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Developmental Special Experiences Banner

What are Developmental Special Experiences?

Developmental Special Experiences (DSEs) provide Air and Space Professionals opportunities to gain or enhance competencies.  More than just education and training, DSEs are practical experiences that enhance Airmen and Guardians’ knowledge, skills and abilities.  DSEs are typically external to an individual’s primary duties.

 

DSE Examples

 

The DSE Catalog is a one-stop shop to simplify research efforts in assisting individuals with creating their developmental plan.  All DSE opportunities are currently listed in MyVector, https://myvector.us.af.mil.

 

An example of a DSE is the "Innovation Cell, Gateway Academy Superintendent."  The individual works as a dental assistant in her primary job but was detailed to the Gateway Innovation Center. She gained useful competencies from this experience.

 

 

DSE Example


All Airmen and Guardians have a critical role in their career development.  The DSE Catalog is another tool to assist in researching and preparing for opportunities that are available now or will be in the future.

The DSE Catalog lists a wide range of opportunities to include:                                                                                

  • Air Advisor
  • Career Broadeners (CBs) – multiple listings
  • Key Civilian Positions (KCPs) – multiple listings
  • NCOIC of FTAC and Professional Development
  • Cyber and Intelligence Experience Exchange Tour
  • Executive Officer
  • Space Acquisition Exchange Program

 

Quarterly DSE Spotlights

MEPS Organization GraphicOfficer:  Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) Director of Operations (DSE0365)

This DSE allows officers to integrate with the DoD accessions triad (Recruit-Assess-Train). Officers will enhance their understanding of personnel oversight, mission autonomy, and resource management within a joint environment. This broadening assignment will also challenge an officer's ability to effectively communicate, demonstrate accountability, show initiative, invoke teamwork, foster innovation, influence teams/outcomes, and demonstrate leadership in a seclusive environment.

The tour will not exceed 2 years. Officers will return to their core AFSC upon completion of the broadening assignment.

 

AFWERX Spark Tank LogoEnlisted:  AFWERX Spark Coordinators (DSE0246)

This is a 12–24-month Developmental Special Experience for active duty personnel.  Applicants must have retainability and TOS to allow for the commitment.  Qualified candidates must demonstrate vision, passion, and initiative and have the ability to thrive in uncertain, evolving, or ambiguous conditions.  Candidates should have a minimum of 1 year of Spark Cell leadership experience/other innovation network experience or must have participated in one of the following programs (Design Warfare, AFWERX Fellowship, Defense Ventures Fellowship).  Candidates must be highly skilled verbal and written communicators and fluent in digital communications tools. 

Are you interested in broadening your perspectives and having a profound impact on the Department of the Air Force innovation ecosystem?  This is your opportunity to be on the forefront of change and to bring more Airman and Guardian ideas to the fight.  We are staffing a program that is focused on connecting and supporting Spark Cells at scale.  This position is not within a specific Spark cell, but you will work with many in this role; you will also interact with several DoD innovation and partner organizations.

Open to USSF Guardians.

Def Civilian Personnel Advisory Service Emblem

Civilian:  Career Broadener (DSE0089)

Career Broadening is a formal leadership development program allowing mid-level DAF civilians an opportunity to broaden their functional knowledge base by providing experiential assignments in a new environment.  These positions are centrally funded.   A signed mobility agreement and formal Individual Development Plan (IDP) are required.  For some positions, apply through www.usajobs.gov. 

Candidate may need to submit resume through MyVector for Development Team process review.  Please contact your Career Field Team for information on available and upcoming positions, locations, and application process.

See the DSE0089 in the DSE Catalog to contact the POC for each career broadener experience.

Open to USSF Guardians.

Please note:  Each listing in the Catalog is owned and managed by the POC's organization.  The DSE lists detailed information on the prerequisites, description of the DSE and the application process.  If you have further questions, please contact the POC listed in the DSE.

 

 

Apply Today!

To apply for a DSE you are interested in, follow the application process listed in the catalog and/or contact the POC for further information.

 

MyVector Directions

 

 

 

Recommend a New DSE!

Does your organization have a developmental opportunity you'd like to see in the Catalog?

Please send an email to aetc.a3bd.workflow@us.af.mil, and our DSE Team will contact you to get started.