TOP GENERAL CALLS FOR NEW SPACE FORCE MISSION STATEMENT
A memo from Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the U.S. Space Force's highest-ranking officer, highlighted concern about the Space Force mission statement. According to Saltzman, the United States Space Force (USSF) mission statement doesn’t accurately portray what the USSF is responsible for, is difficult for Guardians to remember, and should be improved. Related read: Why Space Force Jobs Are Critical for a Secure Future
What is the Space Force Mission Statement?
The official Space Force mission statement is as follows: “The USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations that enhance the way our joint and coalition forces fight, while also offering decision makers military options to achieve national objectives.” Perhaps it’s because America’s newest military branch has a much more limited history, or maybe it’s because space travel itself is relatively new. But this is a problem that the USSF is facing not only in its mission statement but also in marketing itself. The good news is that Guardians have not seen large-scale, all-out warfare in the depths of space the way other branches have on Earth. Although such warfare is rapidly approaching, it’s still also likely a ways away before we see anything close to (insert your personal favorite space-based sci-fi franchise). While, again, this is great news, it’s also making it much harder to market the branch and for others to conceptualize what Guardians do. If the Coast Guard can face such issues, imagine the problem Guardians are having explaining how they help defend space. America’s interests in space are growing in both the private and government sectors. For these reasons and more, B. Chance Saltzman is calling for Guardians and others to realize the importance of the concerns he is expressing about the US Space Force mission statement. Suggested Read: Senator Mark Kelly Has Had Quite the Career, Now Enters Astronaut Hall of Fame
Gen Saltzman Believes Guardians can do Better
The top-ranking General in the USSF doesn’t believe the mission of the Space Force is being accurately represented. A memo speaking frankly on the matter has drawn headlines, as Gen. Saltzman is calling it into attention as an inadequate component of the branch. "How many Guardians can recite the current mission statement of the Space Force? My guess is very few. My biggest concern is that the mission statement does not reflect why the Nation has a Space Force and the vital functions Guardians perform," wrote B. Chance Saltzman. Since its establishment as a distinct service branch under the Department of the Air Force three years ago, the Space Force has made significant efforts to gain public recognition. However, there have been challenges along the way. Guardians have expressed frustration with the lack of public awareness, leading to comedic jabs on late-night talk shows, a poorly received Netflix series, and internal jokes about the service's slow progress. While notable strides have been made, particularly under the leadership of former Chief of Space Operations Gen. John Raymond and Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, who retires soon, the recent memo from Saltzman serves as a reminder that the Space Force still needs to clarify its mission, even within its own ranks.
New Space Force Mission Statement Must Convey a Complex Message
Conceptualization—talking about things that haven’t happened in places that are too large for the human mind to actually comprehend—can take on many forms of conversation. But it can be summed up simply: very difficult to do. This can cause a variety of problems. There are public perception issues, difficulties in marketing and recruitment, and the need to convey a consorted, organized message to those already serving. This is why Gen. Saltzman is looking for a new Space Force mission statement. One that can be memorable and direct those who encounter it with a sense of what it is Guardians truly do. The leader of the Guardians is calling for service members to email suggestions to officials in an attempt to rewrite its mission. Read next: 1st Space Force Hawaii Command Open in Prep for New Space Race