Joining the military - what's the role of the Space Force branch?

Hey folks, I'm a high school junior and I've been exploring the idea of joining the military after high school because I think it'd be a great way to serve my country while also gaining meaningful life skills. I've come across something called the Space Force while researching, but I can't figure out what exactly they do or how they fit into the military as a whole. Can anyone explain?

The U.S. Space Force is indeed a branch of the military and it's the newest one, having been established in 2019. Its main objective is to protect the interests of the United States in space, deter aggression in the final frontier, and conduct space operations.

In a practical sense, the Space Force could be thought of as the equivalent of the Air Force, but for space. Their role includes tasks such as using satellites to provide weather data for troop movements, ensuring GPS connectivity for ground troops, and monitoring potential threats against American satellite systems. This branch also plays an important role in missile-warning and launching spacecraft, along with tracking objects in space—making it crucial for national security.

Moreover, the Space Force aims to reduce the potential of space becoming a new battlefield. By developing a strong presence and capabilities on this front, the intention is to create a deterrent against hostile actions in space from other nations.

It's important to note that joining the Space Force, you would still go through Air Force Basic Military Training, and then move on to your specific technical training. This might involve working with technology, operations, intelligence, etc., depending on your chosen career path within the branch.

As a member of Space Force, you'd be serving your country, honing critical skills, and contributing to an area that's rapidly gaining importance on a global level. You're absolutely right, joining the military can indeed be a way to serve your country and gain life skills. It's always crucial to carefully decide which branch aligns with your interests and long-term goals.

It's a rapidly evolving branch, so while information and career paths may seem a bit unclear now, more opportunities and specialization areas are anticipated to emerge as it continues to grow.

For example, if you're interested in computer science, you might consider a role where you're operating and maintaining systems, or even be a part of developing future space technologies. If you're interested in research, strategy, or intelligence, there are roles in the Space Force for that too.

Your choice should align with your long-term career goals, whether that's staying in the military or eventually transitioning into a civilian role. In choosing your path, consider where you want to be and what experiences and skills you need to get there.