Input Technology Solutions is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Operational Support Specialist to join our Fleet Reachback Support team in Dahlgren, VA. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in supporting naval fleet operations by providing expert analytic and operational reach-back support to answer Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Analysis (RFAs) from Combatant Commands (COCOMs), Numbered Fleet Commanders (NFCs), SMWDC staff, CSG/ESG staffs, operational units, and other stakeholders.
This role supports time-sensitive fleet decision-making by monitoring ongoing operations, assessing emerging threats and changes in adversary capabilities, and producing validated response products and tactical guidance updates. If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Provide analytic support for operational reach-back requirements to answer RFIs/RFAs addressing new threat assessments and/or adversary capability improvements or changes in weapons employment.
- Evaluate, assess, and contribute to the RFI/RFA review process; coordinate recommendations with technical, analytical, and operational organizations (e.g., NAVSEA, JHU/APL, NAWDC).
- Develop, edit, modify, validate, and/or verify RFI/RFA response products for accuracy, completeness, and operational relevance.
- Augment SMWDC reach-back cell(s) as directed to support 24/7 operations when the Combatant Commander/Numbered Fleet Commander requests surge support for emergent or combat operations.
- Review and monitor Fleet operations, including:
- Employment schedules and deployed operations tasking
- Fleet requirements
- Training and readiness levels
- Casualty reports (e.g., CASREPs)
- Current system status to afloat units
- Maintain day-to-day awareness and status of Fleet operations; track operational-level tasking and employment schedules of Navy assets.
- Provide Operations Research (OR) expertise (methodologies, policies, procedures) to conduct analysis supporting SMWDC mission areas:
- Air Warfare (AW)
- Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)
- Mine Warfare (MIW)
- Surface Warfare (SUW)
- Support operational and tactical guidance development by reviewing, updating, and, when required, developing products such as:
- Tactical Memoranda (TACMEMO)
- Navy Wide Operational Tasks (OPTASKs)
- Battle Orders
- Class Tactical Publications
- Capabilities and Limitations information
- Fleet Advisory Messages (FAMs)
- Review, update, and, when required, develop doctrine and tactics publications, including:
- Joint Publications (JPs)
- Navy Warfare Publications (NWPs)
- Navy Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP)
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience supporting operational-level Navy or Joint operations, including reach-back support, operational planning, or fleet staff functions.
- Experience producing and staffing analytic products in response to RFIs/RFAs, including drafting, editing, and quality control/validation.
- Working knowledge of fleet operations monitoring (tasking, schedules, readiness reporting, and casualty reporting such as CASREPs).
- Familiarity with Navy/Joint tactical and doctrinal publications (e.g., TACMEMO, OPTASK, JPs, NWPs, NTTP) and the ability to support updates.
- Strong analytical writing skills and ability to communicate clearly in time-sensitive operational environments.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with technical and operational organizations (government, warfare centers, labs, and fleet stakeholders).
- Possess current Security Clearance of SECRET and TS//SCI eligible.
- A minimum of 12 years of military experience, and/or relevant industry and/or government experience with the surface navy’s combat systems, C5I, networks, weapons systems and IAMD planning systems.
- Five (5) years of experience aboard Navy cruisers, destroyers or within qualified Department of Defense warfare areas.
- Qualified and experienced in a watch station with the authority to employ the Aegis Weapon System (i.e. Tactical Action Officer (TAO), Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC), Battle Watch Captain).
- Possess a Tactical Action Officer Qualification letter or BMD Watch Officer qualification letter.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to support war-fighting readiness, capabilities, and capacity evaluations.
- Experience in post weapons firing mission analysis of Aegis weapon systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Operations Research background and experience applying OR methods to operational problems.
- Prior experience supporting SMWDC mission areas (AW, BMD, MIW, SUW) or similar warfare development organizations.
- Experience supporting 24/7 watchfloor or surge operations in response to emergent/combat operations.
Work Environment & Schedule:
- May require shift work and/or on-call availability to support 24/7 reach-back operations during emergent or combat operations.
- Work is performed in a fast-paced operational environment with frequent time-sensitive tasking.
Security Clearance:
- Possess current Security Clearance of SECRET and TS//SCI eligible