Congressman Mike Rogers of Alabama, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, has called for significant growth within the Space Force to effectively tackle the escalating threats posed by China and Russia.
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, he described how the Space Force has evolved from a lean, nimble unit into a more robust organization, now essential for addressing new global challenges.
Personnel and Leadership Development
While Rogers recognized that some lawmakers are concerned about increasing budget allocations for the Space Force, he strongly argued for the need to bolster personnel numbers.
He highlighted that having skilled professionals is crucial for the successful execution of the Space Force’s missions.
With this in mind, he proposed boosting the number of general officers and urged the Air Force and defense secretary to transfer certain roles to the Space Force.
Rogers didn’t stop at personnel; he also stressed the necessity of enhancing development opportunities for guardians, especially in technology and acquisition functions.
Together with Ranking Member Adam Smith from Washington, he recently sent a letter to Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations.
In this correspondence, they raised concerns that a strong focus on operational roles might hinder the Space Force’s capabilities in crucial areas like acquisition, training, and testing.
Balanced Approach for Future Challenges
The two legislators emphasized the importance of keeping a well-rounded approach to advance the Space Force’s next-generation capabilities in space warfare.
They aim to ensure that the organization is prepared to face future challenges head-on.
Additionally, Rogers noted his commitment to monitoring the Space Force’s development closely, advocating for a diverse leadership team.
He believes leadership should encompass a wide array of career paths rather than solely focusing on operational ranks.
Moreover, he underscored the necessity of technological literacy across the board for the Space Force’s success.
Rogers argued for fair representation in all professional domains, including operations, acquisition, intelligence, and cyber capabilities.
This balanced approach is vital for the Space Force to thrive in a rapidly changing defense landscape.
Source: Militarytimes