Tactical Opposing Force (OPFOR) Role Player

SkyBridge Tactical, LLC; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyBridge Tactical LLC in Southern California seeks experienced former special operations personnel to serve as tactical OPFOR role players for advanced military training. You will act as a thinking, realistic adversary and apply real-world tactics to challenge trainees.

Work is intermittent and scheduled around training events, often lasting several consecutive days with shifts up to 12 hours, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Prior military special operations experience.
• Active SECRET clearance maintained throughout employment.
• Expert weapons handling and safety.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check and high-risk training suitability screening.

Responsibilities

• Act as a tactical adversary in advanced training scenarios.
• Engage and be engaged by trainee forces using marking cartridge weapons, paintball-type systems, and blank ammunition.
• Operate various military weapons systems after safety instruction from military staff.
• Follow the scenario script and training objectives precisely, adjusting tactics only as directed by training staff.
• Model safe weapons handling for the role player team, and follow all range safety and Training Time Out procedures.
• Provide tactical observations for after-action reviews.

Skills

Active SECRET clearance

U.S. citizenship

Weapons handling

Tactical operations

Job description

Tactical Opposing Force (OPFOR) Role Player

SkyBridge Tactical LLC | Southern California (multiple training sites)

Clearance: Active SECRET clearance required.

Position overview

SkyBridge Tactical is seeking experienced former special operations personnel to serve as tactical opposing force (OPFOR) for an anticipated contract supporting advanced military training in Southern California. OPFOR role players act as a thinking, realistic adversary. They apply real-world tactics that force trainees to make fast, sound decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Act as a tactical adversary in advanced training scenarios, applying realistic tactics, techniques, and behaviors within the scenario's scope.
• Engage and be engaged by trainee forces using marking cartridge weapons, paintball-type systems, and blank ammunition.
• Operate various military weapons systems after safety instruction from military staff.
• Follow the scenario script and training objectives precisely, adjusting tactics only as directed by training staff.
• Model safe weapons handling for the role player team, and follow all range safety and Training Time Out procedures.
• Provide tactical observations for after-action reviews.

Required qualifications

• Prior military special operations experience.
• Active SECRET clearance, maintained throughout employment.
• Expert weapons handling and safety.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check and high-risk training suitability screening.

Physical and safety requirements

• Able to be restrained (zip-tied) for prolonged periods and to be searched by trainees while restrained.
• Able to stand and lie prone for extended periods, with and without restraints.
• Able to wear a full-face helmet, throat guard, and groin guard.
• Physically fit, with no limitations or medical conditions that would prevent sustained tactical movement in austere outdoor environments and during hours of darkness.

Preferred experience

Experience as an OPFOR or role player supporting special operations training, and experience with scenario design or training cadre duties.

Work schedule and travel

Work is intermittent and scheduled around training events, which typically run several consecutive days. Training days can last up to 12 hours and often run from afternoon into the early morning, including nights and weekends. Schedules may shift by up to two days due to weather or other delays. You will travel to training sites throughout Southern California, and some remote sites involve group lodging.

Anticipated start date: Contingent upon contract award, anticipated in late October 2026, with initial training events expected shortly after.

Employment is subject to contract award, customer approval, clearance verification, required suitability screening, and satisfaction of all position requirements.

Disclaimer: This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position and is not an exhaustive list of every duty.