Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) is encouraging the Department of Defense to reestablish the U.S. Space Command in Colorado and use its existing military assets to address emerging space threats.
Gardner recently forwarded correspondence to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, highlighting Colorado’s experience with military space operations while inviting Esper to visit defense mission partners and military installations there.
“I would like to offer my strong support for the elevation of national military space operations and urge the establishment of U.S. Space Command in Colorado,”
Gardner wrote. “The creation of a Unified Combatant Command for space is vitally important to ensuring military readiness, training for defensive/offensive space control operations, and deterring acts of aggression by potential adversaries.”
Gardner noted in the letter that Colorado continues to possess the trained military personnel and technical expertise needed to assume the added responsibilities associated with a Unified Combatant Command for space as well the space-related responsibilities currently assigned to U.S. Strategic Command.
“Colorado has been a nationwide leader on efforts to support transitioning military families. Community support in our state for military operations, personnel, and their families cannot be matched,” Gardner concluded. “Collaborative and regional interstate compacts agreements have significantly improved licensure reciprocity and portability for transitioning military spouses seeking employment as teachers, nurses, emergency medical personnel, and physical therapists across the state.”