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We Cannot Afford To Be Surprised In Space
Peterson AFB CO (SPX) Jun 28, 2007 "Today, we're at the high water mark when it comes to integrating space capabilities and combat effects for the warfighter," the commander of Air Force Space Command said. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton delivered these words during a dinner speech at the Space Warfare Symposium sponsored by the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association in Keystone, Colo., June 19. The general shared some upcoming changes for the command. "We have integrated our fighter weapons school graduates across the (air operations centers), across major commands, and across combatant commands, and they have made a positive impact on ... bringing a clearer understanding of the power of air and space integration," he said. He said the command is going to shift to follow the fighter squadron model, integrating weapons school graduates into the space squadron, where they become advisors and role models within the squadron. "You're going to need people in the (space operations squadrons) who think about fighting their weapons system, because they're going to come under attack," he said. "They need to be out in front of the vulnerabilities. They need to be out in front of the threat. They need to be thinking about what they can do ... and developing tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure they can fight and continue to deliver the capability that is needed downrange." The general added that while winning a future war without space is not inconceivable, one of the great advantages of having space integrated into the fight is that we can win wars without expending as much American blood as we would without space. Therefore, AFSPC needs to take steps to preserve its space capabilities and improve its space situational awareness. "We cannot afford to be surprised," he said, pointing out that the American weakness when Pearl Harbor was bombed during World War II was not a lack of technology or defenses on the American ships, but a lack of adequate integrated surveillance and understanding of the air and sea domain. He added that AFSPC is looking at partnering with other nations to improve space situational awareness. The general also highlighted the command's programs and capabilities that are having an impact on current military operations. He focused on the Space Innovation and Development Center at Schriever AFB, Colo. Through the "Talon Namath" program, SIDC space professionals figured out how to give the new small diameter bomb the best Global Positioning System signal possible, making this precision weapon truly effective. "We're talking about people who spend their time ... trying to think of new and inventive ways to take the capabilities we bring to the fight and make them more relevant or more capable," he said. The general said AFSPC is looking beyond its current space capabilities and constantly trying to improve the capabilities the command brings to meet warfighter needs on the battlefield. "But, it's not just our systems that are important," he said. "The bedrock of our organization is our people." General Chilton said he has great confidence in the men and women of Air Force Space Command accomplishing the mission. "They know their job, they're exceptionally well trained, and they have this warfighter mentality of knowing and understanding how they're connected to the front lines in everything they do," the general said. "We have a lot to be proud of in Air Force Space Command," he said. "A great heritage, a great history, and as we look back and reflect on our last 25 years and beyond ... we can be proud of the work we've done in the strategic arena." The theme for the Space Warfare Symposium was "Space Situation Awareness and Command and Control: Keys to Future Global Security in Space." Sessions focused on what's ahead for military space and how the military will look at space in a rapidly changing global environment, according to the AFA's Web site. Symposium events included workshops on space situational awareness and command and control, industry and warfighter panels, question-and-answer sessions, and enlisted professional development seminars. Email This Article
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Canada Needs A New Space Policy Says Canadian Defence And Foreign Affairs Institute
Calgary, Canada (SPX) Jun 26, 2007In order to meet Canada's national security challenges in the 21st century, the government must develop and implement a truly independent national space policy and strategy and devote much greater attention and resources to space, says a new study released by the Canadian Defence And Foreign Affairs Institute (CDFAI). The study was prepared by James Fergusson, CDFAI Fellow and Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies-University of Manitoba and Stephen James, Research Fellow also with the Centre at the University. |
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