The idea of special forces in the newly established U.S. Space Force (USSF) may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. However, with the increasing importance of space in national security, is it really unthinkable for the Space Force to have special forces?

This blog post explores this intriguing question, providing insights into the current capabilities, potential future roles, and implications of special forces in space.

Birth of the USSF

USSF was officially established in December 2019 as the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. interests in space. Given the strategic importance of space in modern warfare, the creation of the USSF has been a significant milestone in military history.

Space Force's formation reflects the growing recognition of space as a critical domain for national security. With satellites playing a crucial role in communication, reconnaissance, and navigation, the need to defend these assets is paramount. But does this new branch include specialized units akin to the Navy SEALs, Green Berets or Army Rangers?

Understanding Special Forces

Special forces are highly trained military units tasked with conducting unconventional operations. These missions often involve counterterrorism, direct action, reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense. Special forces personnel undergo rigorous training to handle high-risk situations and operate in hostile environments.

It is important to note though that graduating from Ranger or Special Forces training does not mean that the graduate is a special operator. The USSF, for example, has a Guardian who graduated from Ranger school, but does not serve as a special operator.

The concept of special forces is not new, with historical examples dating back to World War II. Units like the British SAS and U.S. Green Berets have become synonymous with elite military capabilities. In recent years, the demand for special forces has only increased, given their versatility and effectiveness in modern conflicts.

Role of Space in Modern Warfare

Space has become an essential element of contemporary warfare, with military operations increasingly reliant on space-based assets. Satellites provide critical data for communication, navigation, and intelligence, making them indispensable for military planning and execution. The ability to secure and protect these assets is a top priority for the U.S. military.

Adversaries are also aware of the strategic advantages offered by space. Countries like China and Russia have developed capabilities to disrupt or destroy satellites, posing a significant threat to U.S. space assets. In response, the USSF must be prepared to defend against these threats and ensure the continued functionality of its space-based infrastructure.

That said, Air Force Special Operations Command, in collaboration with the United States Space Force Special Operations Element (USSFSOE), unveiled the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron which offers a full suite of capabilities that are unique and invaluable in advancing special operations forces in space integration.

The USSFSOE coordinates Guardian support to deliver specialized space expertise, space-related intelligence and integration. The USSFSOE is responsible for space coordination and support to U.S. Special Operations Command.

During training, USSF units supporting special operations have replicated satellite communication and GPS-based electromagnetic interference to emulate a contested, degraded, operationally limited environment prevalent in areas of operation around the world. This support provided operators the real-world experience that they require. 

Space Force Special Forces

It is important to note that while USSFSOE exists and supports special operations, as of now, the USSF does not have dedicated special forces units like those in other military branches. There are no special operators conducting special operations in space. Instead, USSF’s focus has been on developing capabilities to protect and defend space assets through advanced technology and operational strategies that support special operations units in other branches.

However, this does not mean that the concept of special forces in space is entirely off the table. Given the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing importance of space, it is conceivable that the Space Force could develop specialized units in the future. These units would likely focus on space-centric missions, such as satellite defense, space station security, and counter-space operations.

Potential Roles for Space Force Special Forces

If the USSF were to establish special forces units, what roles might they undertake? Here are some potential missions:

Satellite Defense

Space Force special forces could be tasked with protecting critical satellites from adversarial attacks. This could involve deploying personnel to space stations or ground-based facilities to monitor and respond to threats.

Space Station Security

With the potential for future space stations to serve as military outposts, Space Force special forces could provide security and rapid response capabilities. This would ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure in the event of an attack. Just don’t call them Space Rangers.

Counter-Space Operations

Space Force special forces could conduct offensive operations to disable or destroy adversary space assets. This could involve deploying specialized equipment or personnel to disrupt enemy satellites and deny them the benefits of space-based capabilities.

Future of Space Force Special Forces

The future of the USSF and the potential for special forces within it remains uncertain. However, as space continues to play an increasingly vital role in national security, the development of specialized units becomes more plausible. Advances in technology and the changing dynamics of warfare will likely shape the evolution of the Space Force and its capabilities.

Conclusion

While the USSF does not currently have dedicated special forces units, the concept remains a possibility as the branch evolves. The increasing importance of space in modern warfare and the need to protect critical assets may drive the development of specialized units in the future. For now, the Space Force's focus is on leveraging advanced technology and operational strategies to ensure the security of U.S. interests in space and to support special operators in the joint force environment.