The United States Space Force

Washington DC (SPX) Dec 17, 2019

Bethesda MD (SPX) Dec 17, 2019 Finally, although not officially approved, Congress had agreed on a bipartisan budget agreement for 2020 that will see the creation of the United States Space Force, a new branch of the military dedicated to the protection of last frontier.

This is the first new service branch in more than 60 years, charged with the mission of ensuring America’s freedom to operate beyond the atmosphere and to deny the use of space to its adversaries. The drafted 2020 National Defense Authorization Agreement directs the Pentagon to transform Air Force Space Command into the United States Space Force.

This new service will be organized as a military service branch within the Department of the Air Force and have a Chief of Space Operations (CSO), somewhat similar to that of the U.S. Navy with its Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).

USSF’s assets will include most of the Air Force’s space assets, such as satellite launching facilities at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, the spacecraft ground control base in Colorado and the network of GPS satellites. Once established, USSF’s responsibilities will include space doctrine, organization, training, materiel, personnel and facilities.

Although the Space Force would initially be organized as a military service within the Department of the Air Force, the intention is that, at some later time, USSF will be transferred to a new Department of the Space Force.

However, the Space Force will not include the National Reconnaissance Office, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nor other non-military space agencies.

The USSF will be responsibility for all major space acquisitions programs and manage its own budget. This new service will include all uniformed and civilian personnel within the Department of Defense that conduct and support space operations.

While standing up the Space Force inter-service transfers will be used as necessary. The military head of the USSF, Chief of Space Operations, will be a general grade officer who will also be a full member of the Joint Staff.

If Congress grants final approval, the DOD would start the establishment process by creating a Space Force headquarters element, initially with approximately 200 military and civilian personnel who have expertise in policy development, personnel management, financial management and other service support functions.

At the same time a CSO would be nominated. The next step would involve the transfer of a majority of space forces from the other military services. USSF establishment activities are expected to be completed in FY 2024.

Courtesy: Spacewar