The Case for Space: A Legislative Framework for an Independent United States Space Force

By MAJ Dustin L Grant USAF

This paper examines the United States Air Force's role in managing spaceand provides recommendations for the future of space in the US military.Though it echoes specific recommendations made elsewhere by previous authors, the primary purpose of this paper is to consider the legislative framework required to sever space from Air Force oversight and establish a separateUnited States space force (USSF) under the Department of Defense. The paperbegins by examining the historical evolution and fractured history of space inthe US government's bureaucratic machine. Next, this paper looks at multiplereports calling for changes in space leadership and oversight, the inability toeffect meaningful change, and an evaluation of the need for an independentspace force. It then discusses the various roles and missions an independentspace force would assume. Finally, it discusses the legal framework necessaryto establish a USSF and analyzes a legislative proposal. Though this paper advocates for "standing up" a separate USSF, the actual value of this paper is inthe legislation proposed in Appendix 2, and the analysis of that proposal.Merely considering the specific recommendations in that enabling legislationis beneficial should the United States move toward establishing a USSF.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08BWF2KLF
• ISBN13: 9798656984843
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 86 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5"