ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mission Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC

Senior Operations SME (Mission Command Exercises) Location : Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty), NC Clearance required : SECRET Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): * Provide expert operational ...

Air National Guard Units

$106K - $138K/yr

Perform mission crew duties as a Section Lead (SL) or Mission Commander (MC) in a high threat combat and training environment. Lead the operations team comprised of a Weapons Section and a ...

Air National Guard Units

$106K - $138K/yr

Perform mission crew duties as a Section Lead (SL) or Mission Commander (MC) in a high threat combat and training environment. Lead the operations team comprised of a Weapons Section and a ...

D2 Government Solutions

MSAS Instructor/SME

NJ

Provide instruction and evaluations to students on security cooperation concepts, authorities, command relationships, mission planning, execution, and reporting. * Provide instruction on teaching ...

Core Government Services Corporation

$48K - $63K/yr

Core Government Services (CGS) is searching for a Collective Training Branch (CTB) Mission Command Information System Trainer to support simulation training exercises at the Fort Bragg Mission ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMission Commander Jobs

Mission Commander information

See salary details

$54K

$142.7K

$249.5K

How much do mission commander jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission commander in the United States is $142,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mission Commander vs Mission Planner?

AspectMission CommanderMission Planner
Required CredentialsTypically requires pilot certifications, military or aviation experienceRequires planning certifications, aviation or military background
Work EnvironmentOperates in field or command centers, overseeing missionsWorks in offices or simulation environments, designing mission plans
Employer & IndustryMilitary, aerospace, drone operationsMilitary, aerospace, drone industry

Mission Commanders and Mission Planners often work together in aviation and drone operations. While Mission Commanders lead and execute missions in the field, Mission Planners focus on designing and preparing those missions. Both roles require specialized certifications and industry experience, but their core responsibilities differ: one leads operational execution, the other handles strategic planning.

What are some common challenges faced by Mission Commanders during high-stakes operations, and how are they typically addressed?

Mission Commanders often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing operational conditions, complex decision-making under pressure, and the need to coordinate diverse teams with specialized skills. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough pre-mission planning, ongoing risk assessments, and clear communication protocols. Commanders also rely on robust training, situational awareness, and support from their mission teams to adapt quickly and maintain mission objectives. Building strong relationships with team members and fostering a collaborative environment are also essential for overcoming obstacles and ensuring mission success.

What is a Mission Commander?

A Mission Commander is the individual responsible for leading and overseeing a specific mission, often in military, space, or emergency response operations. They coordinate teams, make critical decisions, and ensure the mission’s objectives are achieved safely and effectively. Mission Commanders must possess strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they are accountable for the mission’s success and the well-being of their team. Their duties can include planning, executing, and reviewing missions, as well as adapting to changing circumstances on the ground.

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

To thrive as a Mission Commander, you need strong leadership, decision-making, and operational planning skills, often supported by advanced degrees and extensive experience in military or aerospace missions. Familiarity with mission planning software, communication systems, and navigation tools, as well as specialized certifications, is typically required. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork abilities are vital for coordinating diverse teams in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure mission objectives are achieved safely and efficiently while maintaining team cohesion and responding effectively to dynamic situations.
More about Mission Commander jobs
What job categories do people searching Mission Commander jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Commander jobs are:
Mission Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Commander job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,683 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

MCTP PTOC WCOPFOR Assistant Work Area Commander (WAC)

Core Government Services Corporation

Lansing, KS • On-site

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

CGS is looking for an Assistant Work Area Commander (WAC) to support the US Army's Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Do you want to use your creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling skills to improve organizational mission performance in the defense industry? You understand there is no single or easy solution to prepare for the unforeseen. By creating and testing real-world scenarios, you know how to help military organizations make faster and smarter decisions based on data.

As an Opposing Force (OPFOR) Assistant Work Area Commander (WAC), you'll work as part of a team for Warfighter Exercise rotations to support Mission Command Training Program in the execution of Warfighters, Mission Rehearsal Exercises, Seminars, and After-Action Review development. As an assistant WAC, you will assist the World Class Opposing Forces (WCOPFOR) and OPFOR Support Division with preparation of contract deliverables in support of Mission Command Training Program (MCTP). You will participate as necessary in the Joint Exercise Lifecycle (JELC) working side-by-side with others to execute MCTP Exercise rotations.

Key Responsibilities

  • WARSIM Battle Simulation Workstation Operator certification.
  • Prepare computer simulation with exercise scenario plan command and control graphics
  • Prepare computer simulation by placing assigned units into doctrinal formations, ensuring placement is situated to the terrain and is a tactically correct representation based on combat orders and the scenario
  • Mentors and supervises WARSIM Battle Simulation Workstation Operators assigned to the Maneuver Work Cell
  • Input computer orders and generates reports as directed
  • Ensures the OPFOR Commander's intent is executed in JLCCTC and ensures all operations are compliant with current applicable OPFOR doctrine.
  • Coordinate maneuver operations between command post staff and simulation operators
  • May occasionally be called upon to deploy to forward locations to assist with OPFOR operations in various countries, as required, in support of U.S. military operations

Minimum Requirements:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of Army and Joint regulations and current doctrine.
  • Ability to work on-site at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 5% of the time)
  • One or more of the following:
    • BS/BA degree with 5 years of military experience or
    • High School and 10 years of military experience.
  • Active DOD Secret clearance is required. 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree.
  • Military Education Level (MEL) 4
  • Experience as a former field grade officer, warrant officer, or sergeant major.
  • Successfully served in a key developmental position at brigade/battalion level.
  • Combat Arms experience.
  • Experience with Constructive Simulation Models (e.g., Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability (JLCCTC), Warfighters Simulation (WARSIM) .
  • Experience with FM 7-100 series OPFOR doctrine.
  • Experience working with the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP).
  • Strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and a customer-focused approach.

Working Conditions: Inside Government training facilities.

Required Travel: Employees will travel to temporary work locations during exercises.

Job Type: Part-Time On-Call, Exempt

Contract Length: More than 1 year

Core Government Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a Core Government Services position, please contact Human Resources by emailing Support.Services@coregsc.com. Please do not include sensitive personal information in your message, such as your Social Security number, medical diagnosis, or detailed personal health information.