Posted on Jul 18, 2020
Should the Space Force use naval rank and insignia or the current Air Force rank structure?
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The US Space Force hasn't unveiled its full rank structure yet, currently having only the ranks of 2nd LT and General (4-star) in it's officer ranks and CMSgt as its only enlisted member, but so far that would seem to suggest they'll be adopting the Air Force's current rank structure.
Admittedly, this could just be a temporary measure while they determine what they'll ultimately be using, but I think going with a naval rank structure would be more appropriate in the end. Here's my argument:
1) While in the short term the service will have its mission based in space defense and satellites, it's hard to imagine that in 50-100 years it won't pivot into an actual manned space fleet. If/when that ultimately happens its fleet will be ships... space ships, or star ships, but ships nonetheless and naval strategy will likely be the more appropriate fit at that time.
2) It will give the USSF personnel a distinct identity of their own separate from that of AF personnel. Similar to USMC and USN both under Department of the Navy, they have different mission and different structures. The same should be the case with USAF and USSF.
3) Lastly, it would be hard to ignore the fact that naval structure is used in all the science fiction films and pop culture and it's most likely what the general population/public would expect and be familiar with.
So that's my case... agree or disagree?
Admittedly, this could just be a temporary measure while they determine what they'll ultimately be using, but I think going with a naval rank structure would be more appropriate in the end. Here's my argument:
1) While in the short term the service will have its mission based in space defense and satellites, it's hard to imagine that in 50-100 years it won't pivot into an actual manned space fleet. If/when that ultimately happens its fleet will be ships... space ships, or star ships, but ships nonetheless and naval strategy will likely be the more appropriate fit at that time.
2) It will give the USSF personnel a distinct identity of their own separate from that of AF personnel. Similar to USMC and USN both under Department of the Navy, they have different mission and different structures. The same should be the case with USAF and USSF.
3) Lastly, it would be hard to ignore the fact that naval structure is used in all the science fiction films and pop culture and it's most likely what the general population/public would expect and be familiar with.
So that's my case... agree or disagree?
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All I'm saying is, if they don't take the opportunity to using the term "stargeant" for their NCO cadre, I'll lose all respect for them.
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SSgt (Join to see)
CW4 Keith Dolliver - the Air Force has Airmen, they could have Spacemen.
I'm making fun of them now, but I would join just for that.
I'm making fun of them now, but I would join just for that.
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I vote for none of the above. USSF has an opportunity to deveLop a rank system that more accurately reflects the position or job the Service Member holds. Something closer to the RAF than USAF. Some terms will cross over such as Commander at the O5 level for unit commanders. Also split officer titles at the O4 level between the command track and staff track. Example: O6 would be either Senior Commander or Senior Leader. Generals could simply be numbered. O8 world be General 2. Enlisted grades would start with Apprentice, Trooper, Senior Trooper, Junior Supervisor, Supervisor, etc. to Chief Trooper at E9.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
Sir:
A little too much Robert Heinlein here..."Starship Trooper" Really.
We do after all want the World to take them seriously. Keep it Air Force and simple...Until they launch the first Starship and we have a base in orbit ... Then start a new academy, I don't know say in San Francisco and call it... Star Fleet Academy and give them new uniforms say black pants with red, gold or blue tops and gold braid.... But hope your specialty does not wear the Red Shirt.
A little too much Robert Heinlein here..."Starship Trooper" Really.
We do after all want the World to take them seriously. Keep it Air Force and simple...Until they launch the first Starship and we have a base in orbit ... Then start a new academy, I don't know say in San Francisco and call it... Star Fleet Academy and give them new uniforms say black pants with red, gold or blue tops and gold braid.... But hope your specialty does not wear the Red Shirt.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
SSG Roger Ayscue a lot of real and useful stuff grew out of science fiction. Communicator is a lot like a cell phone for example. Figuring out what to call the military employees of USSF is a challenge. Can’t use the Air Force pattern and call them spacemen. Too sexist anyway. Borrowing from the cav and some science fiction seems like a good idea to me.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
Lt Col Jim Coe - Sorry, I don't go in for "ISTs" like the term Airman is not sexist, it simply is a term. Americans are becoming the "United States of the Offended" and anyone that would allow a term like "Airman" to offend them to the point that it is a big deal to change it should in all respects seek counseling, and grow up.
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TSgt Carl Johnson
SSG Roger Ayscue - I have to agree with you about the "ISTs." The uniform suggestions are excellent, also.
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