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Dod Exercise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$51K - $70K/yr

Barbaricum is seeking an Exercise Planner to support the planning, coordination, and execution of cyber training events and exercises for Department of Defense (DoD) customers. The selected candidate ...

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 ...

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Dod Exercise Planner information

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$34.5K

$65.7K

$95.5K

How much do dod exercise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 are DoD Exercise Planners?

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Dod Exercise Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,702 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Exercise Planner / Project Manager

SOSi

Joint Base Pearl Habor Hickam, HI

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.

Job Description

SOSi is searching for a dynamic Project Manager / Exercise Planner to help drive mission‑critical operations in Honolulu, Hawaii. This role sits at the intersection of cutting‑edge network design, global secure access, and large‑scale military exercise execution—directly enabling USINDOPACOM’s Command and Control (C2) operations across the Pacific. From architecting resilient network infrastructures to orchestrating complex joint exercises, this position plays a pivotal role in solving high‑impact technical challenges that support one of the most geographically diverse missions in the world.

Essential Job Duties

This is not a passive coordination role. This is a position where you will directly influence how coalition forces plan, integrate, and execute across one of the most complex operational environments in the world. You will operate at the center of INDOPACOM’s exercise ecosystem, driving clarity where there is ambiguity, aligning stakeholders across services and nations, and ensuring mission-critical capabilities are delivered when they matter most. The pace is fast, the problems are real, and the impact is immediate. You will travel across the Indo-Pacific, engage with senior leaders, and see firsthand how your work enables mission success at scale. If you are someone who thrives in high-tempo environments, takes ownership, and wants to be in the arena solving meaningful problems, this role will challenge you and put you in a position to make a measurable difference.

Exercise Planning and Execution (Primary)

  • Lead and execute JELC planning activities across multiple exercises.
  • Coordinate directly with J637, service components, and coalition partners.
  • Translate operational objectives into technical and network requirements.
  • Plan and support:
    • IPCs, MPCs, FPCs.
    • Site surveys and technical exchanges.
    • Execution and After-Action Reviews (AARs).
  • Ensure alignment between exercise objectives and capabilities.

Requirement Integration and Prioritization

  • Capture, validate, and refine exercise requirements across enclaves.
  • Deconflict and prioritize requirements across simultaneous exercises and regions.
  • Coordinate with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure delivery alignment.
  • Identify gaps, risks, and dependencies early and drive resolution.

Project and Delivery Oversight (Secondary)

  • Manage execution timelines, milestones, and deliverables tied to exercise support.
  • Interface with other exercise planners and project managers, engineers, and field teams to track progress.
  • Ensure delivery aligns with operational timelines and mission priorities.
  • Support development of:
    • ROMs, LOMs, and As-Designed solutions.
    • Status updates and leadership briefings.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Engage with senior DoD leadership, including INDOPACOM J6/J69 and component commands.
  • Lead and facilitate working groups, planning sessions, and coordination meetings.
  • Provide clear, actionable updates to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Active in scope TS/SCI clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience leading JELC-based exercise planning.
  • PMP certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
  • Minimum 5+ years supporting:
    • Military exercises.
    • Operational planning or coordination.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • INDOPACOM operational environment.
    • Coalition networks and mission partner integration.
  • Proven ability to operate in high-tempo, ambiguous environments.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience managing complex efforts across multiple stakeholders and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Agile experience (Scrum Master, Product Owner, SAFe, etc.).
  • Experience working within IPTs or Agile transformation environments.
  • Familiarity with:
    • IMN, CENTRIXS environments.
    • RMF / ATO processes.
  • Prior experience supporting:
    • RIMPAC, Keen Edge, Keen Sword, Balikatan, and/or Yama Sakura.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

  • Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
  • Fast paced, deadline-oriented environment.
  • May require periods of non-traditional working hours including consecutive nights or weekends.
  • Target Salary Range: $125,613 to $163,320.

Working at SOSi:

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.