Should there be a "Space Branch" of the military or should it remain the way it is within the Air Force?

2017-07-05T11:30:47-04:00

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/alabama_congressman_proposes_c.html
The proposal would put the branch under the command of the Air Force, though the commander would be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, much like the Marine Corps' role in the Navy. The proposal sets a Jan. 1, 2019 deadline for the creation of a Space Corps. The Air Force is ...rejecting the plan.

Alabama Congressman proposes creating new branch of US military: The Space Corps

Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers wants the Pentagon to put more emphasis on space.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 5 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-07-05T11:45:39-04:00

I don't see why they need to be under the Air Force. Why not just make them independent? As for qualified volunteers from the existing branches to staff it initially.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 5 at 2017 1:07 PM

2017-07-05T13:07:54-04:00

The CO of a spaceship to be called 'Colonel'? No. No way. Navy all the way.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jul 5 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-07-05T15:59:45-04:00

I'd go with Navy. If there's anyone who starts out with an understanding of three-dimensional movement in death pressure conditions, it's the folks in the sardi-er, submarines.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2017 4:27 PM

2017-07-05T16:27:18-04:00

I just went through the Space Cadre course and I agree that there should be a Space Branch just from the small amount of knowledge and training that I received. That is a great course by the way.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 5 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-07-05T18:33:04-04:00

Should there be a "Space Branch", short answer yes. But honestly, I wouldn't be even thinking about forming up any form of a "space branch" until not only space travel is possible, but also space colonization.

When long term space colonization is a thing and space travel is more efficient/readily available/frequent, then a "Space Branch" will be a necessity. Part of any expansion process, whether it be nationally, globally, or even universally, there will be disputes of territory. A "Space Branch" will be needed to enforce territory disputes and generally keep the peace.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Jul 6 at 2017 2:41 AM

2017-07-06T02:41:44-04:00

No there shouldn't. Why complicate things that don't need complication. How does that saying go? Oh yeah-"If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Too many people are trying to "fix" things in our military and even our government. All this does is waste money and time.

By the way, I really like how everyone other than the security forces MSgt and myself, are from other branches and only one of those even has any experience with things that go into space...is there a little bit of branch jealousy from those that don't get to explore the "last frontier"? lol

Response by Lt Col Stephen Petzold made Jul 8 at 2017 5:27 PM

2017-07-08T17:27:14-04:00

All kidding aside, the real reason to not make it separate is financial. A separate branch brings the need for all the separate branch infrastructure, admin support, logistics, etc, which would take a good size chunk of the funding.

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made Jul 8 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-07-08T19:31:08-04:00

I don't think that we need a "Space Corps" at all. We are, by no means, advanced enough in the area of space exploration to create an entire branch of the military devoted to just that. The USAF has handled the US military mission in space quite well. It should remain with the USAF. Once we actually leave low-Earth orbit again (farther than the Moon), we could consider this.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Jul 9 at 2017 2:21 AM

2017-07-09T02:21:29-04:00

Air Force in Space? You have to be kidding!. Where would you put the clubs and golf courses?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 9 at 2017 10:28 AM

2017-07-09T10:28:53-04:00

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-08-15T12:17:52-04:00

This is a hard one. In the early 1900’s there was arguments for and against establishing the Air Force as a separate service. A service’s role is to organize, train, and equip... and present forces to a combatant commander. The question should be how would a separate space force improve or enhance the readiness and lethality of the overall joint force? Space Command’s fundamental focus is still the earth. Once the focus changes from space - earth to Earth - space, I’ll see the need.

Response by SGT Philip Bahr made Nov 29 at 2019 2:51 PM

2019-11-29T14:51:26-05:00

Why form a volunteer force, call it The United Federation of Planets?

Response by PO1 Sanford Snyder made Nov 29 at 2019 7:49 PM

2019-11-29T19:49:37-05:00

The US Navy is the only service with the needed qualifications to operate in space. We already have totally enclosed vessels capable of operation for extended periods of time away from support facilities. Our expertise power is streamlined to provide the fewest technicians capable of the doing multiple jobs lowering the number of positions needed. Besides, the other service is disqualified just with their service name, there is no Air in space.

Response by SCPO William Akin made Nov 30 at 2019 2:28 AM

2019-11-30T02:28:22-05:00

"That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind"

Said no one from the Air Force EVER... ;-)