The U.S. Army’s New Space Operations Branch Welcomes Over 600 Soldiers
The U.S. Army has expanded its Space Operations Branch by selecting more than 600 soldiers to form its first permanent enlisted cadre. This marks a significant step in solidifying its space expertise within the military.
According to the Army’s recent announcement, soldiers from various fields volunteered and were chosen to reclassify as MOS 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialists.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Jackson of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command noted, “We had nearly 3,000 soldiers apply, and selected over 600 of the most capable, professional soldiers in the Army.” He further explained that while talent was drawn from Military Intelligence, Air Defense Artillery, and the Signal Corps, the 40D MOS is open for all qualified applicants.
Earlier this year, the Army had opened applications for this specialty to soldiers in grades E-4 through E-9 from the active-duty Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve.
In the past, soldiers with space training were temporarily reassigned from other specialties, often resulting in a loss of experience once they returned to their original roles. Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty emphasized the need for a more sustainable approach: “For too long, enlisted soldiers with specialized space training and experience rotated through critical space assignments, eventually returning to their basic branches.” He added that the evolving demands now require a dedicated, professional pathway for Army Space soldiers.
The formal establishment of the Army’s Space Operations Branch in June integrates the new enlisted specialty with functional area 40As, the Army’s Space Operations Officers, who have been part of the force since 1999. The Tactical Space Operations Specialists will undergo training at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Col. Felix Torres, commandant of the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, highlighted the value of these soldiers: “Our space operations soldiers bring unmatched value to the Army and joint force because of the education and training they receive to execute space integration and interdiction missions.” These missions include counter-SATCOM, stratospheric warfare, navigation warfare, and counter-sensing.
The Army pointed out that space systems are crucial for navigation, weather updates, communication, and early warnings. The 1st Space Brigade, the Army’s unique space-focused unit, is equipped with theater missile warning capabilities and provides long-distance satellite communications.
