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Dod Exercise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$52K - $72K/yr

REQUIRED · Active TS/SCI. · Bachelor's degree from accredited university. · 8 years' experience as DoD exercise planner, with at least two (2) years' experience in USPACOM Area of Responsibility ...

Exercise Planner

Honolulu, HI

$53K - $73K/yr

ANSER is seeking an Exercise Planner (senior or mid-level) to support MARFPRPAC, PACAF or other ... Support exercise database management and updates via JTIMS and other DOD applications * Provide ...

Exercise Planner

Butlerville, IN · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

... Exercise Planner to support cyber training and operational events at the Muscatatuck Training ... and events supporting DoD operational and training requirements. Location: Camp Atterbury ...

Exercise Planner

Butlerville, IN · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

... Exercise Planner to support cyber training and operational events at the Muscatatuck Training ... and events supporting DoD operational and training requirements. Location: Camp Atterbury ...

Exercise Planner

Butlerville, IN · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

... Exercise Planner to support cyber training and operational events at the Muscatatuck Training ... and events supporting DoD operational and training requirements. Location: Camp Atterbury ...

The PACFLT exercise planner will perform operational war planning analysis, exercise support, and ... Minimum of 5 years DOD experience. * At least 3 years' experience in USPACOM AOR. * Experience with ...

Plans and Exercise experience at a DoD Combatant Command (e.g., SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM, CENTCOM ... planner school (e.g., SAW, MAWS, JAWS, WTI) Clearance Requirements: * Must have a current/active ...

Exercise Planner

Edinburgh, IN

$52K - $71K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Edinburgh, IN · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Beverly, KS · On-site

$51K - $70K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Annville, PA · On-site

$52K - $72K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Fort Leavenworth, KS

$51K - $70K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Fort Smith, AR

$50K - $69K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

Exercise Planner

Annville, PA

$52K - $72K/yr

Background of at least 10 years' Military or DoD experience with and at least 2 years' experience with exercise planning using the JELC process. * Must be experienced in large constructive exercises ...

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Dod Exercise Planner information

See salary details

$34.5K

$65.7K

$95.5K

How much do dod exercise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod exercise planner in the United States is $65,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dod Exercise Planner vs Dod Exercise Specialist?

AspectDod Exercise PlannerDod Exercise Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically requires military or civilian fitness certifications, knowledge of military exercise protocolsRequires similar certifications, often with additional specialization in exercise science or physical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary facilities, training centers, or military basesMilitary or civilian fitness centers, training environments, or military health facilities
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Department of Defense, military branchesU.S. Department of Defense, military health and fitness programs

The Dod Exercise Planner primarily focuses on designing and organizing military fitness exercises, often with a focus on operational readiness. The Dod Exercise Specialist, while similar, may have a broader role including implementing fitness programs and providing specialized training. Both roles require relevant certifications and work within military or defense environments, but the Specialist may have additional responsibilities related to fitness instruction and health promotion.

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

To thrive as a DoD Exercise Planner, you need expertise in military operations planning, joint doctrine, and scenario development, typically supported by relevant military experience or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with planning tools such as the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are commonly required, and certifications like PMP can be advantageous. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with diverse stakeholders and managing complex timelines. These abilities are essential for ensuring realistic, effective training exercises that enhance operational readiness and interagency coordination.

What are some common challenges faced by DoD Exercise Planners and how can they be addressed?

DoD Exercise Planners often face challenges such as coordinating across multiple military branches, managing tight timelines, and adapting to evolving mission requirements. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and exercise objectives are met. Planners can address these challenges by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of joint operational procedures, leveraging collaborative planning tools, and fostering strong relationships with both military and civilian partners.

What is a DoD Exercise Planner?

DoD Exercise Planners are professionals who design, coordinate, and execute military training exercises for the U.S. Department of Defense. Their responsibilities include developing realistic training scenarios, ensuring exercises meet strategic objectives, and collaborating with various military branches and allies. They also manage logistics, assess risks, and evaluate exercise outcomes to improve future readiness. Exercise planners play a critical role in maintaining operational effectiveness and preparedness of military forces.
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What states have the most Dod Exercise Planner jobs?

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Infographic showing various Dod Exercise Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,702 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

$52K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Firebird AST is hiring for an onsite Top Secret/SCI cleared Exercise Planner to provide support to U.S. Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC) exercise planning and execution. This capability will support SOCPAC’s requirement to participate in Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and Service exercises in support of U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) Theater Campaign Plan (TCP) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Commander’s training and education guidance requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Plan, coordinate and execute SOCPAC and component participation in assigned USPACOM JCS and Service exercises.

· Coordinate and manage exercise development in conjunction with USPACOM and component planner and participants. Develop training objectives that meet SOCPAC JMETL requirements.

· Ensure SOCPAC and component exercises inform the Defense Readiness Reporting System and fully incorporate the Joint Lessons Learned system.

· Enhance the command’s capability to train and prepare for a broad spectrum of threats from real and/or simulated adversaries.

· Develop training objectives in conjunction with exercise participants and SOCPAC staff stakeholders.

· Assist in the coordination with exercise participants and supporters from other DoD and non-DoD.

· organizations.

· Draft and develop realistic threat scenarios, incorporate best-practice inputs from DoD and other agencies.

· Coordinate exercise criteria to test and stress the command’s training objectives

· Consolidate and draft After Action Reports (AAR) related to training objectives, corrections, and COA development.

REQUIRED

· Active TS/SCI.

· Bachelor’s degree from accredited university.

· 8 years’ experience as DoD exercise planner, with at least two (2) years’ experience in USPACOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).

· Eight (8) years’ experience in multi-disciplined special operations at the operational and tactical levels supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) to include:

· Use of training software and other information technology (IT) systems associated with exercise planning.

· Five (5) years’ experience of Joint Exercise Lifecycle (JELC) planning process.

· Current passport; some travel may be required CONUS (Continental U.S.) and OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.)

o Deployment: Deployments of no more than 90 days may be required to the following countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Thailand, or Singapore.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, reports, policy, legal documents, etc.
• Ability to prepare reports and presentations to company management and customer(s).
• Demonstrated leadership ability, strategic and innovative thinker, and passion for the mission.
• Ability to identify and solve problems.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.

EDUCATION
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

CLEARANCE
• Active TS/SCI

About Firebird AST:
Firebird AST is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Northern Virginia and a market-recognized leader within the IC, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement. We maintain a corporate culture deeply rooted in the US Military core values that gave us our start - honor, integrity, commitment, and selfless service. For this reason, our customers' needs and missions always comes first. We seek hard working, highly experienced, extremely motivated, professionally proven subject matter experts, trainers, leaders, innovators, and technical experts to serve on our team. Firebird AST has a firm understanding that our employees are our greatest asset and that, accordingly, they are to be provided the greatest level of respect and care possible.
Firebird AST is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.