Space Force - The Real Guardians of the Galaxy

Secure the High Ground.

That military doctrine is as old as warfare itself. In any combat situation, holding the high ground is a distinct advantage.

Space is the highest ground. And there is increasing competition for superiority in the space domain.

The post-World War 2 space race was marked by competition for defense and intelligence advantages as much as for pure exploration.

Many of the technological advantages we rely on, satellite communications, weather monitoring, GPS navigation, and broadcast television are critical infrastructure that is at risk from potential enemy action.

Several nations are believed to have placed hunter-killer satellites in orbit with the goal of knocking out our mission-critical space assets in a first strike scenario. Combined with an array of cyberattacks, these actions would severely hamper our ability to counter enemy actions in the outbreak of armed conflict.

The Creation of Space Force
In recognition of this threat, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) was established on December 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law creating the first new branch of the armed services in 73 years.

Despite its recent creation, Space Force is built on a strong foundation. It has evolved from the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) which was created on September 1, 1982.

During the Cold War, AFSPC focused on missile warning, launch operations, satellite control, space surveillance, and command and control for national leadership.

AFSPC has been redesignated as the U.S. Space Force. The personnel that belonged to AFSPC are now assigned to the USSF, but currently remain Airmen with the U.S. Air Force. Airmen in select space-related jobs will be transferred into the USSF in a deliberate manner over the next 18 months, while other Airmen will remained assigned to the USSF in a supporting role.

The mission of the USSF is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities will include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combat Commands.

The USSF Headquarters is located at the Pentagon. General Jay Raymond was appointed as the Chief of Space Operations by the President. Chief Master Sargent Roger Towberman has been named as the senior enlisted advisor.

Currently Assigned to AFSPC?
If you are currently assigned to a unit/organization that is redesignated to the USSF, then you will maintain your assignment in the redesignated organization and be assigned to the Space Force. However, you will remain a member of the U.S. Air Force.

Individuals will become members of the 6th branch of the Armed Forces (the United States Space Force) once they have transferred either through a new appointment (for officers) or by being enlisted into the U.S. Space Force.

The Department of the Air Force will go through a deliberate process and will provide information to individuals to help guide their transfer into the U.S. Space Force. Now and in the future, there will continue to be Airmen, who are members of the United States Air Force, assigned to support the U.S. Space Force mission.