Cybersecurity Exercise Planner

General Dynamics Information Technology

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an unpaid fellowship through the Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge Program. The fellow will remain an employee of the DoW and receive compensation and benefits through the DoW; the fellow will not receive compensation or benefits from GDIT and will not be a GDIT employee, agent, or contractor. The fellowship provides transitioning service members with hands-on training and professional experience supporting cybersecurity readiness and joint exercise programs within the USCENTCOM Information Technology Services (CITS) program. The role supports USCENTCOM J5/7 exercise programs and provides exposure to cybersecurity exercise planning, Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) processes, cyber threat scenario development, exercise execution, Joint Planning Process (JPP) methodologies, and after-action activities. Fellows work with experienced exercise planners and cybersecurity professionals and collaborate with military and civilian personnel. The fellowship is intended to build technical and operational readiness for potential future employment as a full-time Cybersecurity Exercise Planner within GDIT mission-focused programs. The position is onsite at the customer site at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, with a 40-hour scheduled work week and no travel required. Fellowship duration is aligned with DoW SkillBridge requirements. An active Top Secret/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship are required. Applicants must also satisfy the listed DoW SkillBridge eligibility conditions.

Requirements

At least 3 years of related experience; the qualifications section specifies 3+ years of military experience as a Joint Exercise Planner or in operational planning, training, cyber operations, intelligence, communications, or related mission-focused environments.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, information technology, military studies, or a related field, or equivalent military training and experience.
Foundational knowledge of operational planning, exercise support, or military mission execution.
Familiarity with exercise coordination and exercise design principles.
Understanding of cybersecurity principles, operational environments, or information technology concepts.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively through written products, briefings, and collaborative discussions.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while supporting multiple planning priorities.
Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources and document planning activities, lessons learned, and exercise outcomes.
Ability to collaborate with military, government, and contractor personnel.
Experience using Microsoft Office tools for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.
Applicable DoD 8140 or DoD 8570 certification.
Onsite attendance at the customer site in Tampa, Florida.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
DoW SkillBridge eligibility: served at least 180 days on active duty; able to participate within the last six months before separation or retirement; expect to receive an honorable discharge; completed service TAP/TGPS; attended or participated in an ethics brief within the last 12 months; and received written authorization and approval from the Unit Commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in the chain of command) before the fellowship starts.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience supporting operations within the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Additional military education, professional military education (PME), or training related to planning, operations, cybersecurity, or exercises.
Experience supporting Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) activities.
Experience contributing to the design, planning, organization, or execution of CPXs, STAFFEXs, or FTXs.
Familiarity with USCENTCOM missions, organizations, and operational environments.
Knowledge of the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Joint Training Program (JTP).
Experience briefing military or civilian leadership audiences.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneBrief, PCTE, Advana, or related planning platforms.
Advanced military planning education such as SAMS, SAASS, JAWS, or equivalent military planning programs.
CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
Additional cybersecurity, planning, or operational certifications.

Responsibilities

Gain hands-on experience supporting cybersecurity-focused exercise planning in the USCENTCOM environment.
Participate in Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) planning events under the guidance of experienced exercise planners.
Assist with developing and reviewing exercise plans, directives, and supporting documentation.
Learn how operational objectives are translated into realistic exercise scenarios and training events.
Support development of Master Scenario Events Lists (MSELs) and simulation control injects.
Gain exposure to planning and execution of Command Post Exercises (CPXs), Staff Exercises (STAFFEXs), and Field Training Exercises (FTXs).
Participate in exercise planning conferences, working groups, synchronization meetings, and coordination activities.
Gain exposure to the Joint Planning Process (JPP), operational design principles, and military planning methodologies.
Research current cybersecurity threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for exercise integration.
Support creation of presentations, briefing materials, and planning products for senior leaders and stakeholders.
Assist with documenting meeting notes, exercise products, lessons learned, and action items.
Participate in after-action review activities and learn how corrective actions are identified and tracked.
Participate in planning and support activities for demonstrations, Tabletop Exercises (TTXs), Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drills, seminars, and other exercise-related events.
Collaborate with technical, operational, and planning teams supporting joint exercise requirements.
Develop familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneBrief, PCTE, Advana, and related operational tools.