US Space Force finalizes command structure focused on flexibility

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) finalized its organizational structure with the Air Force this week, focusing itself more on mission than on a layered command system.

In all, President Donald Trump’s addition to the military system will operate under three echelons of command: Space Operations Command, Space Systems Command and Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). It plans to consolidate and align all organization, training, and equipment missions formerly maintained by Air force space-related units.

“This is an historic opportunity to launch the Space Force on the right trajectory to deliver the capabilities needed to ensure freedom of movement and deter aggression in, from and to space,” Gen. Jay Raymond, USSF chief of space operations, said. “How we organize the Space Force will have a lasting impact on our ability to respond with speed and agility to emerging threats in support of the National Defense Strategy and Space Strategy.”

The USSF will focus on maintaining agility as it pursues its goals. Of its commands, two will be led by three-star generals and one by a two-star general. Field echelons will consist of those three field commands, followed by deltas and squadrons. Deltas will focus on specific tasks, be they operations, installation support, training, or other duties. The squadrons within them will be further focused on more specific tactics. A general officer and O-6 echelon of command will be eliminated once the field command structure is fully in place.

“This is the most significant restructuring of space units undertaken by the United States since the establishment of Air Force Space Command in 1982,” Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett said. “Innovation and efficiency are driving our mission as we position the Space Force to respond with agility to protect our nation’s space capabilities and the American way of life.”

Space Operations Command will primarily focus on space forces and capabilities, based out of the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. Space Systems Command will develop, acquire, and field the weapons and other means necessary for soldiers to be effective in space. It will also handle launches, testing, systems maintenance, and similar oversight duties. The last command, STARCOM, will be the training and education branch of the USSF.

Further organization of the USSF will begin later this summer, with delta activation.