Pioneer was formally greenlit in 2310 and given control to CSC Commodore Frederic Daerden, originally under the directive for testing experimental field equipment for next-generation deployment, Daerden realised the CSC was likely to underutilise the program in its original state. Instead, he managed to pivot the project into a cross-field training program with an emphasis of quality over quantity.

By 2320 Pioneer had become an established program within the CSC, having gained access to facilities both groundside and in space, as well as gaining favour with R&D teams for providing live equipment tests in exchange for cutting-edge equipment for program graduates. It still operated as a relatively small-scale project due to some pushback by the rest of CSC, but also intentionally by Daerden to ensure they could maintain their emphasis on producing skilled graduates.

Unlike major groups, Pioneer's members are only temporarily assigned to the program for the duration of their training before being reassigned and do not have an independent command structure. A notable exception is that the program does accept applicants from other branches, and will temporarily transfer them to the CSC for the duration of the training. Potential candidates can be recommended by commanding officers though acceptance into the program will be at Daerden and his staff's discretion. Candidates do not need to be of a particular rank, but should have demonstrated prior proficiency in the field and the ability to think outside the box.

Thanks to good terms with the CTM due to the joint training, trainees will spend time on a number of facilities across Commonwealth territory to train them in a variety of environments. Though all trainees are required to meet a minimum initial standard, further training options can be tailored to the individual's own skillset, such as engineering, linguistics, demolitions or urban warfare.

Facilities hosting Pioneer operate under standard CSC structure, but will often have a strong R&D presence on-site as well, with research teams using the opportunity to test new field equipment alongside military personnel. Graduates will often maintain contact with research teams that have provided them advanced equipment in order to provide extended support and field research.

Pioneer maintains the standard CSC uniform, but does have a signature hawk emblem. Graduates of the program are permitted to wear an insignia of this emblem on field and dress uniforms in their own branch's colours. Off-duty uniforms were produced with the Pioneer insignia following the program's success after a few years.

In addition to standard CSC and CTM equipment, Pioneer provides members with limited cybernetic implants to enhance their physiology for better survival capabilities. These include cardiovascular and neuronal implants, as well as man-machine interface implants to connect to external hardware.

Each graduate of the program is also able to choose from more advanced (and potentially still prototype) equipment being developed by local R&D projects. Typically these will include advanced armour options, weapon modifications or some form of cybernetic components, often with the opportunity to tune them to the user's own specifications. This has led to the unofficial motto of Pioneer being "Chacun le sien".