Trump Champions Idea of "Space Force"

What’s the story?

The idea of establishing a new branch of the military focused entirely on space has been moving through Congress for some time. But in remarks on Tuesday President Trump took up the call, in direct opposition to officials at the Pentagon.

"My new national strategy for space recognizes that space is a war fighting domain just like the land, air and sea," Trump said. He also entertains the idea of adding a new military branch, calling it the "Space Force." https://t.co/IECzRamgz4 pic.twitter.com/bUlC1zaOFS

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 13, 2018

The Wall Street Journal reports that the House passed a plan for the development of a "space corps" as part of their defense authorization bill last year, though the measure was stripped from the Senate version before final passage.

The measure would have created "a senior uniformed commander heading up an organization dedicated entirely to space activities and reporting to the Air Force secretary, similar to the Marine Corps commandant who reports to the Navy secretary."

Currently the Air Force has jurisdiction over satellites, rockets and other military systems that could or do operate outside the atmosphere. To create a space corps as envisioned would be the most significant restructuring of the military since the Air Force itself was created in 1947.

Pentagon officials have argued that "a major restructuring of the armed forces would be unnecessary, expensive and end up impeding rather than enhancing the country’s space posture."

But some intelligence officials, as well as the House members who introduced the measure, including Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), continue to push the idea due to concerns about Russian and Chinese efforts to gain military superiority in space.

What do you think?

Do we need a "space force"? Why or why not?

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Department of Defense / Creative Commons)