Subject Matter Expert​/Instructor (USAFA)

Subject Matter Expert/Instructor (USAFA)

Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Position Type:
Temporary / Event-Specific 1099 Independent Contractor

Assignment:
Fall 2026 Validation Exercise (VALEX)

Projected Assignment Period:
September 8–21, 2026

Compensation: $425–$475 per day, based on experience and qualifications

Travel:
Required for non-local personnel

Leading Solutions is seeking experienced Subject Matter Experts/Instructors (SME/Is) to support the Fall 2026 Validation Exercise (VALEX) at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a temporary, event-specific assignment supporting a large-scale military training exercise involving approximately 4,200 USAFA cadets across multiple training areas. Selected SME/Is will provide instructional, facilitation, observation, evaluation support, exercise-control, and specialized warfighter expertise under the direction of USAFA personnel and the Leading Solutions project team.

- Participate in all required pre-event onboarding, orientation, training, rehearsal, and evaluator preparation activities.

- Review and become familiar with approved curriculum, facilitator guides, scenarios, training products, evaluation criteria, communications procedures, and safety requirements.

- Provide military instruction, coaching, facilitation, observation, and exercise support in accordance with Government-approved training plans.

- Support training lanes through scenario setup, lane facilitation, role-player/control functions, delivery of approved exercise injects, communications support, and lane reset or recovery activities.

- Provide subject matter expertise within one or more war fighting functional areas, including:

• Command and Control (C2)
• Intelligence
• Information / Operations Security (OPSEC)
• Fires
• Movement and Maneuver
• Protection
• Sustainment

- Support adjacent functional areas or changing assignments as exercise requirements evolve.

- Observe and document cadet or team performance using Government-approved evaluation rubrics, observation logs, digital forms, run cards, and After Action Review (AAR) processes.

- Provide timely and accurate observations and AAR input through the designated reporting chain.

- Participate in synchronization meetings, briefings, rehearsals, and AARs.

- Communicate observations regarding training execution, cadet performance, safety, resources, and potential improvements.

- Follow established communications procedures, including approved radio and PACE protocols.

- Identify and promptly report safety hazards, medical concerns, training deviations, or conditions requiring training to stop.

- Maintain professional contractor conduct and appropriate boundaries when interacting with USAFA cadets.

- Comply with required field attire, PPE, photography restrictions, safety procedures, and USAFA standards of conduct.

- Perform other event-related duties within the scope of the assigned SME/Instructor role.

- 6+ years of relevant military operational and/or instructional experience.

- Demonstrated expertise in at least one applicable war fighting functional area, including:

• Command and Control
• Intelligence
• Information / OPSEC
• Fires
• Movement and Maneuver
• Protection
• Sustainment

- Experience delivering, facilitating, evaluating, or supporting military training in a field, exercise, simulation, or classroom environment.

- Ability to follow established Programs of Instruction (POIs), facilitator guides, scenarios, training plans, and evaluation criteria.

- Ability to accurately document observations and provide required reporting within established timelines.

- Strong communication, professional judgment, and situational awareness.

- Demonstrated commitment to safety and adherence to established safety procedures.

- Ability to work effectively in high-tempo environments and under changing exercise requirements.

- Ability to work outdoors and in field conditions for extended periods.

- Availability to complete required preparation and training activities prior to the VALEX exercise.

- Availability for the projected assignment period of approximately September 8–21, 2026.

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