Program offers chance to work with foreign air force Published July 12, 2006 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Officers from almost any specialty, and some NCOs, can have the opportunity to live and work as a foreign air force member through the Military Personnel Exchange Program, which allows nations to learn how other air forces operate. Maj. P.K. Carlton, currently serving as a Royal Air Force instructor pilot flying the RAF's Typhoon, took his first solo flight in the fighter in May while assigned with the RAF. He is assigned to RAF Station Coningsby, the service's premier fighter station. Through MPEP, the U.S. Air Force builds, sustains and expands international relationships that are critical for its expeditionary air and space force. MPEP allows the Air Force to exchange people in equivalent grades and specialties with allied nations, enhancing its ability to perform coalition operations with global partners. The goals of the program include promoting mutual understanding and trust; enhancing interoperability through mutual understanding of doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures; strengthening Air Force-to-air force ties; and developing long-term, professional and personal relationships. Major Carlton, who is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, said both jets are very similar. "The biggest difference is in the RAF's 'rules to fly by,'" he said. Each country has different aircraft regulations and all pilots participating in the program must be knowledgeable about those variations, which can include differences in approach and takeoff distances. Countries involved in the program include France, Italy, Spain, Jordan, Denmark and Norway. There are 166 Air Force exchange positions involving 163 officers and three NCOs in 23 countries.Airmen assigned to MPEP must integrate completely into the host nation's air force. All participants must be able to speak the native language of the host country fluently.More information about the program can be found in Air Force Instruction 16-107, Feb. 2, 2006, "Military Personnel Exchange Program."(Courtesy U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service)