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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

MIT AI Accelerator IconOfficer, Enlisted, Civilian: ​​​​​​​ Department of the Air Force & Massachusetts Institute of Technology (DAF-MIT) Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Phantom Fellowship (DSE0249)

This DSE is an immersive 4-month fellowship (Phantom Program) that provides opportunities to learn from the brightest minds in artificial intelligence.  The program is highly selective. Personnel accepted to the AI Accelerator are referred to as “Phantoms” and will work alongside the top AI researchers in the world, as well as other Airmen and Guardians who guide specific AI projects.   Phantoms will provide their subject matter expertise to various projects and generate new processes for transitioning AI from research to operational use.  Over the 4-month period, the AIA will provide Phantoms with exposure to cutting-edge AI research, real-world implementation, tailored AI training and one-of-a-kind career-broadening experience.  Selectees will be in TDY status (telework) for the duration of the program.

This DSE is also open to USSF Guardians.  POC: Chasen Milner at ai.pa@mit.edu.

 

Military and Family Readiness EmblemEnlisted:  Military & Family Readiness Center Readiness NCO (DSE0326)

This DSE provides the opportunity to support the Center's overall functional mission to ensure programs and services are responsive to the needs of service members, DoD civilians and their families by developing NCOs.  The Readiness NCO will be asked to:

- Be the principal military advisor to the M&FRC Flight Chief and staff on matters regarding readiness, resilience, and deployment for the Total Force and family members.

- Develop and provide personal and family readiness services related to all phases of the deployment cycle, and post-deployment education and consultation to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.

- Develop, exercise, and implement Emergency Family Assistance (EFA), and disaster response support plans for emergencies, contingencies, and evacuation support operations.

This DSE is also open to USSF Guardians.  POC:  DSN 665-4530.

 

Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service Emblem

Civilian:  President's Management Council - Interagency Rotation Program (PMC-IRP) (DSE0056)

The PMC Interagency Rotation Program enables emerging Federal leaders to expand their leadership competencies, broaden their organizational experiences, and foster networks they can leverage in the future.

Specifically, the program aims to:

- Deliver a collaborative, cross-agency program to reduce barriers to interagency mobility.

- Enhance PMC selects’ leadership competencies through a meaningful rotational assignment and through other developmental opportunities outside of their current agencies.

- Expand PMC selects’ interagency experience either within or outside their current area of expertise.

- Offer engaging and insightful interagency cohort events that allow each select to network and interact with other program participants, Federal employees, and senior executives.

The President’s Management Council – Interagency Rotation Program provides each select an interagency rotation assignment to help develop and/or enhance specific leadership competencies identified by both the select and his/her home supervisor. These competencies will need to align with the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and will be outlined in the select’s Individual Development Plan (IDP).

This DSE is also open to USSF Guardians.  POC: dodhra.mc-alex.dcpas.mbx.hrspas-ctd-broadening-team@mail.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.

 

 

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.