Space Force, Civilian Workforce, and National Defense Strategy

Space Force Personnel and Capabilities

General Saltzman emphasizes that the most important asset is the people, particularly the guardians who possess unique technical skills. The Space Force relies on a significant civilian workforce, comprising about a third of its total personnel (approximately 5,000 civilians out of less than 15,000 total).

Secretary Mink concurs, affirming that people are the most crucial asset and possess unique skills. The civilian workforce is essential to the mission across the entire department.

Civilian Workforce Mobility and Impact

Unlike active duty service members (Guardians), civilian employees cannot be compelled to relocate. If a significant portion (e.g., half) of the civilian workforce were lost from a major unit, that unit's performance would suffer, which would hinder that unit's capabilities and the Space Force's overall effectiveness relative to competitors like China.

US Space Command and Colorado

US Space Command, headquartered in Colorado, is at full operational capability and heavily relies on its civilian workforce. Surveys indicated a substantial portion of the civilian workforce would not move if the command were relocated. Such attrition would slow down operations, negatively impacting the ability to keep pace with advancements made by countries like China in counter-space capabilities.

Moving US Space Command from Colorado at this time is deemed unacceptable due to its established infrastructure and critical mission. Investment in its current location is considered vital for national security.

National Defense Strategy and Air Defense

The primary goal of the National Defense Strategy is to defend the homeland. Currently, the U.S. lacks an integrated, fully capable air defense system that can operate without fixed-wing aircraft (fighter jets). Even with the development of collaborative combat aircraft, achieving this capability within the next eight years is considered unlikely given current resources. The Commander of NORTHCOM has testified that fighter jets in Colorado, on mission-ready status, are essential for protecting the Western United States, with the F-16 squadron at Buckley Space Force Base fulfilling this role.

There is a need for a plan to recapitalize the fighter wing to maintain the capability to protect the homeland. While long-term capabilities are important, interim investments are necessary to ensure mission success today. Currently, there is no fully integrated missile defense system in the US without this fighter wing.