Military Leader Advocates for Increased Ranks of Multirole Personnel in Combined Duties within Space Force
Loosening the Space Reins: Unleashing the Potential of Joint Space Operations
It's high time the U.S. Space Force (USSF) beefs up its ranks within joint roles, and U.S. Space Command needs a dose of non-USSF personnel to fully tap into the military's space capabilities, said Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, head honcho at USSF's component within SPACECOM.
Speaking to the AFA's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Schiess revealed that while other joint service generals once deemed space as important for satellite communications and GPS, they now realize it's critical for overall defense against space-borne threats.
Yet, there's room for improvement. Schiess notes that more progress needs to be made to ensure space is fully integrated into the joint fight.
One way to achieve this is by positioning Space Force personnel in what are known as "purple" jobs, such as combatant commands and the Joint Staff. The service has already established components within U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, European Command, Africa Command, and Central Command, with more on the way, according to Schiess. These leaders serve as subject matter experts, explaining space to commanders.
He emphasized the need for Space Force-smart individuals on the Joint Staff. "We need to get some Guardians on the Joint Staff," Schiess said, using the Space Force's official moniker, Guardians. He noted that while Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is currently the deputy director of the J7, more representation is needed.
This call for Guardians to gain joint experience mirrors efforts by the Air Force under Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, who emphasized the importance of Airmen getting more joint jobs and better articulating the advantages of airpower.
The opposite side of the coin involves ensuring other services and combatant commands have personnel with a deep understanding of how space can assist them.
"We have to have joint personnel that understand space," Schiess said, citing Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, the senior enlisted leader of Space Command, who encourages having space-savvy individuals in other combatant commands and vice versa.
Schiess' influence extends to his position as head of the Combined Joint Force Space Component, which gives him oversight of all space forces presented by the services to the combatant command. In this role, he consults with Navy, Army, and Marine Corps leaders to gain insights into their space needs and share what SPACECOM can do for them.
"We need to know how they use space: what SATCOM signals do they use on a regular basis? How are they getting their information? What transponders are they on? What commercial are they using? And so, I think it is a joint fight, and we have to be a part of the joint fight," he said.
Partnerships Abound
Schiess also advocated for greater collaboration with international and industry partners. On the commercial front, the Commercial Integration Cell, an information-sharing partnership between SPACECOM and industry, is set for expansion. Five new companies have joined ten existing ones, and two more are slated to join near the start of 2025.
"We have the connections so that we can provide them with threat information back and forth of 'Hey, at the top secret level, here's what's going on,'" Schiess said. "They can also provide us information."
Regarding international partners, SPACECOM is bolstering its partnerships through Operation Olympic Defender, a long-term multinational effort to collaborate in space. In the past two months, New Zealand, France, and Germany have joined Olympic Defender.
"We have connections with the Canadian [Space Operations Center], the UK SpOC, and the Australian SpOC," Schiess said. "We're working our connections with France and Germany now. And then we've actually added we're working our connections with NATO, because they have a space center as well."
Seizing the Space Frontier
The integration of USSF personnel into joint roles is paving the way for a more robust and united space defense strategy. Key developments include:
Joint Roles
- Enhanced Combat Capabilities: By integrating USSF personnel into tactical roles, space operations have proven to boost combat effectiveness. Providing tactical space subject matter expertise has been crucial in increasing lethality on the battlefield.
- Combatant Command Support: The USSF supports various combatant commands, bolstering integration and enhancing warfighter effectiveness across different domains.
Collaborative Efforts
- Reorganization: The USSF has restructured around mission areas rather than functional specialties. This includes the establishment of integrated mission deltas, which improve readiness by aligning operations, sustainment, and acquisitions under a single mission umbrella.
- Training: Units like Mission Delta-11, under Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), provide realistic test and training environments. These environments help prepare forces for contested environments, further enhancing joint readiness.
- Cross-Command Collaboration: The USSF works closely with other commands like Space Systems Command and Space Operations Command to prioritize enhancements and readiness efforts, a critical step in effective integration into joint operations.
- General Schiess emphasized the need for Space Force personnel to take up roles in the Joint Staff, known as "purple" jobs, to aid in explaining space capabilities to commanders.
- He also advocated for a greater collaboration with industry partners, mentioning the expansion of the Commercial Integration Cell, which shares threat information with participating companies.
- In terms of international partners, Schiess stressed the importance of bolstering partnerships through Operation Olympic Defender, expanding collaborations with countries like New Zealand, France, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
- The Space Force's role in joint operations also extends to supporting various combatant commands and providing tactical space subject matter expertise, thereby boosting combat effectiveness and enhancing warfighter readiness.
