South located in Norfolk, VA and training team located in Virginia Beach ...

SAIC

Command and Control Analyst

Norfolk, VA

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Command and Control (C2) Analyst supporting Plans, Policies, and Operations (PP&O) South located in Norfolk, VA and training team located in Virginia Beach ...

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All JobsCommander JobsCommander Jobs in Virginia

Commander information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$160.1K

$253.3K

How much do commander jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for commander in Virginia is $160,092.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,900.00 and $188,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills are needed for commander jobs?

Commander jobs typically require strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. Candidates often need relevant experience in the military, law enforcement, or emergency services, along with certifications such as leadership training or specialized technical skills. Physical fitness and the ability to work under pressure are also important.

What entry level jobs are with the commanders?

Entry-level positions for commanders often include roles such as assistant commanders, junior officers, or support staff in military, law enforcement, or security organizations. These roles typically require basic training, relevant certifications, and the ability to work in a team environment. Advancement usually involves gaining experience and additional training or education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commander, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, and a solid background in military operations, usually supported by advanced military education and officer commissioning. Familiarity with command and control systems, military communication tools, and operational planning software is essential. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to inspire and manage personnel are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effective mission execution, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring operational success under pressure.

What is the job of a commander?

A commander is a leadership role responsible for overseeing operations, making strategic decisions, and managing personnel within military, law enforcement, or emergency services organizations. The position often requires strong leadership skills, decision-making ability, and relevant training or certifications. Commanders ensure mission objectives are achieved efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Commander vs Pilot?

AspectCommanderPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary or specialized training, certifications depending on contextCommercial or private pilot license, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, ships, or aircraft command settingsAircraft operation, airlines, private flights
Industry UsageMilitary, maritime, aviationAviation, transportation

The main difference is that a Commander typically refers to a leadership role overseeing operations in military, maritime, or aviation contexts, requiring specialized training and certifications. A Pilot, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for flying aircraft and holds specific licenses. While both roles are involved in aviation or maritime industries, Commanders focus on leadership and strategic oversight, whereas Pilots focus on aircraft operation.

What are Commanders?

Commanders are high-ranking officers in military, naval, or law enforcement organizations who are responsible for leading and managing units, missions, or operations. They oversee personnel, develop strategies, make critical decisions, and ensure the effective execution of orders and objectives. Commanders are expected to demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, often working under significant pressure. Their specific duties can vary depending on the branch of service and the size of the unit they command.

What are some common challenges faced by a Commander in coordinating large teams or units?

Commanders often manage diverse teams with varying skill levels, backgrounds, and responsibilities. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across all levels, especially in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations. Additionally, balancing strategic decision-making with the welfare and morale of personnel requires strong leadership and adaptability. Commanders must also stay updated on operational protocols while fostering teamwork and collaboration among units to achieve mission objectives effectively.

What's the typical salary for commanders?

The salary for a commander varies depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. In the military, for example, commanders can earn from around $50,000 to over $150,000 annually, while civilian leadership roles with the title may have different pay scales. Factors such as certifications, leadership responsibilities, and the organization influence compensation levels.
Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commander job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,092 per year, or $77 per hour.

GCCS - ACC Command Center Controller

Maka Logistics LLC

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Location: Hampton Roads, VA (fully onsite)

This position requires shift work support


Provides operations and technical expertise to support functional management of the Air Combat Command (ACC) Command Center. The ACC Command Center is a full-time, 24/7 Command and Control (C2) node, directly responsible to commanders and serves as the focal point of operations, including the receipt and dissemination of orders, information, and requests necessary for the C2 of assigned units, personnel, and operations. The ACC Command Center communicates commands (from CJCS, Combatant Command, USAF, or MAJCOM) to operational organizations. The governing guidance for the ACC Command Center operations are AFMAN 10-206, AFMAN 10-206/ACC SUP; AFMAN 10-207, and AFMAN 10-207/ACC SUP. Tasks the Contractor shall perform include, but are not limited to:

Perform duties unsupervised.

ACC Command Center Controllers shall be trained and certified IAW AFMAN 10-207, para 7.3 Controller Certification (initial, recertification, decertification). Controllers must be certified within 60 days of beginning performance on the contract or the OCO may direct their removal from performance on this Task.

  • Comply with recurring training standards IAW AFMAN 10-207, para 7.4, Command Post Recurring Training
  • Provide accurate, effective, and timely status and reporting of C2 operations.
  • Prepare checklists of tasks to be completed for routine shift actions and non-routine situational responses.
  • Perform daily security checks prior to assuming each shift. Conduct daily security checks IAW AFMAN 17-1302-O and annotate actions on the Standard Form 701, Activity Security Checklist. Report any discrepancies to the security manager.
  • Review status of open Operational Reporting (OPREP)or Commander Critical Information Requirements (CCIR) reports.
  • Log events that occur during the shift in the daily events log. Event logs will open at 0001Z and close at 2359Z daily. The purpose of the daily events log is to serve as an official, continuous record of events affecting the unit and/or functions of the Command Center.
  • The shift Controller will complete the Shift Changeover Checklists to ensure oncoming Controllers will complete all required actions prior to assuming duty.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 4 years of experience performing duties at an Air Force wing or higher Command Post/Commander Center/or equivalent operated environment
  • 4 years of experience working with command-and-control reporting, procedures, processes, and policies
  • Outstanding writing skills and excellent verbal communications skills, with the ability to consolidate large amounts of information into succinct salient points
  • Knowledge of COMSEC and how to authenticate using AKAC 1553s
  • 2 years of experience using unclassified (NIPRNet) and classified (SIPRNet) network enterprise environments

DEGREE/EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Associate degree

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT:

  • Active DoD security clearance

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Up to 10%

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT:

  • $75,000 - $80,000


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.


    • 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.

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