Senior Operations SME (Mission Command Exercises)

Location: Fort Bragg, NC
Clearance Required: Active Secret Clearance
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $116,000 – $120,000 annually

Position Overview

MKS2 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of Mission Readiness Exercises (MRXs) and Mission Command Exercises (MCEs) for Special Operations Forces (SOF) organizations. This position provides senior-level operational expertise across multiple warfighting functions and serves as a key advisor during exercise development and execution activities.

The Senior Operations SME will research, design, plan, prepare, coordinate, and execute realistic training scenarios that enhance organizational readiness, mission command proficiency, and operational effectiveness across SOF headquarters and subordinate units.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop, plan, coordinate, and execute Mission Readiness Exercises (MRXs) and Mission Command Exercises (MCEs).
• Provide subject matter expertise on Special Operations Forces missions, doctrine, operational planning, and training methodologies.
• Support the development of exercise concepts, operational scenarios, injects, and training objectives.
• Assist in designing and executing realistic training events that replicate operational environments and mission requirements.
• Facilitate exercise planning meetings, synchronization events, rehearsals, and after-action reviews.
• Support operational planning efforts and mission command training activities for SOF headquarters and staffs.
• Provide guidance on military operations, intelligence integration, logistics support, fires coordination, and other warfighting functions as required.
• Develop operational products, briefings, reports, and exercise documentation for government stakeholders.
• Evaluate exercise execution and provide recommendations to improve readiness, operational effectiveness, and training outcomes.
• Collaborate with exercise planners, simulation personnel, role players, and military staff to ensure successful event execution.
• Support special projects and operational analysis efforts related to mission readiness and training.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree from an accredited institution.
• Fifteen (15) years of directly related military experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Military Experience

• Graduate of the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course as:
  • 18A Special Forces Officer,
  • 180A Special Forces Warrant Officer, or
  • 18-Series Special Forces Non-Commissioned Officer.
• Completion of applicable Intermediate Level Education (ILE), Senior Service College, Warrant Officer education, or equivalent military professional education.
• Experience serving within Special Operations Forces organizations or designated Military Intelligence, Logistics, or Field Artillery organizations.
• Extensive experience supporting military operational planning, mission command processes, and training exercises.

Clearance

• Active Secret Security Clearance required.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of experience researching, planning, preparing, coordinating, and executing Mission Readiness Exercises (MRXs).
• Experience supporting Special Operations Mission Training Centers, Mission Command Training Programs, or Joint training events.
• Familiarity with SOF operational planning processes, campaign design, and mission command systems.
• Experience supporting large-scale collective training exercises and readiness events.
• Knowledge of Joint and Army doctrine, operational planning, and command-and-control processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of Special Operations Forces missions, organizations, and operational concepts.
• Strong understanding of military decision-making processes and mission command principles.
• Ability to analyze complex operational challenges and develop effective training solutions.
• Exceptional planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal communication and briefing abilities with senior military leaders and government personnel.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic and high-tempo training environments.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Work Environment

• Located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
• Supports mission planning events, exercise development activities, rehearsals, and training operations.
• May require periodic travel and participation in extended exercise execution events.
• Fast-paced environment supporting Army and SOF readiness initiatives.

Why Join MKS2

At MKS2, we support the readiness and mission success of the U.S. military through world-class training, operational support, and mission command expertise. Our professionals play a vital role in developing the next generation of mission-ready leaders and operational staffs.