Future Operations and Cybersecurity Exercise Planner
About The Position
This unpaid fellowship is offered through the Department of War SkillBridge Program for transitioning service members. The fellow remains an employee of the Department of War and receives compensation and benefits through the Department of War; the fellow is not an employee, agent, or contractor of GDIT and receives no compensation or benefits from GDIT. The fellowship provides hands-on training and professional experience supporting cybersecurity readiness and joint exercise programs within the USCENTCOM Information Technology Services (CITS) program. The fellow supports the USCENTCOM J6 Future Operations Branch and J5/7 exercise programs alongside experienced exercise planners and cybersecurity professionals. The role provides exposure to cybersecurity and exercise planning, Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) processes, exercise execution, and implementation of cybersecurity orders, policies, procedures, and guidance across the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility. Learning activities include exercise planning conferences, Master Scenario Events List development, after-action reporting, lessons-learned integration, and Joint Planning Process methodologies. The fellow will build familiarity with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, OneBrief, PCTE, Advana, and related operational tools. The fellowship uses mentorship, hands-on learning, and collaboration with military and civilian professionals to develop planning, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. It is designed to build readiness for potential future employment as a full-time Future Operations and Cybersecurity Exercise Planner within GDIT mission-focused programs. The position is on site at the customer location at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The fellowship duration is aligned with Department of War SkillBridge requirements, and the schedule is 40 hours per week. No travel is required.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of military experience as a Joint Exercise Planner or supporting operational planning, training, cyber operations, intelligence, communications, or related mission-focused environments.
- Experience supporting military exercises, operational planning efforts, training events, or readiness activities.
- 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.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, information technology, military studies, or a related field, or equivalent military training and experience.
- Applicable DoD 8140 or DoD 8570 certification required.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to attend on site at the customer location in Tampa, Florida.
- Must meet the stated DoW SkillBridge eligibility conditions: at least 180 days of active-duty service; participation within the last six months before separation or retirement; an honorable discharge; completion of service TAP/TGPS; attendance at or participation in an ethics brief within the last 12 months; and written authorization and approval from the Unit Commander before starting the fellowship.
Nice To Haves
- At least 2 years of experience supporting operations within the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility.
- Additional military education, professional military education, or training related to planning, operations, cybersecurity, or exercises.
- Experience supporting Joint Exercise Life Cycle activities.
- Experience contributing to the design, planning, organization, or execution of Command Post Exercises, Staff Exercises, or Field Training Exercises.
- Familiarity with USCENTCOM missions, organizations, and operational environments.
- Knowledge of the Joint Planning Process and Joint Training Program.
- 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 an equivalent military planning program.
- CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
- Additional cybersecurity, planning, or operational certifications.
- Commitment to mission success, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Support cybersecurity-focused exercise planning activities in the USCENTCOM environment.
- Represent CCJ6 equities during Operational Planning Teams, conferences, working groups, and contingency-planning actions throughout the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility.
- Interpret, analyze, produce, and execute theater-wide cybersecurity orders, policies, procedures, and tactics.
- Participate in Joint Exercise Life Cycle planning events under the guidance of experienced exercise planners.
- Assist with the development and review of exercise plans, directives, and supporting documentation.
- Support the development of Master Scenario Events Lists and simulation-control injects for exercises.
- Participate in planning and support activities for Command Post Exercises, Staff Exercises, Field Training Exercises, demonstrations, Tabletop Exercises, Rehearsal of Concept drills, seminars, and other exercise-related events.
- Research cybersecurity threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures for integration into exercises.
- Support the creation of presentations, briefings, and planning products for senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Assist with documenting meeting notes, exercise products, lessons learned, and action items.
- Participate in after-action reviews and learn how corrective actions are identified and tracked.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
