INDOPACOM - ALPHA - Exercise Planner - Junior

Makai LLC•Hopkinton, MA

36d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Makai is seeking an Exercise Planner to support Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Air Combat Command (ACC). The Exercise Planner will support the planning and execution of joint and coalition exercises within the Indo-Pacific region. The Exercise Planner will oversee the full lifecycle of exercises, from concept development and coordination through execution and after-action review, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and strategic priorities. This position requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as experience managing operational and logistics requirements in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

1-4 years of experience planning MAJCOM (or equivalent) exercises
Familiarity with operational and logistical requirements for exercises, deployments, and mobilizations
Working knowledge of force structure, including country locations, units, and assigned assets
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to respond to communications within established timelines
Ability to lead and collaborate within a team environment, demonstrating strong leadership and customer interface skills
Proficiency with current Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new planning software
Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Active TS/SCI clearance required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Years of experience can be substituted for a degree.

Nice To Haves

Recent military experience (within the last 10 years)
Rated officer background or logistics experience
AOC or MAJCOM/NAF staff experience
Experience in planning and executing Joint or Coalition Field Training Exercises (FTXs), Command Post Exercises (CPXs), Staff Exercises, or Table-Top Exercises involving aviation assets
Familiarity with Theater Campaign Plans and organizational strategy
Experience of liaising with national-level agencies and intelligence organizations
Experience with Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES)
Familiarity with financial documentation and management systems (MIPRs, AF-616s, Comptroller Alerts, Manpower MPA Man-day Management System)

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and manage assigned exercises throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including concept development, execution, and after-action review
Develop exercise options based on unit availability, training requirements, and exercise objectives
Develop and brief exercise options to senior client leaders. Work with outside organizations and subordinate units during mission analysis.
Finalize exercise planning by providing concept of operations and writing exercise orders
Collect data and develop after action reports
Build after action briefings for senior client leaders
Utilize existing resources to develop exercises of Joint and Combined training events
Develop exercise objectives, attendee lists, and coordinate logistics for planning meetings, conferences, and execution events
Estimate and manage funding requirements within assigned budgets for each exercise
Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including service components, partner nations, and interagency participants, to ensure effective execution and continuity
Provide guidance, assistance, and training to exercise participants and planning teams
Analyze and document the effectiveness of exercise planning and execution as part of after-action reporting
Identify, analyze, and resolve contingency issues or execution challenges by developing and socializing Courses of Action (COAs)
Ensure compliance with all applicable performance standards, deliverables, and reporting requirements
Maintain awareness of regional relationships, customs, and courtesies relevant to joint and coalition exercise planning
Account for current and projected force structure, roles, responsibilities, and capabilities when developing exercise participation plans
Liaise with national-level agencies, DoD, Services, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence organizations as required
Utilize Microsoft Office applications and learn new planning and collaboration tools, including AI, ML, and LLM-enabled systems, to enhance efficiency and coordination