What is Army Space Operations (FA40) all about?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:35:19 -0400

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 CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2017 8:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:36:18 -0400

I'm considering too. But know you have to be Captain Career Course complete before you can get a Functional Area.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Aug 23 at 2017 3:35 PM

Cpl John Barker — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 15:35:55 -0400

The only easy day was yesterday...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2017 5:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 17:12:44 -0400

1) day in the life varies DRASTICALLY based on job, boss, and how much 'Space' knowledge you can bring to the fight.
2) Masters in STEM field, but really we're pretty well rounded
3) yes, however OCONUS is extremely limited. We're in MTOE, TDA, and Joint. MTOE is at echelons DIV and up. Strangely though, not really at most Combatant Commands.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2017 5:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 17:14:00 -0400

If you're at a NIPR, go to HRC, and their FA40 site will give you a link to the "ASKMS - Army Space Knowledge Management Site"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 12:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:18:56 -0500

There are a variety of roles as a FA40. I went from being an Infantry Officer to Aviation Officer to Space Operations Officer. Infantry Officers can offer the perspective of the warfighter. But, there are technical aspects to Space Operations that can be challenging for those who haven't done some kind of applied mathematics or science. I found my duties to be more relevant to being an Aviation Officer when it came to thinking about the effects of the space environment on operations (it's a similar way of thinking with aviation planning.) Originally, I had Political Science and History degrees which were perfect for the Infantry, but I re-did my degrees and did applied mathematics and science. I would have been lost without that background. We did have an Infantry officer with a political science degree in my class, and his opinions were discounted routinely. It was a shame because with his liberal arts thinking his instincts and ideas would be good, but without the science knowledge he didn't have the confidence to know if his ideas were good or how to argue them to others. [He brought up a question about a planning aspect of satellite design to a contractor, and the contractor was dismissive; I was annoyed because the question was good and the contractor just didn't know about that planning aspect; but I had to explain all of that to my classmate; as a FA40 you are expected to be the SME and could be briefing generals very early on.] -- My best advice is to contact the FA40 branch manager to see what the requirements are; then backwards plan. Personally, I would apply for an education program through the Army to get a master's degree that is as technical as what your background will allow for and also one that meets your interests. There is an online degree through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in Space Operations; but you will need a few math classes first; it would definitely be one of those things that would make your application stand out. -- And yes FA40's can deploy; there are probably articles on it you can find through AKO.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 28 at 2017 12:34 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:34:29 -0500

I requested a position as a space shuttle door gunner for my reenlistment, I didn't get it. Hopefully you have better luck!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 10:42 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 10:42:38 -0400

Good conversation. It sounds like the new ICEWS (Intelligence, Cyber, Electronic Warfare, and Space) units will start to populate in the next 12 months. This development will start to see additional opportunities for O1 and up. I am not sure what the structure of the units will be yet or where they will populated but GEN Milley said last year the units would start appearing in the next 12 months.

I switched over to FA40 in 2009. I have no hard science or math background. I am a Psychology/Philosophy major. A hard science background is helpful but not required. The goal is not to have a branch of engineers. The Space Proponency Office makes that clear. They want to have diversity of thought and ideas. Again why you will find FA40s from every branch. There are opportunities for you to get more education if you want it or need it. Going to Naval Post Graduate School is a great opportunity, but it has to be timed right for your career.

You can also look to see when the Army Space Cadre Course is being taught at your base or get your command to pay for a TDY to Colorado Springs to take the course. The courses typically come through about once a year and typically before rotations at the National Training Centers.