Next Evolution for Theater Space Organizations

Since Desert Storm, space power organizations at the theater operational level of war have evolved almost exclusively along platform-centric lines. Space platform experts deploy to theaters or reside on theater staffs to specifically integrate space capabilities into terrestrial planning and operations. Space support teams, space cells in operations centers, and the DIRSPACEFOR, to name a few, focus primarily on how space platforms can better support multiple combat functions, i.e., integrating space capabilities as force multipliers or for force enhancement. While this integration is essential to fighting today's wars, our national security also depends on the military's ability to protect these space capabilities and negate the enemy's use of space capabilities. The current platform-centric, theater organizations may adequately support coordination for force enhancement, but they are not optimal for accomplishing the counterspace function. A counterspace, or space control, functional focus is required to effectively employ multiple platforms from all mediums, across multiple theaters, and in close coordination with CONUS-based, globally-focused space organizations.