Space Systems Operations
Operate space systems including satellites and missile warning radars.
Job Overview
1C6X1 Guardians fly satellites and detect missile launches.
Space Systems Operators command satellites, run missile warning and space domain awareness, and defend against orbital threats.
History & Deep Dive
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Daily Responsibilities
- Satellite command
- Missile warning ops
- Space domain awareness
- Anomaly response
- Crew certification
Training Pipeline
- 1BMT7.5 weeks
- 2Undergraduate Space TrainingVandenberg SFB, CA · ~4 months
Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
TOP SECRET
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Required. Spaceforce.com states enlisted Guardians "must be 17-42 years of age, a U.S. citizen" — no green card option is offered — and officers must be citizens under 10 U.S.C. 20202. Source: spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians. Verified August 2026.
Video Library
Career Progression
Crew commander, senior enlisted leader.
Assignments & Special Schools
- Vandenberg SFB, CA
- Buckley SFB, CO
- Schriever SFB, CO
- Cape Canaveral SFS, FL
Deployment: Almost entirely CONUS.
Advantages
- Cutting-edge domain
- Family-stable assignments
- Strong commercial pipeline
Disadvantages
- Shift work
- Compartmented tasks