Space Force - The New Branch

Hey guys and gals! I heard about this new branch of the U.S. military, the Space Force. I'm intrigued, but, honestly, I don't know much about it. What's the main mission of this branch and how does it differ from the other branches?

Hello! The United States Space Force, inaugurated in 2019, is indeed a unique addition to the U.S. military. While all branches of the military have important roles in defense, the Space Force is specifically mandated with the mission 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 other branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard—perform their duties in the terrestrial sphere, ensuring the defense of the U.S. on land, at sea, and in the air. In contrast, the Space Force aims at the protection and maintenance of space-based infrastructure, like satellites.

This is essential for daily life—think GPS, weather forecasting, and communication systems—as well as for military operations. Space Force is tasked with ensuring American space superiority, which means ensuring U.S. freedom to operate in space, and preventing interference from adversaries.

Moreover, it is worth noting that Space Force was actually branched out from the Air Force, similar to how the Air Force was branched out from the Army during the mid-20th century. This shift acknowledges increasing reliance on space for both civilian and military purposes.

However, just like other branches, joining the Space Force involves meeting eligibility criteria like age, physical fitness, and education requirements, passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and completing Basic Military Training (BMT).

Remember, this is a fairly new branch and as such, information and specifics about its operations and impact are constantly developing. Therefore, if you are considering a career in the armed forces and the Space Force is of particular interest, it would be worthwhile to stay updated on its progress and potential opportunities.