The requirements for applying Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) are relatively simple: (i) a vacuum environment to maintain a stable, surface condition during the measurement interval and to avoid electron-gas collisions; (ii) excitation sources to induce Auger transitions in surface atoms; (iii) an electron spectrometer; and (iv) specimens sufficiently small to fit into the vacuum system and of such geometry that the spot of interest can be properly located with respect to the spectrometer. The applications of AES discussed herein are depth profiling of the chemical composition in the near-surface region, investigation of chemical environment of elements in surface regions, determination of changes in the chemistry of surface atoms, quantitative surface analysis, investigation of grain-boundary segregation and its effect on embrittlement and subsequent fracture. Auger spectra are shown for a fractured Ti-6Al-4V specimen, a René-alloy-specimen surface, an alumina particle imbedded in a René alloy, and an embrittled tungsten material.