Rumsfeld appears to have been forced by events to refocus from his earlier interest in supporting the development of advanced technologies, particularly in space. Rumsfeld's interest in integrating space-based assets with tactical operations around the world has taken at least an institutional hit. He is returning Space Command to a place where (by his own definition) it does not fit.
Apart from the cultural differences, the differences in mission and resource requirements, placing Space Command under Strategic Command means that the development of a warfighting
Apart from the cultural differences, the differences in mission and resource requirements, placing Space Command under Strategic Command means that the development of a warfighting
doctrine in space will be carried out by an institution committed to thinking that nuclear weapons are strategic.
It is not clear what impact this will have on the various services. We now have Air Force Space and Missile Command reporting to the same place: STRATCOM. While that is neat and clean, it also means (among other things) a probable exodus of young officers from Space Command, if it becomes clear that they will have to spend a tour sitting in a missile silo. It also will mean that the growing élan and self-confidence of Missile Command, redolent of the Army Air Corps in the 1920s, will be severely affected.
It is not clear what impact this will have on the various services. We now have Air Force Space and Missile Command reporting to the same place: STRATCOM. While that is neat and clean, it also means (among other things) a probable exodus of young officers from Space Command, if it becomes clear that they will have to spend a tour sitting in a missile silo. It also will mean that the growing élan and self-confidence of Missile Command, redolent of the Army Air Corps in the 1920s, will be severely affected.
The pilots who run the Air Force are undoubtedly pleased with this event. Schriever Air Force Base, where the operators of Space Command reside, has no runway and does not need one to facilitate tactical communications in Kosovo, watch for SCUD launches over Iraq or guide a missile to its target in Afghanistan.
But the problem remains. U.S. control of space is a foundation of U.S. power.
That control will be challenged in the coming generation. The doctrines and capabilities needed to fight a space war need to be developed now.
But the problem remains. U.S. control of space is a foundation of U.S. power.
That control will be challenged in the coming generation. The doctrines and capabilities needed to fight a space war need to be developed now.