The space domain has rapidly evolved and become integral to modern military operations. The creation of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) resulted from recognition that Space was a national security imperative. The increased use of space and the growing threat posed by competitors in space prompted the need for a military service focused solely on pursuing superiority in the space domain. Growing pressure from geopolitical competitors and security interests encouraged Congress to formally establish the U.S. Space Force in December 2019 dedicated to protecting America’s space interests. The U.S. Space Force is the 6th independent military service branch and the first new military service branch after 73 years.
Space Force’s Purpose and Mission
The USSF organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include specialized training of troops (referred to as guardians) for successful global space operations, acquisition and development of next-generation military space systems, organization of space forces, and incorporation of space power into military strategy. The USSF is tasked with maintaining, protecting, and expanding space-reliant systems, specifically the fleet of satellites that are critical for military operations. Their ultimate goal is to gain superiority in the space domain, protect the nation against hostile attacks, and prepare for the future of space warfighting.
Why We Need a Space Force
Space is vital for military operations as it includes critical satellite assets. Satellites allow troops to communicate across battle-zones, monitor enemy positions, and movements, track weather patterns, support navigational systems, and allow for precision strikes. These capabilities significantly enhance U.S. military operations. Space is also critical to every day civilian life. Satellites power the GPS technology that we use to navigate daily, allow us to browse the web, communicate with people across the globe, and even use credit cards at gas pumps. Space capabilities are deeply intertwined with military operations and daily life, so it has become essential to national security. U.S. access and freedom to operate in space impact our national security and economic prosperity. The U.S. military and civilian reliance on satellites warrants the need for a military branch dedicated to space defense, as satellites are extremely vulnerable to attack. This reliance can be a dangerous weakness and potentially cripple American military operations globally, especially as China and Russia develop counter-space capabilities. Potential adversaries seek to block U.S. access to critical space capabilities that are fundamental to our military operations and the American lifestyle. With the growing threat this presents for future conflict, the USSF will play a critical role in defending the freedom to operate in space.
In summary, space capabilities are essential to military operations and our daily lives. Space is a crucial domain for U.S. national security as rivals advance and technologies shift. The U.S. Space Force will play a critical role in protecting U.S. interests in space and maintaining superiority in the space domain.
