The United States and the United Kingdom have announced the establishment of a new joint exchange program aimed at enhancing civilian employees’ understanding of the space field. This initiative was revealed by officials on Tuesday.
This collaboration, which is the first of its kind, involves the U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) and U.K. Space Command. It is designed to strengthen the space domain alliance between the two nations by allowing professionals to acquire new skills, as stated in a joint release.
Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, commander of SSC, emphasized the importance of investing in the careers of both civilian and military personnel. He stated, “By offering opportunities to strengthen and grow our workforce through programs such as APEP, we get after exactly that objective. In order to develop a world-class workforce, we must continue to partner to win.”
The U.S. Space Systems Command operates with a budget of $15.6 billion under the Department of Defense and serves as the field command for the U.S. Space Force. In a parallel role, U.K. Space Command functions under the U.K.’s Ministry of Defence.
The civilian exchange program agreement is based on the existing Administrative and Professional Exchange Program and falls under the U.S. Defense Personnel Exchange Program. This initiative permits individuals to exchange positions with their counterparts in other organizations, including those in different countries, to foster understanding in the field.
Tara Browne, the deputy division chief for strategy and plans at SSC’s International Affairs, became the first U.S. civilian to participate in this program, arriving in the U.K. earlier this month.
The official signing of the program occurred on November 18, 2024, by U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, Kelli Seybolt, following approval by U.K. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, commander of U.K. Space Command, spoke on the value of exchange programs, stating, “They allow us to build trust, learn from each other, and enhance cooperation.” He highlighted that the workforce on both sides of the Atlantic is the greatest asset and that this new exchange program will align U.S. and U.K. space architectural design.
The partnership has gained momentum over the past year, notably with the 2024 appointment of Air Marshal Paul Godfrey from the U.K. Royal Air Force to the position of assistant chief of space operations for future concepts and partnerships at the U.S. Space Force. Godfrey previously held the role of commander of U.K. Space Command.
Riley Ceder is a reporter at Military Times, focusing on breaking news, criminal justice, investigations, and cyber. He has also contributed to The Washington Post’s Abused by the Badge investigation as an investigative practicum student.
