How can I get a slot for Space 200?

2018-01-29T10:45:32-05:00

I know, “get with your schools NCO.” But how do I convince my CoC that Space 200 is essential enough for me to attend? I want to apply to Space Ops as soon as able, and want to be competitive.

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Jan 29 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-01-29T11:02:13-05:00

A very good question. I look forward to a response as well CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-01-29T11:26:00-05:00

I’m not sure that having space 200 makes you any more competitive for becoming an FA40. Best bet for being competitive is performing in your current branch and having a engineering related degree. Are you looking to VTIP?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2018 12:14 PM

2018-01-29T12:14:14-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Good luck Lieutenant. Space Operations is a great career field.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-army-space-operations-fa40-all-about

What is Army Space Operations (FA40) all about? | RallyPoint

I have always been interested in this field. What does a day in the life of a Army Space Operations Officer look like? What increases my chances to VTIP into the area? Are assignments within the field located in multiple areas (CONUS and OCONUS)? Do you deploy? Any tips for someone who may want to join? Thanks in advance!

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Feb 1 at 2018 4:59 PM

2018-02-01T16:59:01-05:00

Good Luck, I worked in Space Ops as a contractor here on Kwajalein for a few years before they moved Space Ops to Huntsville. I changed to the mission side so I could stay here on Kwajalein.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 8:15 AM

2018-02-12T08:15:10-05:00

So it comes down to budget in your case. If your CoC has the extra money to send you (I suspect they don't - I've been a Schools NCO on the enlisted side and a BN S3 as an officer, and I've never once seen extra money like that - think of all the folks that need NCOES, then there's Pathfinder, Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, schools for medics, 88M recovery courses, etc.) then it should be an easy sell.

On the other hand, when you become a FA40, it's mandatory to go to Space 200 at the first opportunity available, and out proponency office Army Space Professional Development Office (ASPDO) will work with the National Security Space Institute on Peterson to secure you a spot. Space 200 is a prerequisite to the Space Operations Officer Qualification Course - which is FA40's "branch" qual course.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 3:01 PM

2018-02-12T15:01:59-05:00

I'd listen to LTC Edwards, above.
1) Army billets to the corse are centrally managed by ASPDO, and I don't think there are enough to send non-FA-40s.
2) If/When you cross into FA-40, one of the very first things they do is send you to that course in conjunction with our Qualification Course
3) Other things will bear more weight in the decision whether to gain you as an FA-40. Consider beginning a "Space Operations" Masters degree program. Some Universities offer courses online.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:29 AM

2018-08-03T00:29:26-04:00

Have you attended the Army Space Basic Cadre course? Typically a MTT comes through about once a year.