On Dec. 20, 2019, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) was established. Its creation was a controversial subject among both military personnel and civilians. But what is the Space Force?

The USSF was originally a subsection within the Air Force, called the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). The Airmen who were part of the AFSPC were transformed into Guardians, the name of USSF personnel, as their own branch changed.

The Space Force’s mission statement on their official website is “The USSF 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.”

In layman’s terms, the Space Force is there to protect the U.S.’s outer space interests. This can range from protecting satellites to creating far-off space weapons like the infamous space javelin.

The full list of careers is listed on their website as well, but a few of the enlistee careers are:
Cable and Antenna Systems
Fusion Analyst
Space Systems Operator

Some of the officer careers include:
Acquisition Manager
Cyber Warfare Operations Officer
Developmental Engineer

For many, these career options may be a dream come true. “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” ignited a love for space in many people, and the Space Force offers opportunities to make those dreams a reality.