The U.S Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) and the United Kingdom’s Space Command (UK Sp Cmd) has formalized a first-ever civilian exchange program agreement, leveraging the Administrative and Professional Exchange Program (APEP) to foster allied integration efforts and workforce development.
APEP is a part of the overarching U.S. Defense Personnel Exchange Program (DPEP), which enables professionals in administrative or management roles to exchange positions with their counterparts in another organization, often across different countries, to gain new skills, perspectives and cross-cultural understanding through hands-on experience.
“Our civilian and military Guardians and Airmen deserve our investment in their careers,” said Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, SSC Commander. “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 Supplemental Annex codifying this exchange position was formalized on November 18, 2024, by signature from the U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA), following signature by the U.K. Chief of the Air Staff on October 28, 2024. Ms. Tara Browne, SSC/IA Deputy Division Chief for Strategy & Plans, was identified as the U.S. civilian member to participate in the exchange, arriving into country in early April 2025.
“This exchange assignment represents a significant milestone in U.S.-U.K. space collaboration and exemplifies the [Chief of Space Operations]’s “Partner to Win” priority in action,” said Browne. “I’m looking forward to providing hands-on, tactical level support to the U.K. in developing and integrating their Space Enterprise architecture with U.S. and Allied Space architectures. These ground-level efforts will strengthen our ability to collaborate and proliferate our architecture with one of our closest allies in space. As someone who strongly believes in the power of international partnerships, I’m excited to be the first USSF civilian selected for this unique role.”
This agreement was the result of an ongoing effort initiated last year when SSC, SAF/IA and UK Sp Cmd identified the value of a civilian exchange in support of Space Enterprise Architecture integration efforts. Leveraging an existing program in a new way to meet emerging needs, the three offices leaned forward in pursuing this opportunity. Additionally, this civilian exchange builds upon the strengthening relationship with our Space partnership which saw the first 3-Star Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP) officer assignment of the Royal Air Force (RAF)’s Air Marshal Paul Godfrey’s exchange position to U.S. Space Force serving as the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships at the Pentagon.
“I know first-hand the value of our exchange programs,” said Major General Paul Tedman, UK Sp Cmd Commander. “They allow us to build trust, learn from each other, and enhance cooperation. Our people, on both sides of the Atlantic, remain our greatest asset, and this new civilian exchange program will ensure alignment of U.S. and U.K. space architectural design.”
