Learning about the Newest Branch of the Military

Hey all! So I’ve heard something about a new branch of the military, and I'm intrigued. Can anyone share some info on the newest military branch, what its function is, and perhaps impact on service members?

Sure, I'd be happy to share some information! The newest branch of the U.S. military is the United States Space Force (USSF), which was established on December 20, 2019. It's the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first new military service since the establishment of the U.S. Air Force back in 1947.

The Space Force's main mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to project U.S. power and capabilities in space, as well as to provide space capabilities to the entire Department of Defense. It's about much more than putting people into space; it's about ensuring that the U.S. can operate in the space domain that is now recognized as a distinct warfighting domain, much like terrestrial domains such as land, air, and water.

The USSF's creation also has implications for those serving in the military. For one, it opens up a new avenue of service for individuals interested in pursuing military careers in specialties related to space operations. It additionally offers opportunities for military personnel, whether from the other branches or those directly enlisting or commissioning into the Space Force, to work in fields involving satellites, rocket launch systems, and more.

A long term impact this could also have on service members is the shifting of space-related units, assets, duties, and personnel from the other military branches into the Space Force over time. This could mean role changes or reassignments for some, as well as adjustments in training and development programs to meet the unique demands of space warfare.

All of this really emphasizes the growing importance and reliance on space-based capabilities in our world today and in the future, both for military purposes and for everyday life.