Hi folks! I've been really fascinated with space exploration. I know this might seem out there, but does the military have a branch for this? If so, could anyone enlighten me on what the space branch is like and what it offers? Looking for some guidance here!
Absolutely! The United States established the Space Force as the sixth military branch in December 2019. It operates under the Department of the Air Force and was created to address the growing importance of space in military operations and national security.
Its mission statement is to "Secure our Nation’s Interests In, From, and To Space."
The Space Force, like other branches, offers a range of job specialties depending on your area of interest. These could span from space operations, intelligence, cyber operations, to acquisitions, and other support roles.
In terms of opportunities, the Space Force also offers educational benefits through programs like the Tuition Assistance Program and the G.I. Bill, which provides funding for college tuition and other educational costs.
Enlisting in the Space Force follows a similar pattern to the Air Force. After taking the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), you’ll go to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for physical and moral qualification. Then, you will attend Basic Military Training (BMT), which is currently held at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Guardians attend the same Basic Military Training as enlisted Airmen with the addition of Space Force–specific curriculum. Further technical training will be based on your chosen specialty.
It's also worth noting that the Space Force, due to its small size and specialized mission, is quite selective compared to other branches.
Remember, the Space Force is still relatively new, so it's evolving quickly. To get the most updated information, visit the official Space Force website or reach out to a recruiter.
Good luck with your decision! Joining the Space Force is a unique and exciting path that could offer you valuable experiences in the realm of space exploration.
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