News And Analysis

Space Corps

September 15, 2004

Here's a look at what the military services are doing in space and how they're preparing their space workforces.

Army

Strategy due no earlier than 2005

Role: Controls Defense satellite communications system and operates mobile ground terminals.

Status: Conducting force management analysis.

Three organizations have oversight.
Deciding whether to include intelligence and acquisition specialists, enlisted and civilian personnel; critical positions not determined.
Space operations officer certification requires Air Force training and immediate space-related assignment.

Navy

Strategy due in October

Role: Operates several space-based surveillance and warning systems; is acquiring the next generation in ultra-high-frequency communications satellites.

Status: No permanent management focal point; cadre adviser reports to two offices.

Seamen in space billets get special training at the Naval Postgraduate School, Air Force Institute of Technology and Defense Acquisition University.
Issued guidance to placement officials and promotion boards.
Formal certification and training process is expanding.

Air Force

Strategy approved July 2003

Role: Defense Department's executive agent for space; primary operator of military space systems

Status: Air Force Space Command took over cadre professional management this summer.

Completing identification of uniquely skilled personnel and space-related job requirements by autumn.
Offering new courses at Space Operations School; developing multiservice National Security Space Institute.
Completed officer and enlisted certification plan; developing civilian certification requirements.
Publishing first space career planning guide in spring 2005.

Marines

Strategy included in Defense strategy issued in February

Role: Uses space for intelligence, communications and position navigation.

Status: Gave oversight to deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations.

Identified space-qualified enlisted and civilian marines.
Established working group to address cadre officer identification, training and assignment issues.
Contracted data-gathering study to help manage space personnel.
Integrating joint space operations doctrine into education programs; developing Marine Corps-specific space systems courses at Naval Postgraduate School.

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