The existence and purpose of the US Space Force, the Pentagon’s youngest and most peculiar branch, remains a topic of uncertainty. Even the top general of the Space Force, Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman, seems perplexed about its mission.
Politico reports that Saltzman expressed his concerns in an email to all personnel, known as Guardians, indicating a lack of clarity regarding the purpose of the Space Force and the vital roles performed by its members. This uncertainty is worrisome, especially as the Biden administration seeks a budget of $30 billion in 2024 to support the Space Force.
The Space Force, established by the Trump administration three years ago, has faced difficulties in establishing its credibility and gaining serious recognition, particularly due to a comedy TV show of the same name produced by Netflix.
The current mission statement, formulated in December 2019, states that the Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations, enhancing the effectiveness of joint and coalition forces and providing military options to achieve national objectives.
However, Saltzman found the mission statement lacking and felt that it failed to fully represent the responsibilities of Guardians. In his memo, he emphasized that Guardians deliver advanced capabilities and operate cutting-edge systems, acting as a deterrent against aggression. In addition, guardians protect US interests through the use of military force.
Furthermore, Saltzman criticized the current mission statement as being long and cumbersome, highlighting the need for improvement.
Interestingly, Saltzman’s proposed solution to this predicament was to seek input from Guardians by crowdsourcing a new mission statement. This suggests that the Space Force is still grappling with fundamental questions, which is concerning given the significant resources required to sustain its operations.
All in all, the Space Force’s struggle to define its mission raises doubts about its future, particularly considering the substantial financial investment required to support its operations. It remains to be seen how the Space Force will navigate these challenges and establish a clear purpose that aligns with the nation’s interests in space.
