The United States Space Force became the 6th branch of the Armed Forces. What do you expect the USSF to provide to the other branches?

2021-11-16T12:49:16-05:00

The USSF is still relatively new. The USAF has been responsible for the majority of the missions for the past few decades. Now the USSF is a force multiplier and fulfills the critical mission needs in Space and on Earth. Is there a common understanding among the other branches about what the USSF provides?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 16 at 2021 12:55 PM

2021-11-16T12:55:15-05:00

Basically they're just taking retroactive credit for the missions that the Air Force, Navy and Army's Space Commands have been doing for decades and continue to do today.
Value added: None

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 1:24 PM

2021-11-16T13:24:04-05:00

In my view, Capt Private RallyPoint Member, it is still too soon to delineate exactly what the USSF ultimately will provide as I am sure this is being fleshed out at command level... That said, I believe that any craft that enters orbit or is placed on a mission to another solar system object, like the moon, an asteroid, a planet, as well as any satellite, foreign or domestic and especially in time of conflict or war, the defensive mechanisms to neutralize any adverse military action by another nation to begin with... My response merely provides some possibilities, which are the tip of the nose cone, so-to-speak...
Kerry USAF 1961-1965 +2

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 16 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-11-16T14:14:23-05:00

The clear missions and value of the Space Force hasn't been established. Space is a realm of conflict distinct from atmospheric engagements. Pres Trump was looking ahead to what the US might need in the future when he established USSF. The need for a separate air force didn't become a salable idea until after WWII. Tactical and Strategic air power helped the surface-borne forces win that war for the Allies. This made defining the roles and missions of the Air Force possible as it came into existence in 1947.

The Space Force's first major conflict will better define its roles and missions separate from the other Services. We can't say when such a conflict might happen or how Earthly forces may be aligned in such a conflict. It is prudent, however, to be prepared for a space-oriented conflict. Looking back at the state of air forces in the 1930s is instructive. The nations that emphasized technological innovation in aircraft and air-ground tactics had an advantage at the start of WWII in 1939. Those that didn't develop their air power took several years to catch up if they ever did.

Far better the US be planning on operating in space than to be caught with an extraterrestrial Pearl Harbor.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Nov 16 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-11-16T14:43:52-05:00

I've already worked closely with them. Off the top of my head, I'd say they are responsible for:
1. Satellite Control
2. Space launch and logistics
3. Missile warning
4. Missile defense
5. Command, Control, Communications through space
6. Space Object Identification (which just got a little more complex thanks to Russia)
7. Counter space operations
8 Defensive space operations

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 11:06 PM

2021-11-16T23:06:39-05:00

Joke material

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 17 at 2021 10:13 AM

2021-11-17T10:13:02-05:00

Not sure if that a typo, but fifth branch, if you count the Navy's sea going bellhops. USA, USAF, USN, USMC and USSF. Some count the USCG, but it is under DHS now, even though it still carries out some of it former Treasury duties. and is only part of the Dept of Navy in wartime. Were it a military department, posse commitatus would prohibit it carrying on with its law enforcement duties.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 1:55 PM

2021-11-19T13:55:06-05:00

Budgetary competition.