Breaking into the final frontier is no longer a distant dream. If you aspire to become a U.S. Space Force officer, then this blog post is for you. We'll provide valuable insights to help you achieve your goal.
Why the Space Force?
Space is the new battlefield. The creation of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) in 2019 underscores the increasing importance of space in national security. Understanding why the Space Force was established and its mission will help you appreciate the critical role you'll play.
The Space Force organizes, trains and equips personnel in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint forces.
Essential Educational Requirements
To become a Space Force officer, a strong educational background is essential. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
All officers must complete a commissioning course of study through Officer Training School (OTS), U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). They must also be between the ages of 18 and 42.
Space Force Officer Career Fields
Astronautical Engineer
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from aeronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Astronautical Engineers provide advanced skills and knowledge of their particular specialties.
They plan, organize and implement systems engineering processes; conduct design studies and manage studies contracted to industries; coordinate engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyze technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identify and incorporate new technologies and subsystems.
To become an Astronautical Engineer Space Force officer, a bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties is required: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical.
Intelligence Officer
One of the most valuable assets on any mission or action is information. Responsible for both protecting information as well as collecting data from external threats, Intelligence Officers are essential to operational planning and ultimate success.
From analyzing data to coordinating with other services or determining the capabilities and vulnerabilities of an adversary, these highly trained Space Force officers provide indispensable knowledge pivotal to Guardians successfully completing their missions. These Space Force officers lead and perform intelligence activities across the full range of military operations. They oversee the analysis and merging of collected intelligence; develop intelligence plans and policies; produce accurate intelligence analysis; exchange intelligence with other services, agencies and governments; and integrate intelligence with combat operations.
This Space Force officer must have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following: science, humanities, social sciences, structured analysis, engineering or mathematics. In addition, some level of foreign language study is highly desirable.
Acquisition Manager
The safety and success of Space Force Guardians depends upon having what they need when they need it. It’s up to Acquisition Managers to develop the structures and train their staff to make it all happen. From implementing engineering to securing final shipping, they oversee all aspects of the process to ensure the necessary equipment and supplies get where they need to be anywhere in the world.
This Space Force officer manages and administers defense acquisition programs; plans and develops program management techniques and training programs; coordinates with commanders and staff to develop proper acquisition plans and schedules; and ensures quality assurance and support for all systems and equipment.
Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer
With the constant evolution of today’s technology, information and communications can be optimized like never before. Responsible for a wide range of weaponry, training and intelligence efficiencies, Cyberspace Effects Operations Officers are the foremost experts on the vast world of cyberspace. From computerized, satellite and airborne communications to postal operations and tracking systems, these irreplaceable assets play a critical role in planning missions and ensuring the effectiveness of U.S. cyberspace capabilities.
This Space Force officer reviews mission tasking, intelligence, terrain and weather information; operates weapons systems and commands a crew; conducts or supervises training to ensure operational readiness of crewmembers; advises commanders on associated risks and mitigation factors in conjunction with utilized technologies; and directs employment of cyberspace capabilities in both deliberate and crisis action scenarios.
A bachelor’s degree with a focus in computer and information sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, management information systems or other related disciplines is required as well as knowledge of electronics theory, information technology, telecommunications and supervisory and control systems including cryptography, vulnerability assessment and exploitation techniques.
Human Factors Engineer/Human Systems Integration
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from astronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Human Factors Engineer/Human Systems Integration provides advanced skills and knowledge of their specialties. Responsible for everything from the planning to implementation of their projects, these experts are essential to the success of operations.
This Space Force officer plans, organizes and implements systems engineering processes; conducts design studies and manages studies contracted to industries; coordinates engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyzes technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identifies and incorporates new technologies and subsystems.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical is recommended.
Mechanical Engineer Officer
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from astronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Mechanical Engineers provide advanced skills and knowledge of their particular specialties.
This Space Force officer plans, organizes and implements systems engineering processes; conducts design studies and manages studies contracted to industries; coordinates engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyzes technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identifies and incorporate new technologies and subsystems.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical is desired.
Electrical/Electronic Engineer
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from astronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Project/General Engineers provide advanced skills and knowledge of their particular specialties. Responsible for everything from the planning to implementation of their projects, these experts are essential to the success of operations all over the world.
This Space Force officer plans, organizes and implements systems engineering processes; conducts design studies and manages studies contracted to industries; coordinates engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyzes technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identifies and incorporate new technologies and subsystems.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical is desired.
Computer Systems Engineer
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from aeronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Computer Systems Engineers provide advanced skills and knowledge of their particular specialties.
This Space Force officer plans, organizes and implements systems engineering processes; conducts design studies and manages studies contracted to industries; coordinates engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyzes technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identifies and incorporate new technologies and subsystems.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical is desired.
Aeronautical Engineer
Covering a wide range of specialties ranging from aeronautical and computer systems to flight test and mechanical, Aeronautical Engineers provide advanced skills and knowledge of their particular specialties.
This Space Force officer plans, organizes and implements systems engineering processes; conducts design studies and manages studies contracted to industries; coordinates engineering and technical management activities; continuously analyzes technical policies and procedures, products, and services to improve customer support; and identifies and incorporate new technologies and subsystems.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering related to one of the following specialties: aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, computer, electrical, electronics, communication or mechanical is desired.
Space Operations Officer
Space Operations Officers direct the entire space system infrastructure utilizing satellites that enhance communications and tracking. They oversee space surveillance, space lift, space warning and satellite command and control. By assessing the effectiveness of all space operations and incorporating new technology as it becomes available, this Space Force officer develops future plans for systems, facilities and personnel in order to defend the nation.
This Space Force officer formulates space operations policies; establishes training requirements and performance standards for all systems; coordinates space operations activities; plans, organizes and directs space operations programs; and provides guidance on proper use and care of sensitive materials.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree of science in any field is required.
Conclusion
Becoming a US Space Force officer is a challenging but rewarding career choice. By understanding the information in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching your career in the Space Force. Continue your research, stay dedicated, and connect with current officers to gain insights and advice.