OPLAN
OPLAN stands for Operations Plan, which is a detailed military planning document that outlines how to carry out specific missions or objectives. Think of it like a comprehensive business plan, but for military operations. When veterans mention OPLANs in their resumes, they're showing experience in strategic planning, coordinating resources, and managing complex operations. This term is commonly found in military and defense contractor job descriptions, and it demonstrates that a candidate has experience in organized planning and execution of important missions.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and executed OPLANs for unit training exercises involving 200+ personnel
Led team in implementing emergency response OPLANs across multiple bases
Coordinated with multiple departments to create and maintain Operations Plans (OPLANs) for critical missions
Typical job title: "Military Operations Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Military Operations Planners
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a time when you had to modify an OPLAN due to changing circumstances?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and ability to coordinate multiple teams while maintaining mission objectives. They should explain how they assessed the situation, made quick decisions, and communicated changes effectively.
Q: How do you ensure all stakeholders are properly coordinated when developing an OPLAN?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss their experience in managing multiple departments, communication strategies, and how they ensure all critical elements of the plan are understood and properly resourced.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What elements do you consider most critical when developing an OPLAN?
Expected Answer: Look for understanding of key planning components like personnel requirements, logistics, timeline management, and risk assessment. They should demonstrate knowledge of how these elements work together.
Q: How do you handle resource allocation in OPLAN development?
Expected Answer: Candidate should explain their experience in assessing resource needs, prioritizing requirements, and coordinating with different units or departments to ensure proper distribution of available resources.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is your understanding of an OPLAN's basic components?
Expected Answer: Look for basic knowledge of operational planning elements including mission objectives, timeline, resource requirements, and chain of command structure.
Q: Can you explain your role in supporting OPLAN implementation?
Expected Answer: Candidate should be able to describe their experience in following established plans, maintaining documentation, and supporting senior planners in execution.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of military planning processes
- Experience following established OPLANs
- Basic documentation and reporting
- Supporting role in plan implementation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Development of department-level OPLANs
- Resource coordination and management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Team leadership in plan execution
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic level planning expertise
- Multi-department coordination
- Complex mission planning
- Emergency response planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No military or defense sector experience
- Lack of understanding of basic military terminology
- Poor communication or organizational skills
- No experience with team coordination or leadership
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