MPEP creates global partners Published Dec. 6, 2007 By Airman 1st Class C.J. Hatch 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Germany and Japan are just two of the countries that have officers at Luke through the Military Personnel Exchange Program. The program lets the U.S. Air Force exchange officers with other countries for a period of up to three years. While in the host nation, the exchange officers learn what it's like to work with another country's Air Force, said Gregory Daniels, 56th Fighter Wing foreign disclosure officer. "Learning to work with our global partners enhances our ability to perform coalition operations." Luke has seven slots for MPEP officers and currently hosts exchange officers from Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal and Turkey. These officers are assigned throughout the wing and perform instructor pilot duties. The remaining MPEP slot will be filled with a maintenance officer from Thailand. Before being accepted in the program each candidate goes through a screening process that includes tests of their English language skills of listening and reading, comprehension and speaking ability. For the flying positions, their nomination package also includes flying hours. After completing their nomination package, the foreign officer's air force through their representative sends it to the Pentagon. The Pentagon reviews the package and sends it to the CONUS Program Management Office for review. They in turn forward the nomination package to the host unit for approval. The PMO notifies the Pentagon of approval or disapproval. "Unlike Luke's two foreign tenant organizations, the 21st and 425th Fighter Squadrons, the MPEP officers fill actual Air Force billets," Mr. Daniels said. "They are given the same privileges as any Air Force officer. Yet, they are not assigned to command or other positions that would require them to exercise responsibilities such as uniform code of military justice disciplinary authority over Air Force personnel," he said. Exchange officers are still granted the same customs and courtesies as U.S. Air Force officers. They wear their own country's uniform and rank. "Looking at the professional perspective on the exchange officer program, it is a great opportunity for pilots and units to gain a better understanding of each other," said Capt. Niels Andersen, Royal Danish Air Force, 62nd FS instructor pilot. "I've personally seen the benefits of the pilot exchange program adding inter-force unity to exercises such as Red Flag, but also during actual operations over the Balkans and in Afghanistan. The program is an opportunity of a lifetime for my family and me to experience the country and the American culture up close and personal over an extended period of time."