Exercise Planner - Journeyman

Exercise Planner

As an Exercise Planner supporting Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing joint and coalition training across the Indo-Pacific region. You'll oversee the full lifecycle of exercisesfrom concept development to execution and after-action analysisensuring each event strengthens operational readiness and advances strategic objectives. In this dynamic position, you'll collaborate with U.S. and allied service components, partner nations, and interagency stakeholders to plan and deliver well-coordinated, mission-driven exercises. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with experience in operational planning, logistics coordination, and multinational engagement.

Key Responsibilities :

• Plan, organize, and manage assigned exercises through all phases of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including concept development, execution, and after-action review.
• Develop exercise objectives, scenarios, and participation plans, coordinating logistics for all related meetings, conferences, and events.
• Manage exercise budgets, including cost estimation, funding oversight, and documentation.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholderssuch as U.S. Service Components, partner nations, and interagency organizationsto ensure unity of effort and mission success.
• Provide guidance and training to exercise participants and fellow planners, fostering collaboration and professional development.
• Conduct after-action analysis, capturing lessons learned and performance metrics to enhance future planning.
• Identify and resolve exercise-related challenges and propose well-developed Courses of Action (COAs) for decision-makers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant directives, performance standards, and deliverable timelines.
• Apply regional awareness, understanding the customs, courtesies, and inter-country dynamics critical to exercise success.
• Incorporate force structure considerations, including current and projected capabilities, when planning participation.
• Liaise with national-level agencies, the Department of Defense (DoD), Combatant Commands, Services, and Intelligence Agencies as required.
• Leverage technology, using Microsoft Office applications and adapting quickly to emerging planning tools, including basic knowledge of AI / ML / LLM capabilities.
Qualifications :
• Required :
• Active TS / SCI security clearance
• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 3 years of experience planning Major Command (MAJCOM)-level or equivalent joint exercises
• Proven understanding of operational and logistical support requirements for exercises, deployments, and mobilizations
• Working knowledge of force structure, unit locations, and assigned assets
• Exceptional communication skills, with a commitment to responding to correspondence within 12 business hours
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and customer interface abilities
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Desired :
• Recent military experience (within the last 510 years)
• Rated officer or logistics background
• Experience in an Air Operations Center (AOC) or MAJCOM / Numbered Air Force (NAF) staff environment
• 6 + years of aviation experience (Pilot, Navigator, Air Battle Manager, or Aircrew)
• Familiarity with Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and / or Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES)
• Operational or logistical experience in the Asia-Pacific Theater
• Working knowledge of Joint Training Tool (JTT) and Global Theater Security Cooperation Management Information System (G-TSCMIS)
• Experience with financial management systems, such as MIPRs, AF-616s, Comptroller Alert Messages, and MPA Man-day Management

What You Can Expect :

Pay Range : There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.