US Space Force - will it happen?

[stephen]

So I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts on space being spun off from the AF. A couple of years ago when all space assets were lined up under USA, this seemed like a sure thing in the immediate future. I've heard progressive less buzz on it.

1) Is the AF doing a good job with space?
2) Can the AF do a good job with space?
a) Does the operators-only leadership structure necessarily imply space will always be on the back burner
b) Can officers push for space in a plane-dominated culture without the collective rolling of eyes

3) Will a space force ever happen?

My 2cents is that space in the AF seems to be a custodial organization where all the satellites and missles get put, rather than an organization looking to innovate future capabilities. (But then again who knows what's going on in Special Programs)

[brent]

1) No. The USAF does not, will never, and cannot have the space centric mindset necessary to do a good job with space. Sure we are ahead in space power, but thats more by default than design. As soon as someone else gets serious about space, the USAF led space forces will squander the lead fast.
2) No. see above.
a) Pilots only leadership structure will ensure no matter how much the USAF pulls for space, it will always be second, no matter how close a second.
b) I don't know, its never really been done. Its possible, though the people that are the most against space is our space leadership. The pilots I talk to seem far more open minded about space possibilities than most field grade space/missile people (to say nothing of official statements from space flag ranks). I think the prerequisite for a star in AF Space Command is to publicly ridicule the idea of a Space Force. Many in the plane culture seem to have a military and historical sense to them and realize there could be great potential in space beyond 2% better GPS accuracy.

3) Only if the space people will fight for it. We can't have civilians do our fighting for us. We tried once, and now the Space Commission Report is being swept under the rug and its recommendations reneged.

My opinion is that once AF Space Command begins to act like a Space Force, a Space Force will be inevitable. However, whether we begin to think beyond the box the USAF put us in is highly debatable.

[darren]

I don't think the U.S. will designate a separate Space Force until an actual battle occurs in space to wake us up. Where economic interests need to be protected, the military is called upon to devote resources (threat to oil-Persian Gulf-forces follow to protect national interests).