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.
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 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 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.
The British and the U.S. armed services have many exchange officers; for example, a British officer has been attached to the United States Military Academy at West Point for many years. The Australian Army also attaches one of its officers with the rank of captain to the Royal Military College of Malaysia. Though the Canadian government is stated to be neutral with regards to the Iraq War, many Canadians are fighting in Iraq under exchange with the U.S. military.
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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]
In 2007 Queen Elizabeth II presented U.S. Marine Major William D. Chesarek Jr. with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in 2006 as an exchange officer flying British helicopters in Iraq.[2]
The United States Navy guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill has a Royal Navy officer permanently assigned to her crew. The Royal Navy frigate, HMS Marlborough, had a US Navy officer permanently stationed aboard in return until she was decommissioned in July 2005.
The Canadian Forces places an officer as Deputy Commanding General of the US Army's III Corps, a formation similar in size to the entire Canadian military.[1] Former Chief of Defence Staff Rick Hillier, and the current Chief of the Defence Staff, Walter Natynczyk, both took part in this exchange prior to being appointed Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada.
After invading Iraq, GySgt Brad Colbert went on to serve with the Royal Marines for two years.
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 Australian Army. The UK Royal Marines and US's Marine Corps also have such program, as does the Special Air Service and Delta Force.