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Developmental Special Experiences Banner

What is a Developmental Special Experience?

A Developmental Special Experience (DSE) 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

AFCLC LEAP DSE Image​​​​​​​Officer, Enlisted:  Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) for Airmen and Guardians

A career-spanning program designed and managed by the AFCLC. Deliberately develops a core group of language enabled, cross-cultural Airmen and Guardians across the General-Purpose Force (GPF) with working level foreign language proficiency. Airmen are better able to support the application of air and space power through strengthening partnerships and interoperability.  LEAP scholars may earn the LEAP Special Experience Identifier (SEI) upon meeting eligibility criteria which may qualify them for Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB) pay and other language-related opportunities. LEAP is voluntary; and those who may apply include Active Duty officer and enlisted service members in most career fields and Air National Guard members in select intelligence career fields.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language specified on the Air Force Strategic Language List, receive endorsement from their unit commander, and compete via a board process.

Contact:  https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/Language-studies or afclc.leap.selection@us.af.mil

Note to Active Duty O-6s and E-9s: Please coordinate with appropriate assignment offices if you intend to apply for any of the DSE programs, to include the White House Fellows Program.

 

Executive Travel Communications DSE ImageEnlisted:  Executive Travel Communications, SECDEF, CJCS, and DAF (844th CS) 

Provides direct support to the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF), and Chief of Space Operations (CSO). Members deploy to locations worldwide, providing a full spectrum of aircraft and ground communication packages/support to include secure and non-secure voice, video, data, and satellite network services. Selected candidates routinely interact with foreign dignitaries and high-level DoD officials. Members often set up, operate, and maintain mobile communications centers in various locations worldwide and frequently set up communication suites on different military aircraft, such as – C-17, C-32A, C-37A, C-37B, C-40B, and C-40C. Routinely perform research and development on the latest secure/non-secure communications equipment to streamline, advance, and incorporate innovative new technologies.

Contact: 844csrecruitment@us.af.mil

 

LEGIS DSE Image  Civilian:  Department of the Air Force Legislative (LEGIS) Fellowship Program

The Department Air Force (DAF) Legislative Fellows receive instruction and experience on Capitol Hill through education and development activities consisting of an intensive orientation of Congress. The program provides an outstanding opportunity to write and develop research for potential legislation issues of immediate or ongoing concern of the DAF and the nation. Selects have one full year assignment to the staff of a member, committee, or support agency of Congress in Washington D.C.  Additional periodic seminars throughout the fellowship and a mandatory utilization assignment in a legislative office. Selects will gain hands-on experience and understanding of how the Legislative Branch works and how Congressional decisions affecting federal agencies' programs are made. Selects will develop an enhanced perspective of the legislative process on a wide range of issues. Open to USSF Guardians.

For more information, see myFSS:  https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0t0000000wlDLCAY

Contact: brian.cyr.1@us.af.mil

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.

Want to know more?  Have a Potential DSE to add to the Catalog?

·        View the DSE Catalog at:  https://myvector.us.af.mil/myvector/DevelopmentPlan/Home/DevelopmentalSpecialExperiencesCatalog

·        Access MyVector at:  https://myvector.us.af.mil/myvector/Home

·        View the DSE Reference Materials and videos here: https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/aetc/dse/SitePages/Home.aspx

·        Contact the DSE Team at: aetc.a3jb.dseprogram@us.af.mil

Please SHARE the Catalog link with your community and those you service!

 

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.a3jb.dseprogram@us.af.mil, and our DSE Team will contact you to get started.