Is there really a military branch specialized for space?

Hey all, I'm a junior in high school and have been thinking about the military as a possible path after graduation. I've heard some talks about a 'military branch in space', but I'm not quite sure what this means. Has anyone got any solid details on this? Is this something a high schooler like me could aim for?

Absolutely, there is indeed a military branch dedicated to space! It's called the United States Space Force (USSF). Established in December 2019, the Space Force operates under the Department of the Air Force. This branch is primarily responsible for space warfare and space operations. Its operations can include things like satellite management, space defense, and more.

If you're considering this as a career path, there are a variety of roles within the Space Force that might be of interest. Positions range from space operations officers, who might deal with things like missile warning systems, to intelligence officers, who analyze and interpret intelligence data. Each of these roles would require its specific training and qualifications.

Now, in terms of your eligibility as a high schooler, just like any other military service, you would need to meet certain requirements. These typically include being a U.S. citizen, being of a certain age (usually 17 with parental consent or 18 without), possessing a high school diploma or equivalency, passing physical and moral standards, and in some cases, possessing specific academic or skills qualifications.

Keep in mind, the Space Force is a highly specialized branch of the military. It is comparatively smaller than other branches, and the technical knowledge needed for many of its roles might mean a more competitive application process. Therefore, if this path interests you, it would be beneficial for you to prioritize your academics—especially in fields like physics, mathematics, engineering, and other STEM subjects.

In terms of the specific path you'd need to take to join the Space Force, the details might vary depending on what role you would like to pursue. A recruiter from the Air Force (the parent department of the Space Force) or a guidance counselor may be able to provide more specific advice tailored to your situation.