The president has recognized that space is a vital zone for future military operations. Leading academics claim that in the future, it may be necessary to colonize outer space to guarantee the survival of the human race. Of course, the United States wants to be the nation to lead this initiative. Measures are underway to begin making preparations for the Space Force as early as 2020.

Is the Space Force Real?

Yes. The Space Force is becoming a more likely reality for the future. The Congressional Budget Office has outlined its potential spending plans for 2020 and dedicated a large section to the Space Force. There are five types of space organizations that the Department of Defense is considering.

1. An initiative to create future policies for what goes on in outer space that is associated with the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
2. A combatant command similar to the current Cyber Command to oversee space capabilities during conflict and peacetime
3. An agency, similar in structure to the Missile Defense Agency that would focus on acquiring and developing space systems
4. A fully-fledged service in its own right that would train, organize and equip Space Forces 
5. A military service that would be part of the Department of the Air Force comparable to how the Marine Corps exists as part of the Department of the Navy 

What Are the Requirements for Joining?

It's looking most likely that the Space Force will operate as a branch of the Air Force. While there aren't currently plans for an academy, applicants will most likely need to meet the following criteria:

• Qualify for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test
• Aged between 17 and 40 years
• U.S. citizen or green card holder
• Proven good health
• Possess a high school diploma 

Are There Only Positions for Current Military Personnel?

The CBO has estimated that there will be between 28,000 and 30,700 openings available. Sources have revealed that around 23,000 of these are to be drafted in from existing military services. This is because some members of the Air Force have already undergone specialized space training.  

Will There Be Support Roles in the Space Force?

Absolutely. As well as combatants, around 16,000 positions are set to be doled out to management and support staff. This operation is set to be hugely innovative and will include a wide range of people with various skill sets. 
Do Other Countries Have a Space Force?

Other countries who have similar organizations include:

• Russia                                                                
• China
• France
• India
• The European Union 

Benefits of a Space Force
As it stands, space-related procedures are scattered across the Army, Navy, National Intelligence Services and the Air-Force. This lack of cohesion means the military misses out on having one unit that is dedicated to this essential aspect of the future.

As a space force member, you could protect our country's satellites and current interests in outer space, oversee GPS systems, help to eliminate space debris and be on-hand for future military operations. 

Plans are underway to draw on current knowledge and expand even further to guarantee a safer future for everyone. If you believe you could be an asset to the U.S. Space Force, keep your eyes and ears peeled for further developments. (For more space info, please click here.)