| United States Space Forces – Space | |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Type | Component field command |
| Role | Space operations |
| Part of | United States Space Command |
| Headquarters | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Maj Gen Douglas Schiess |
The United States Space Forces – Space (S4S) is the planned United States Space Force component field command to the United States Space Command. It will be formed by combining the Combined Force Space Component Command and Joint Task Force–Space Defense. Its commander will also serve as the combined joint force space component commander (CJFSCC). It will be activated following the confirmation of its inaugural commander, Major General Douglas Schiess.
History
In 2021, the United States Space Command began thinking about creating a subordinate command that streamlines space operations. Initial plans were to establish a Joint Force Space Component Command by combining the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) and Joint Task Force–Space Defense (JTF-SD).[1] On 16 November 2022, General James H. Dickinson, U.S Space Command commander, ordered the creation of the Combined Joint Task Force–Space Operations (CJTF-SO), under which CFSCC and JTF-SD reported. U.S. Army Major General Thomas L. James served as acting commander of CJTF-SO until a three-star commander was nominated and confirmed.[2][3][4]
By 2023, no officer has been nominated as CJTF-SO commander. Meanwhile, plans shifted for the Space Force to create a new component field command to U.S. Space Command, the United States Space Forces – Space (S4S). It would be commanded with a three-star officer with the director of staff of the Space Force being downgraded to a two-star billet to make way for it. On 17 October 2023, U.S. Space Force Major General Douglas Schiess was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as the first commander of S4S. As S4S commander, he would also serve as the combined joint space component commander (CJFSCC).[5]
Structure
Space Delta 5, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.png.webp)
Space Delta 15, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
References
- ↑ Hitchens, Theresa (15 November 2021). "Exclusive: SPACECOM reorganizing amidst theater component command debate".
- ↑ Erwin, Sandra (16 November 2022). "U.S. Space Command creates new task force to coordinate space operations".
- ↑ Hitchens, Theresa (16 November 2022). "SPACECOM reorganization streamlines command structure".
- ↑ "USSPACECOM establishes a Combined Joint Task Force". Space Operations Command (SpOC). 15 November 2022.
- ↑ "General Officer Announcements". U.S. Department of Defense.
