The United States military has been the leader in major combat operations around the world for the last 19 years. Given this framework, many US military personnel have a limited view of how our global partnerships work. For 19 years the average soldier has known nothing but an American General Officer leading the fight. As we move further into the 21st century, it is imperative that the United States military is comfortable serving with, and in some cases be subordinate to an allied military commander. These exchanges are governed by Army Regulation 614-10, Army Military Personnel Exchange Program with Military Services of Other Nations. These assignments are completed during broadening times in an individual career path and encompass four main objectives for the United States Army.

1. Support priorities of AR 11–31, the Army Security Cooperation Strategy, DOD guidance, combatant command and/or commander campaign plans, and the Army Campaign Support Plan.
2. Strengthen alliances and coalition partners by building partner capacity and maintaining or enhancing relationships in support of a global strategy.
3. Increase defense cooperation by integrating U.S. and PN [Partner Nation] military personnel working in valid positions at the unit level.
4. Provide a framework through bilateral exchanges of military personnel that prepare officers and NCOs for future assignments in support of multinational operations.

The Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP) or similar exchange opportunities are critical in providing service members the opportunity to serve directly with allied nations and become an integral member of their organizations. The relationships built during these exchange programs are the foundations of future military cooperation between the participating nations.

I was fortunate enough to be selected to take part in one of these two-year exchange programs in Canada. Some of the most rewarding times I have had in the Army, both personally and professionally occurred during this assignment. After serving on a Brigade Staff in the Canadian Army, my perspective was altered. The chance to view the world through a different lens has, without a doubt made me a better officer. Having the opportunity to watch multi-national operations up close, and without any US military involvement supplied a unique perspective that most US officers do not get to see. For many deployed US personnel, their chain of command never involves a foreign nation. To the same extent, our NATO partners have also only operated under the umbrella of a US senior field grade or flag officer during their deployed operations. Since the implementation of Atlantic Resolve rotations, multiple US Brigades have begun to train and work across the European theater, with many members of their formations falling under the direction of a NATO partner during various exercises. These training events build confidence in the abilities of the US and NATO nations to work together should the need arise for major combat operations.

Within every Corps headquarters, there are notable examples of the importance that the United States places on the exchange program. Each Corps HQ has an exchange officer from either the UK or Canada currently working in them. Brigadier General William “Bill” Fletcher currently serves as the Deputy Commanding General – Operations with the XVIII Airborne Corps. He was my Brigade Commander when I served on the staff of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1CMBG). I was able to gather some of his thoughts on the importance of the exchange program, and how in particular the United States and Canada benefit from these opportunities. He states that “Exchange programs, because of their immersive aspect and duration, often prove more valuable at breaking down barriers and creating understanding and contributing to learning than some training opportunities. Provided the right personnel are selected, learning occurs on both sides.” This part of the exchange program cannot be overstated. Living and working in Canada provided me with much more of an appreciation for the Canadian military and the personnel who form it, then simply working together in one or even multiple training events with an allied nation. BG Fletcher went on the say that “The exchange program is an investment in the future. Those fortunate enough to experience it will be better soldiers and can leverage the best of two worlds going forward.” This investment in the future is a critical piece to the overall success of the exchange program. Choosing the right individuals who will continue to serve and can use the lessons learned during their exchange is essential.

We are all students to our own life experiences and education. Some will say that the broadening time early in one’s career must be used to help the individual in areas of their branch that may be weak or not well-versed in. Others may suggest that it is the time to give back to the Army and help train and mentor others at a CTC or in a classroom. While I do not disagree with these viewpoints, I do believe that the further along an individual goes in their career without being exposed to new ideas or ways of doing things, the more difficult it will be for them to accept how someone from another nation may want to attack the same problem set. If you have never seen the way a Canadian, British, German, or even Latvian commander and staff conduct their decision-making process, you may be hesitant to follow their plans, however, if you are fortunate enough to watch NATO forces operate, independent of the United States, and still achieve great success, your apprehension may be non-existent, and your faith in our allies may be exactly what your boss or fellow teammates needed to see for buy-in to occur.
Exchange opportunities can provide rewarding experiences regardless of their length. Whether participating in a multi-year assignment or just a few short weeks, the benefits of serving as an exchange officer will remain with you for the rest of your life. For those individuals interested in serving in one of these positions, I recommend reaching out to your respective assignment officers to discuss your options. The weight given to selecting the right officers, warrant officers, and senior NCOs for these unique broadening opportunities must be in line with the current global environment.

The United States military must recognize the importance of continuing exchange programs, like those mentioned above, which will help foster relationships throughout Europe and the Pacific that can be leveraged in times of conflict. The complexity of multinational operations will never go away, but with the right mix of individuals who have the understanding, longevity in service, and a will to learn through a different lens, the United States Military and its allies will continue to be the greatest fighting force in the world.

MAJ Jeremy Flake is currently the Battalion S3 for 3-16 Field Artillery, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. MAJ Flake has completed two operational deployments to Afghanistan and one rotation to Europe as part of the Regionally Align Forces mission. As a CPT, he served as an exchange officer as part of the Military Personnel Exchange Program. He was assigned as the G35 for the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Edmonton, AB Canada. While serving in this position he participated in several multinational training events including WFX 17-4, JWA 18, and the NATO Certification Exercise for the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia.