US Space Force Unveils New Mission Statement

The US Space Force in an effort to provide a clearer and more concise understanding of its mission has unveiled a new mission statement today. "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space"

The mission statement was crowd-sourced from members across the ranks of the Space Force, marking a significant step towards defining the branch's role in the 21st century.

The decision to revise the Space Force's mission statement was initiated by U.S. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman earlier this year, who recognized that the original mission statement, established when the Space Force was founded in December 2019, was convoluted and challenging to communicate both to the public and Congress.

The prior mission statement stated that the "U.S. Space Force 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."

Gen. Saltzman's set out to change the US Space Force's making it simpler, more straightforward, that doesn't sound like corporate jargon. The result is the concise and direct statement, "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space."

The use of the word "secure" in the new mission statement carries a dual purpose. It emphasizes the Space Force's primary responsibility for safeguarding U.S. space assets and ensuring that all branches of the U.S. military, as well as allied nations, have uninterrupted access to satellite-based capabilities.

The phrase "in, from, and to space" embedded in the new mission statement reflects the multifaceted functions of the Space Force.

1. Securing Interests "In Space": This aspect of the mission involves the Space Force's commitment to dominate and counter any adversaries' use of anti-satellite weapons. It underscores the Space Force's vital role in ensuring the safety and security of assets in Earth's orbit.

2. Capabilities "From Space": The mission to provide satellite services that the military heavily relies upon, including communication, navigation, and missile warning, falls under this category. It highlights the Space Force's involvement in maintaining the critical systems that enable global military operations.

3. Protection of Interests "To Space": This facet emphasizes the Space Force's role in guaranteeing assured access to orbit through launch vehicles and ground infrastructure. Ensuring that the United States can deploy assets and capabilities to space without interruption or hindrance is central to this aspect of the mission.

The Space Force shares common responsibilities with other military services, such as organizing, training, and equipping forces. However, given its status as a newly established branch of the military, it is essential for the Space Force to establish its unique brand and identity.

Gen. Saltzman's efforts to simplify and clarify the mission statement have been met with widespread approval, both within the Space Force and among the public. This revised statement not only encapsulates the core responsibilities of the Space Force but also underscores its significance in safeguarding the United States' interests in the increasingly important domain of space.

The unveiling of this new mission statement signifies a pivotal moment in the Space Force's evolution, allowing it to better communicate its purpose and contributions to the nation's defense.