Hi, folks. I've been hearing rumors about a latest addition to the US military branches. Can anyone confirm this? If so, what's the newest branch and what is its primary function? Also, how does one pursue a career in this new branch, if you happen to know? Thanks in advance!
You've heard correctly! The U.S. military indeed has a new branch. The United States Space Force (USSF) is the sixth and most recent branch of the U.S. armed services. It was established in December 2019.
The Space Force's primary mission is to organize, train and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the rest of the U.S. military. This scope of responsibilities includes tasks such as tracking space debris, monitoring ballistic missile launches, and maintaining satellites that enable communication for other branches of the military.
For those interested in a career in the Space Force, the paths are similar to those in other branches of the military. After meeting the age, citizenship, and educational requirements, you can choose to go through Officer Training School after earning a college degree—similar to the other branches—or enlist directly. The specific roles within the Space Force include space operations, intelligence, cyber, engineering, and acquisition, among others.
Before committing to joining the Space Force or another service branch, it’s a good idea to speak with military recruiters, career advisors, and other service members to understand what life in the military is really like and whether it suits your long-term goals and lifestyle. It's also beneficial to research specific positions or specialties you might be interested in.
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