Senior Exercise Planner
Location: Camp Smith, HI (MARFORPAC)
Clearance: TS/SCI eligible (Active Secret required; TS/SCI preferred)
Start Date: ASAP
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required)
Position Overview
JMark Services is seeking a Senior Exercise Planner to support Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) at Camp Smith, Hawaii. This role serves as a key operational and strategic resource within a Headquarters environment, supporting the conceptualization, planning, execution, and assessment of joint and service-level exercises.
The Exercise Planner brings deep subject matter expertise in DoD Joint Exercise Planning processes, ensuring exercises are designed to sharpen force readiness, improve coalition interoperability, and align with Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and joint command objectives. This position supports higher headquarters and subordinate commands as they navigate complex operational challenges across multi-domain environments.
Key Responsibilities
Exercise Planning & Management
Lead the development, coordination, and execution of realistic, high-fidelity joint and service-level exercises testing operational concepts, contingency plans, and warfighting readiness.
Joint & MAGTF Integration
Apply expert knowledge of joint and Marine Corps doctrine to integrate MAGTF and combined/joint force elements throughout exercise design, execution, and assessment.
Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) Support
Manage all phases of the JELC, including requirements analysis, concept and scenario development, event design, scripting, execution, after-action assessment, and lessons learned integration.
Scenario Development
Design complex, realistic scenarios incorporating multi-domain operations, cyber effects, logistics, and coalition or interagency participation.
Assessment & Analysis
Collect and analyze exercise data, including observer/controller inputs and participant feedback.
Produce actionable after-action reports and recommendations that inform future planning and drive operational improvement.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Serve as a primary interface with higher and subordinate headquarters, other Service Components, and allied or coalition partners to ensure exercise alignment and interoperability.
Doctrine & Policy Integration
Ensure all exercises reflect current U.S. military doctrine, policy, command guidance, and operational priorities.
Briefings & Reporting
Prepare and deliver clear, concise briefings for senior leadership, translating complex objectives, outcomes, and recommendations into actionable insights.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in national security, military studies, operations research, or a closely related field.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years supporting joint or service-level exercises within a Marine higher headquarters environment.
Hands-on experience with exercise planning, execution, and after-action review processes.
Demonstrated understanding of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) and DoD or Service-level exercise regulations.
Familiarity with MAGTF structure, command relationships, and operational doctrine.
Experience developing complex scenarios and integrating lessons learned.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard DoD planning tools.
Experience working in classified or secure communications environments.
Clearance
Active Secret clearance required.
TS/SCI preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
5–8 years supporting joint, combined, or service-level exercises at Marine higher headquarters (e.g., MARFORPAC, MEF, Division, or equivalent).
Direct experience with multi-component, international, or coalition exercises.
Master’s degree in strategic studies, defense analysis, or a related field.
Completion of Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I or II), Command and Staff College, or Marine Corps equivalent.
Experience coordinating with interagency or partner-nation forces.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including delivery of executive-level briefings and high-impact reports.
Formal certification in Joint Exercise Planning or related DoD training.