Exchange officer

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An exchange officer is a commissioned officer in a country's armed forces who is temporarily attached to a unit of the armed forces of another country.

The exchange officer will usually perform all duties as if he or she were actually in the armed forces to which they are attached. This includes going to war, if required, although this would require that permission be granted from their home government, and that other conditions may be attached.

The British and the U.S. armed forces have many exchange officers, for example a British officer has been attached to the United States Military Academy at West Point for many years now. Australian Army also attaches one of its officers with the rank of captain to the Royal Military College of Malaysia.

Exchange officers usually serve in similar roles to those that their career path would take them were they to remain in the armed forces of their home state.

The stated purpose of an exchange officer programme is usually to help foster understanding of each other's operating methods. This provides valuable feedback so that any issues that crop up in joint operations, such as those done under the NATO umbrella, would not impede the achievement of mission objectives.

For example, Thomas S. Jones, a General serving with the United States Marine Corps was an exchange officer who served with the Royal Marines of the UK during his career path. [1]

Another example is that though the Canadian Government is stated to be neutral with regards to the conflict in Iraq, many Canadians are fighting in Iraq under exchange with the United States Armed Forces. One exchange Canadian has even died while serving in the United States Marine Corps in Iraq.

[edit] Exchange Officer Programmes

A programme between the 82nd Airborne Division and the Parachute Regiment of the US Army and British Army respectively. The 82nd Airborne Division also has a similar program with the Royal Australian Army.