Summary: Space Systems Command civilian Guardian arrives in the U.K. as part of a first-ever civilian exchange program to support Space Enterprise Architecture integration efforts between the U.S. and the U.K. This exchange marks another step towards closer integration and collaboration between the two countries in the space domain, strengthening the partnership and mutually developing the U.S. and U.K. space workforce.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, United Kingdom (April 9, 2025) – The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) and the United Kingdom’s Space Command (UK Sp Cmd) recently 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.”
About Space Systems Command:
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.
About UK Space Command:
UK Space Command is the lead for space operations, space workforce, and space capability within the UK’s Ministry of Defence. It is a joint command, based at RAF High Wycombe, staffed by personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, civil servants and contractors, as well as exchange personnel from international partners. UK Space Command’s mission is to protect and defend UK and allied national and military space interests and enable allied forces to operate globally.
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Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding SSC by sending an e-mail to sscpa.media@spaceforce.mil
Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding UK Space Command by sending an e-mail to charlie.haines103@mod.gov.uk
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