Space Force

To secure the Nation's interests in, from, and to space.

Headquarters

The Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Founded

2019

Active duty

8,600

Reserve

—

The United States Space Force was established 20 December 2019 as the sixth independent branch of the U.S. Armed Forces — the first new military service since 1947. Its lineage traces to Air Force Space Command, and its mission has grown as space became a contested warfighting domain.

Guardians are building a culture from scratch: lean, technical, and highly selective. The service prizes technical mastery, mission focus, and a small-team ethos. Because the branch is so small, individual Guardians have unusual visibility and influence early in their careers.

Most Guardians serve at fixed installations and work in shift-based operations rooms — orbital warfare, missile warning, satellite communications, cyber, and intelligence. Life is more like a technical civilian job than a traditional combat-arms unit: predictable schedules, technical training pipelines, and strong emphasis on continuing education.

Guardians typically report for a shift on the operations floor, hand over from the previous crew, and conduct real-time monitoring, threat assessment, or satellite command. Between shifts: training, briefings, physical fitness, and continuing education. Field exercises exist but are less physically punishing than in ground services.

DoD pay chart applies. Guardians receive the same pay as other services at equivalent rank/TIS.

Common allowances & special pays

All U.S. military branches share the same DoD basic-pay chart. Bonuses, sea/flight pay, and BAH depend on your rank, MOS/AFSC/rating, and duty station. Refer to DFAS for current amounts.

Space Force personnel primarily operate from fixed installations; deployments exist but are limited compared to other services

Common regions

Most Guardians serve at home stations conducting 24/7 space operations.