Space Operations Center (SOC)

Cadet Summer Program

Review

(12 JUN 02)

 

BACKGROUND:  Through Operation LAUNCH PAD the Commandant has tasked the development of a Cadet executed program that provides space-training support, to USAFA summer programs.  During the Space Operations Center’s first/development summer (2002), the program will require 4 cadet cadre per period.  The Cadet cadre receives current space education and training and is provided the tools to apply support and instruction to GE, CST and BCT.   The SOC directly supports Operation LAUNCH PAD objectives, providing Cadets basic system knowledge, an operational mindset and accession level experience, to comprehend the evolving roles of Space & IO in modern warfare.  This is a new, less than 2-month-old, program.  Many aspects have not yet been set in stone.  We choose from a group of highly motivated Cadet volunteers to pioneer the initial summer.  A space related major or interest in entering the space career field was highly desired, but not required.  

 

JUSTIFICATION:  The 34 TRW, U. S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), in concert with the Space Warfare Center (SWC) have embarked on an approximately one-year effort named Operation LAUNCH PAD.  This project will review all current aspects of cadet military education and training in space power and information operations (IO), identify shortfalls, and build a roadmap for a coherent education and training plan that will meet the demands placed on these future Air & Space leaders. The Space Operations Center is a summer training element of Operation LAUNCH PAD. 

 

TRAINING OBJECTIVE:  The Operation LAUNCH PAD Director will coordinate SWC support and lead a 34 TRW team to achieve the following 34 TRW project objectives:

 

  1. Graduate officers with a working knowledge of our space history, the space environment, and space capabilities.
  2. Graduate leaders with an operational mindset for the use of space power and IO.
  3. Graduate problem solvers who approach each challenge by asking if space power can provide a solution.
  4. Produce graduates who are trained in the fundamentals of information operations.
  5. Graduate future warriors who have experienced space capabilities infused in all aspects of USAFA military training.

 

The Space Operations Center:

 

- Requires Cadet cadre to have a full secret clearance to participate

- Cadet cadre will learn to operate SOC equipment and to teach others about its capabilities

- Cadet cadre will “pull” (take requests for) space products and support from other summer programs

- Cadet cadre will “push” space support like; satellite imagery, communications, and weather to other summer programs

- Cadet cadre will coordinate with deployed Space & Information Operations teams that are providing a training opportunity to the USAFA summer programs

- Cadet cadre will demonstrate SOC capabilities to visiting VIPs

- Cadet cadre may be tasked to contribute to real world USAFA crisis action team events

- Cadet cadre will travel to locations that are prime exhibits of the nations space capabilities, during periods of minimum tasking

 

 

BUDGET: TBD.   Cadets and AOC travel on existing 34TRG travel budgets.  Equipment was acquired through 34th Support Division.  Local transportation coordinated through Composite Group.  Program Director has limited budget for all of Operation LAUNCH PAD program.

 

How many hours does each cadet dedicate to the SOC summer program?  115 hours, during 19 of the 21 days of one summer period.  The middle weekend has no scheduled activities.  Average: approximately 6 hours/day.

 

TRAINING PLAN:  (see SOC Trng Plan.doc)