Senior Lessons Learned Analyst – Ground Combat Element

Senior Lessons Learned Analyst – Ground Combat Element

Quantico, VA

Makwa Global is seeking a Senior Lessons Learned Analyst to support the Marine Air‑Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Staff Training Program at Quantico, VA, with a specific focus on Ground Combat Element (GCE) operations. This senior‑level position requires extensive experience on a Marine Division staff with a ground combat, aviation, or combat service support occupational specialty. The Senior Analyst will review GCE After Action Reports, conduct ground combat trend analysis, and produce GCE content for Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned (MCCLL) reports.

The GCE represents the largest contributor to Lessons Learned within the MAGTF, making this position critical to mission success.

• Review and analyze Ground Combat Element After Action Reports from exercises, deployments, and operations
• Conduct comprehensive ground combat trend analysis to identify patterns, systemic issues, and best practices
• Produce detailed GCE content for MCCLL formal reports and publications
• Lead GCE‑focused Lessons Learned collections during major exercises and training events
• Conduct interviews with ground combat unit commanders, staff officers, and key personnel
• Analyze infantry, artillery, armor, reconnaissance, and combat engineer operations and tactics
• Synthesize complex GCE lessons across battalion, regiment, and division echelons
• Identify capability gaps and recommend solutions to improve GCE effectiveness
• Coordinate with Marine Division staffs and subordinate units on LL requirements
• Support development of GCE training objectives and performance standards based on LL analysis
• Serve as subject matter expert on ground combat operations and MAGTF integration
• Brief senior leadership on GCE trends, observations, and actionable recommendations
• Mentor junior analysts on GCE operations and LL collection methodologies

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred (Finance, Business Administration, or related field)
• Military studies degrees from Marine Corps University and/or Joint Forces Staff College highly desirable
• 10+ years of senior‑level military experience on a Marine Division or higher staff
• Senior level experience (O-4 and above) with ground combat, aviation, or combat service support MOS
• Retired Marine Corps Officer (O-4/O-5/O-6) with extensive operational experience strongly preferred
• Prior experience as a MCCLL Liaison Officer or in lessons learned operations highly desirable
• Proven experience conducting formal lessons learned collections and interviews (50+ interviews preferred)
• Knowledge of joint and coalition operations, including NATO/ISAF operations
• Comprehensive understanding of Marine Division organization, operations, and ground combat tactics
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills with ability to produce publication‑quality reports
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and military planning systems
• Ability to work effectively with senior military leaders across multiple organizations
• Physical Requirements and Work Environment
• Work is performed in a typical office environment at Quantico, VA
• Must be able to work onsite at Marine Corps Base Quantico facilities
• May require extended hours during major exercises and training events
• Occasional field visits to observe GCE operations during training events may be required

Moderate to frequent travel required to support MAGTF exercises, formal LL collections, and coordination with Marine Division units at various Marine Corps installations.