Space Force expansion prioritizes combat forces and space superiority

Senior leaders used a public forum at the AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference to call for the U.S. Space Force to double in size within five years, arguing that growth is essential to protect the Joint Force from space-enabled attack and to keep pace with adversaries. The bulk of that expansion would flow to the service’s Combat Forces Command as it scales crews, force elements and capabilities to sustain continuous operations.

At the “Growth of the Space Force” session at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, moderator Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.), framed the discussion around the realities of combat in orbit. “The establishment of the Space Force certainly recognized the reality that space is a war-fighting domain. As such, we can no longer solely focus on simply delivering supporting effects, but must be prepared to fight through attacks and deliver direct effects,” said Chilton in his introductory remarks to the panel.

Panelists tied the push for manpower and capability to a deteriorating threat environment and a proposed $71.1 billion FY27 budget they said is designed to build out operational squadrons, harden orbital architectures, and strengthen deterrence.

Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, commander of U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command, said the service’s five-year plan concentrates growth where operators are generated and employed. “In the five-year plan we have for the U.S. Space Force, two-thirds of the growth is into Combat Forces Command, so we can generate more combat crews and more force elements for the commanders of space forces, and that includes some of the capabilities that you’re all so very familiar with, but it also includes new capability,” said Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon.

Gagnon underscored the need to rapidly field and operationalize offensive and defensive space control capabilities, while expanding both uniformed and civilian specialist ranks to sustain round-the-clock readiness. “Space superiority is a joint priority, and you are being asked to lead and deliver it. That starts with space control, combat power, and the training and rehearsal needed to make it credible,” said Gagnon.

The panel also highlighted the infrastructure required to execute globally distributed operations. Kathryn Kolbe, Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Installations and Logistics, described efforts to shift toward dispersed, networked facilities designed to keep command nodes and operational elements viable under cyber or kinetic attack. “Installations, infrastructure, sustainment, and logistics are a key enabler for warfighting capability for the Space Force,” said Kolbe. “That is our focus, and we will continue to work to improve those resources to provide enhanced warfighting capability.”

Training and readiness featured prominently. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna said advanced physical and virtual test ranges are being expanded to enable high-fidelity mission rehearsal and validation for peer conflict. “Building a warfighting service starts with training Guardians from the very beginning to operate as crews, work as teams, understand the threat, and get the reps and sets needed to succeed in a high-end fight,” said Bentivegna. “As we grow in competency and capacity, we must create realistic training environments that sharpen our tactics, techniques and procedures while strengthening integration with the Joint Force, combatant commands, allies and partners.”

Panelists agreed the Space Force’s edge ultimately rests on its people and the systems that support them. Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, Commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, linked targeted recruiting, rigorous operational preparation, and comprehensive family support to frontline effectiveness. “We will absolutely succeed at meeting and executing the task we’ve been given to grow in size, thanks to the partnership across the Space Force and really the Joint Force that helped us make that happen,” said Smith “We all need to remember the goal isn’t to grow. The goal is to create a force that can deter and win. While we must succeed at doubling, ultimately, we must succeed in the greater mission, which is ensuring our nation and protecting our nation’s interests in, from and to space.”