The ability to contest the domain with military force is the formative purpose of a service. Each service must be able to control its domain: air superiority, sea control, land dominance, and now, space superiority. But now, this domain is contested, and therefore, control of the domain is an operational imperative. In the last era, we were able to meet our mission just by accessing and exploiting the space domain. It is the ability to contest, and when necessary, control the space domain at a time and place of our choosing. For our service, space superiority is the first core function, and it is the “In” aspect of the mission statement. A service must be able to control its domain in order to be able to access and exploit it. Guardians secure our nation’s interests in space through space activities that protect the joint force and the nation from space and counterspace threats. Now, the phrase “In, from, and to space” refers to core functions of the Space Force. From a military perspective, Guardians are integral members of the joint team, since all joint force operations depend on space capabilities and protection from space-enabled attacks. America’s interests in space are immense, and growing. The next concept, “Interests,” refers to the security and prosperity our nation derives from space. Our Guardians have volunteered to answer the nation’s call to arms, and we remain fiercely committed to defending it. We are deeply connected to our work and the outcomes. The beneficiaries of our work are not a distinct, abstract group. Next, the words “Our nation” reflect the trusted connection between Guardians and the nation we serve. When we say secure, we’re referring to the Space Force’s charge to prepare ourselves to control, by military means if necessary, the space domain as part of any joint force effort. Let’s start with the first word, “Secure.” It’s used here in the military sense. These concepts help clarify what the Department of Defense tasks us to do each and every day. Despite its simplicity, these nine words are packed with six separate and distinct concepts. This new mission statement defines the why of the Space Force. It’s simple, it’s direct, and it clearly reflects our purpose and identity as Guardians. Secure our nation’s interests in, from, and to space. This is our mission statement, and Guardians, these are your words. With this in mind, I recently asked our Guardians to take a look at our mission statement, and make sure that it properly described who we are and what we do. We were created for this new space era, an era increasingly characterized by great power competition. This was the genesis of the Space Force, a military service focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities we face in the space domain. I will not belabor the point, but it should be noted that no domain is immune from these circumstances, and as an integral part of our security environment, the space domain is now more contested than in any other point in history. You heard yesterday, Secretary Kendall lay out in great detail the security circumstances we find ourselves in today. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall (archival footage): It has taken on characteristics of a more dangerous and dynamic security environment worldwide, but don’t take my word for it. Ladies and gentlemen, the space domain that I learned to fly satellites in is no more. I speak for all Guardians when I say we appreciate all you do to bring us together each and every year. Space Force.įinally, shout out and thank you to AFA for giving me the opportunity to talk about where the Space Force is heading. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me, the Guardians and the U.S. Your efforts in taking care of Guardians will be felt for years to come. Toby, we could not have picked a better chief to be the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. Later this week, Chief Master Sergeant Toby Towberman is going to retire after close to 32 years of service to both our Air Force and Space Force. More than any other, Jennifer’s kept my head in the game and focused on what really matters. Now, speaking of great partners, because these are two high quality partners, today’s my 31st wedding anniversary. Clear skies and strong tailwind on your confirmation to be our next chairman. To CQ, thank you for working alongside the Space Force, being such a strong advocate for space superiority. Your drive to make us better and optimize for the challenges we face is truly a force multiplier. Thank you Secretary Kendall for your steadfast leadership, support of the Space Force, and most importantly, your laser focus on the threat, China, China, China. We’re all caffeinated up, ready to go, talk space for a bit? All right.
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