1

Dod Exercise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyberspace Exercise Planner

Odenton, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Provide comprehensive cyber exercise planning support for all assigned events throughout the Joint ... Active DoD TS/SCI clearance and eligible for C/I Polygraph * Possess a comprehensive understanding ...

New

As an Exercise Planner you will provide high-level subject matter expertise to lead the integration ... This position requires a current DoD Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI ...

New

Cyberspace Exercise Planner

Odenton, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Provide comprehensive cyber exercise planning support for all assigned events throughout the Joint ... Active DoD TS/SCI clearance and eligible for C/I Polygraph * Possess a comprehensive understanding ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 4, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Dod Exercise Planner jobs

What cities are hiring for Dod Exercise Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Dod Exercise Planner job openings:

What states have the most Dod Exercise Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dod Exercise Planner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Dod Exercise Planner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dod Exercise Planner jobs are:

Infographic showing various Dod Exercise Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,702 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

J37 Special Operations Forces (SOF) Joint Training and Exercise Designer and Planner / Journeyman

Strategic Solutions Unlimited Inc

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conducts scenariobased exercise design, planning, and scripting in support of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and other nominated exercises.
  • Plan and provide exercise subject matter expertise to support the planning, coordination, integration, execution, and AfterAction Reports (AAR) of assigned exercises within the global DoD exercise community.
  • Serve as an exercise planner and designer of robust SOF Command Post Exercises (CPX), Tabletop Exercises (TTX), and Field Training Exercises (FTX) on behalf of Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) in both CONUS and OCONUS locations.
  • Design, plan, and execute joint, combined training and exercise assessments to improve joint readiness and interoperability.
  • Lead planning of Command's Readiness Exercises, TwoStar directed Readiness Exercises, shorter duration TableTop Exercises, CPX, and FTX in accordance with SOCCENT Exercise Division requirements.
  • Prepares briefs, information papers and presentations at a General Officer / Flag Officer (GO/FO) executive level of communication as required; utilizing Microsoft Office Family Products (i.e., Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and OneNote) and other assigned Joint Live Virtual Communication methods utilized by SOCCENT, CENTCOM, SOCOM, or the Joint Staff.
  • Analyze and develop joint training and exercise objectives in accordance with the most recent joint doctrine and based on guidance and assignments from the SOCCENT Exercise Division.
  • Evaluate exercise design throughout the joint exercise lifecycle, and conduct exercise planning as the lead subject matter expert, for exercises within the contractor’s assigned portfolio.
  • Work and travel side by side with U.S. Service members throughout the entire planning cycle.
  • Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations in support of each assigned exercise Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) event, up to 100 days per year by government and commercial conveyance, as required.
  • Serve as the primary planner for one exercise and concurrently serve as the alternate planner for at least one additional assigned exercise for the entirety of the overlapping 1824month exercise planning cycle(s).
  • Maintain the role of the primary/alternate exercise planner through the entirety of the JELC, to exercise execution, and afteraction review, unless otherwise dismissed of planning obligation by the SOCCENT Exercise Division.
  • Coordinate, schedule, attend, participate and represent the SOCCENT J37 in exerciserelated meetings, conferences and video teleconferences (VTC).
  • Develop comprehensive joint training plans for the training audience, based on Commander’s guidance, relevant plans, and Joint Mission Essential tasks, conditions, and standards.
  • Plan and manage requirements for the Exercise Control Group (ECG) as needed for each assigned exercise.
  • Develop training plans related to contingency operations and crisis management; develop and support the delivery of operational exercises, informational briefings, operational programs, and training events that support validated and draft operational and emergency/contingency plans assigned to SOCCENT.
  • Forecast, analyze and annotate budgetary requirements supporting each assigned exercise for the entirety of the JELC when serving as either the primary or alternate planner for an exercise.
  • Plan and conduct Government and interagency exercise technical events and workshops. Historically, the contractor can expect to plan and provide support for a minimum of two (2) to a maximum of six (6) conferences and/or workshops annually with an average attendance of 2530 attendees.
  • Develop recommended joint training plans and conduct designated Government and interagency exercise conferences and workshops to support training and exercise development (e.g., Commander’s conference, planning conferences and workshops, exercise development workshops, etc.).
  • Responsible for inputs into the Joint Training (JTT) or its replacement system of record regarding all facets of force requests, allocation, and publications of information; as related to each assigned exercise within the portfolio; as assigned by the SOCCENT Exercise Division.
  • Conduct joint exercise analysis in support of deliberate and contingency planning scenarios and facilitate examination of futurestate scenarios and force structures against adversaries that potentially possess unknown, emergent, and/or advanced asymmetric capabilities.
  • Provide SOCCENT with the design and development of joint training and exercises to assess OPLAN and Theater Campaign Plan (TCP) viability to determine shortfalls; and to train SOCCENT headquarters staff, component staffs, and subordinate organizations for theater OPLAN execution, mission readiness, and threat preparedness.
  • Conduct spiral assessment (i.e., cyclical assessments driven by previous analyses) on issues of strategic, operational, and tactical value to the Commander including IW, Conventional Operations, and related missions (i.e., highend major combat operations).
  • Prepare briefs, information papers, and presentations as required utilizing Microsoft Office family of products (i.e. Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access).
  • Actively participate in SOCCENT battle rhythm events, working groups, operational planning teams, and other planning events related to assigned exercises and initiatives, as directed by the SOCCENT Exercise Division.
  • Sign for and maintain accountability of government equipment/property, which will be utilized to ensure secured communication and reporting from JELC event locations and exercise execution locations, as required by the SOCCENT exercise division.
  • The Contractor shall safeguard all Government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each day, shift, or work period, equipment and materials shall be secured. As required by the SOCCENT exercise division, the contractor shall open or close secure workspaces at the beginning and end of the duty day.
  • Qualifications:
  • At least a BA/BS in one of these Disciplines: Social Sciences, Public Policy, Applied Statistics, Operations Research, or Systems Analysis
  • Joint Professional Military Education Level I or Service Equivalent (i.e. Command and General Staff College; Air Command and Staff College, etc.)
  • At least 3 years strategic and operational planning and analysis
  • At least 3 years’ experience in any of the following: in CENTCOM AOR; MISO; MILDEC; CWMD; ORSA; CYBER; AT/FP; SNA; Special Programs; Interagency Experience
  • Equivalent combinations of at least 5 years of SOF operational experience and education.
  • Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401K Matching Plan
  • PTO and Holiday
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • If you are interested in a well-compensated, empowered, and fulfilling position, while making a positive impact at a high level of significance, we encourage you to apply or submit your resume/cv to resumes@ssuinc.us.

    SSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.