The Future of the US Space Force: Will It Become a Full Branch?

The establishment of the US Space Force in 2019 marked a significant milestone in the development of a dedicated branch for space operations. However, the journey towards its full operationalization and segregation from the Air Force is likely to be a prolonged process.

Initial Expectations and Projections

Retired Space and Missile Officer predicts that the Space Force becoming a full branch will take a considerable amount of time. By then, extensive operations around the moon and the establishment of large orbiting space colonies and resource extraction operations on asteroids are anticipated. Furthermore, the Space Force will need to have a substantial budget comparable to the Air Force, Army, or Navy. As of now, the formation of such a large infrastructure is not imminent.

Relationship with the Air Force

The Space Force’s current relationship with the Air Force mirrors the dynamic between the Navy and Marines. Rather than creating a new and separate infrastructure, the Space Force relies heavily on the existing Air Force infrastructure for logistics and medical support. Most maintenance and operations are conducted by personnel who are primarily operators.

The creation of a completely new support network for a relatively small force is not economically viable given the current budget constraints and operational requirements. As such, relying on the existing Air Force infrastructure is a pragmatic solution until the Space Force grows both in size and budget.

Historical Context

Historically, the United States had a space force, albeit with a different name. The USAF Space Command, which took on almost all US military activities in space, was transferred to the newly established Space Force in 2019. This move represented a more focused approach, with a different command structure that incorporated elements previously managed by other branches.

Organizational Structure

The US Space Force, established on December 20, 2019, took over functions previously managed by the USAF Air Staff. These included budget allocation for USAF Space Command and the redirection of funds from fighter squadrons that had been repeatedly repurposed.

Although the Space Force operates under the civilian Department of the Air Force, it operates outside the chain of command of the Air Force. Instead, it reports directly to the Chief of Space Operations. Its primary support structure is the US Space Command, a Combatant Command within the Department of Defense (DoD).

The personnel composition of the Space Force is shifting, with a majority currently being former Air Force personnel now titled "Guardians." By the end of 2022, the force will see an influx of personnel from other branches including Army, Navy, and Marine Space Command. Additionally, the Service employs a significant number of civilian employees to support its diverse operations.

As the Space Force continues to grow and its role in protecting and utilizing space assets becomes more critical, the question remains: will it eventually become a full branch on par with the Air Force, Army, and Navy?

The future of the US Space Force is complex and multifaceted. While it has shown significant progress since its establishment, the path to full operationalization and independence is fraught with challenges. However, with the increasing focus on space as a strategic domain, the potential for the Space Force to grow into a full branch remains high.