"A major focus of the Space Group during the Summer of 2004 has been to build a relationship between the Air Force's initiatives to develop a " Space Cadre" and the Academy's officer development programs. Since the report of the 2001 Space Commission, chaired by now-SECDEF Rumsfeld, the services have been tasked to develop a professional cadre of space-trained officers. Recognizing that the skills and experience needed to excel in space operations may in some cases be different than those needed for air operations, it is logical that offering a space-oriented career track is probably in the best interest of the Air Force and the nation. This is especially true as the importance of space operations to national security and well being has been widely accepted and understood.
Most Air Force space officers will not be astronauts. In fact, although Air Force officers have been major contributors to the NASA astronaut program, the military's use of space has largely focused on unmanned systems. It is in the conceptualization, design, development, production and operation of these systems, and their integration into combat and peacetime operations, that Air Force officers will make their major contributions. Programs at USAFA can and have come a long way in preparing future officers to excel in these roles. Just as excellence in air operations roles has been a major contribution of USAFA grads, so will space expertise be an extremely useful skill set. Understanding orbitology, the space environment, the applications of space functions, the technological potentials and limitations of space systems, and the integration of space systems into the modern battlefield are the kinds of knowledge needed by an effective space cadre. The time to build the foundation for these skills is at the undergraduate level. In the Air Force, this means Air Force Academy cadets.
The Space Group was well represented at the Graduate Leadership Conference, held at the Academy 29-31 Jul. During those meetings with the Superintendent and Commandant, it became clear that the Academy's leadership is committed to strengthening USAFA's space-oriented programs, and that the AOG and especially the Space Group are well postured to help. One major initiative is the development of a Space Operations Center in the former Security Flight command post on the terrazzo level in the cadet area.
The Space Group's membership continues to grow and mature. Our activities are visible on the Group's web site usafaspace.tripod.com."
Stan Rosen '69