The Air Force Scientist And Engineer Career Program, exemplified by the Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP), offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration. This reciprocal exchange program is designed to foster global cooperation in military research, development, testing, and evaluation. It achieves this by facilitating the exchange of talented government military and civilian engineers and scientists between the U.S. Air Force and partner nations.
ESEP provides invaluable on-site working assignments. For U.S. personnel, this means immersing themselves in the Defense activities of partner nations, gaining firsthand experience and new perspectives. Conversely, it welcomes Defense personnel from allied countries to contribute to and learn from U.S. Defense activities. This two-way exchange creates a rich environment for mutual learning and innovation.
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) takes executive responsibility for ESEP, delegating management oversight to the international program offices of the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Within the Air Force, the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Policy and Programs Directorate, Armaments Cooperation Division (SAF/IAPC) acts as the primary management agent for the USAF ESEP Program. The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), International Affairs Directorate (XPPI) handles the daily administrative functions of this critical program. A foundational requirement for all ESEP exchanges is a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a clear framework for cooperation. Legally, ESEP operates under the U.S. DoD Personnel Exchange Program, authorized by Title 10 U.S.C. § 311. Program procedures and processes are further defined by regulations such as DoDD 5230.20, DoDI 5530.3, AFI 51-701, AFI 16-110, AFMAN 16-110, and the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG).
Participating in the Air Force Scientist and Engineer Career Program through ESEP offers numerous benefits. It allows military and civilian personnel to develop deep expertise in international program management, broadening their understanding of diverse approaches to research and development. Participants gain valuable insights into the R&D processes of the USAF’s international partners, fostering a global mindset. Crucially, the program strengthens international cooperation, promoting interoperability and paving the way for new avenues of technical collaboration between allied nations.
Through ESEP, individual participants, and consequently the USAF as a whole, build and expand international networks. These connections can be instrumental in fostering long-term collaborations and initiating new cooperative programs or projects. The Air Force recognizes a significant return on investment through this personnel exchange, as it facilitates the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices across borders. For those seeking a dynamic and impactful career path within the Air Force, the Scientist and Engineer Career Program, particularly through ESEP, represents a unique opportunity to contribute to global defense cooperation and advance technological innovation while significantly enhancing their own professional trajectory.
