Toward an Air and Space Force

The Air Force and Air Force Space Command need an official implementation plan to integrate space into air operations or it might founder in this third attempt to transition to an air and space force. The historical precedent established during the integration of aviation into the U.S. Navy from 1921 to 1941 suggests five policy areas essential to successful integration. The Air Force has initiated several excellent programs to increase the knowledge and understanding of space operations in the flying community by incorporating space capabilities and products into air operations, Professional Military Education, and field exercises. Including space power in war games is also promoting understanding and creating an environment for innovation. The Air Force is on the verge of a bitter debate over the funding priorities between combat aircraft; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft; unmanned aerial vehicles; and space systems. From this debate, the Air Force must establish priorities. While space operations officers have earned the highest ranks in the Air Force, but they are under-represented in command positions. Providing opportunities for space operators to experience air operations will cultivate air and space officers to employ the air and space force. The Air Force can benefit from this historical analogy by recognizing integration is more than the acquisition of weapons and combat capabilities. Integration relies on a powerful human component which will ultimately determine the success or failure of the endeavor.