SPACE FORCE BUDGET CUTS PERSIST AS SPACE THREATS GROW


By jlustig
9th Combat Training Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Space Force SMSgt Twana Borel and members of Space Delta 9, participate in a retreat ceremony at Schriever SFB , CO in light of the space force budget.

The Space Force budget has been an issue after years of growth. Now, it is a possibility that they will experience their first funding cuts as it is currently experiencing difficulties in funding. This is as the plan for fiscal year 2025 is being drawn up. The Pentagon has officially rolled out a $849.8 billion Space Force budget request for 2025, with $29.4 billion being allocated to the Space Force. Previous funding was not accepted for the service by lawmakers. This raises the question, how will the Space Force manage funding? Read below to get the answer to this question and to learn more about the budget cuts.Suggested read: The U.S. Military’s Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Pill Lets You Turn Back Time

What Are the Responsibilities of the Space Force?

The Space Force was established on December 20, 2019. The reason behind the creation of the Space Force was due to the increased threat posed by strategic competitors in space. Once it became clear that a Space Force was necessary, the military put spend towards its creation.The Space Force is located at the Pentagon just like all other departments. Although the Space Force is a different branch, it is organized under the Department of the Air Force.The Space Force is one of the newest establishments. Thus, the department focuses on satellite acquisitions, budget, and workforce from across more than 60 different organizations. Additionally, they protect American interests in space to make sure allies are able to tackle pressing concerns when necessary. As in years prior, roughly 63% of the Space Force budget is for research, testing, and development. There has been $2.1 billion in funding for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellite program and $1.7 billion in funding for prototyping and space technology development.

Related read: Here’s How to Look Up Military Records

Space Force Budget Struggles Persist in 2024

While the Space Force is a great department to have, the financial ins and outs of it is not too pretty. The service requested $29.4 billion dollars on March 11th, which is a 2% decrease compared to its 2024 budget request. This is leading the service to make potential cuts.The Space Force budget 2024 wasn’t looking too good either. The service requested 30 billion dollars, which was a 5 billion dollar increase from the previous year. This is the largest request in the service's history.There are many other factors that the Space Force is spending money on. In fact, they plan to receive anywhere from $4.5 to $25 million dollars for retention bonuses and initial enlistment bonuses. As an additional effort to encourage guardians to stay in the Space Force, the budget is proposing an additional $5.7 million for assignment incentive pay.

What Does the Future Hold for the Space Force?

Understanding the reason behind the Space Force budget is crucial. Thus, getting a better handle on what the global tensions are is a start. Additionally, the Space Force is hoping that retention bonuses, and other incentives will help to boost retainment and the quality of recruits. When asked about the bonus pay increases, Maj. Gen. Mike Greiner, deputy assistant secretary for the Space Force budget stated, "These funds will help to get the right folks on the team and then retain them and keep them long term."Currently, China has been one of the focuses due to threatening their space assets and threatening their joint force. Therefore, it is expected to be one of the primary concerns moving forward, along with the Space Force budget. However, what is of absolute certainty is that the Space Force will do anything to keep Americans safe. Read next:4th Recruit Training Battalion - Legacy, Deactivation, and the Future


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