Hey all, I've heard there's a new branch in the U.S military but I couldn't find much information about it. Does anyone know much about it? What's its primary mission and what would life be like if I enlisted in it?
It sounds like you're referring to the U.S. Space Force, which has been established as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. The Space Force officially became a separate military branch in December 2019, so it's quite new. Its primary mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. The U.S. Space Force essentially provides military focus on the space domain.
In terms of what life would be like if you enlisted in it, this is still being developed as it's a new branch and it's adapting to an entirely new domain of warfare. Generally, however, officers and enlisted personnel in the Space Force would likely be involved in operations relating to surveillance and protection of U.S. satellites, cyber defense activities, and development of space-based technology and weaponry. This could range from working with advanced radar systems, to identifying potential threats against satellites, or even the operation of spacecraft.
Keep in mind, Space Force is highly technical, so members must have a solid grasp of science and technology concepts. It is a mostly electronic and mechanical field that requires personnel who are good at problem-solving, can work well with their hands and are able to focus on detailed work for long periods of time.
There are a lot of opportunities available, especially as the Space Force continues to evolve. Given its relative novelty, enlisting in this branch could mean a chance to shape the future of the Space Force and lay the groundwork for its culture and traditions, which may appeal to those who want a novel experience and a chance to explore a unique career path.
Finally, certain roles within the Space Force may require specific academic qualifications, particularly in STEM fields, and physical and security clearance requirements will also apply, similar to all other branches of the military.
Of course, if you're interested, I would recommend reaching out to a military recruitment office or doing some deeper research to learn more about what a career in the Space Force would entail.
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