The U.S. Space Force formally became the sixth branch of our military on December 20, 2019. Their mission is straight forward; secure our nation’s interests in, from and to space. Space Force members are known as “Guardians”. Colonel Brandon P. Alford, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Southern, joins us to discuss the mission and tools available to our newest branch.
The Space Force currently has no Guard of Reserve component, and with approximately 9,400 active-duty service members, is the smallest of our Department of War Branches. However, given the nature of their service, each combatant command either already has or will have a Space Force component. While many of the original Space Force “recruits” came from the Air Force or other branches, Alford says he is now seeing Guardians whose entire military career is with the Space Force.
Alford begins by describing the differences between the Space Force and NASA. He says that, while they may cooperate in certain situations, their missions and operations are completely distinct.
While many citizens may overlook how much of their daily lives interact with space, everyday transportation, communications, and banking all depend upon satellite communication. Alford says one of their principal responsibilities is protecting and monitoring this critical space infrastructure. He also introduces us to “Space Domain Awareness” which will play a larger role as satellite traffic becomes more “crowded”.
Alford gives several examples of how the Space Force could support other warfighters in times of conflict such Space Electromagnetic Warfare. Using space imaging to play a support role in humanitarian missions such as wildfires or severe weather is also among their capabilities.
The advent and evolution of commercial space programs have made it clear that interoperability with commercial endeavors is essential. Alford says that this principle also applies to other nations. Much of his daily work involves interacting with partner nations in SOUTHCOM.
TAKEAWAY: “The days of doing space alone are over.”