National Security Space

Space is important to the national security of the United States. Space allows our warfighters to project power across the globe and to keep our homeland safe. Unfortunately, potential adversaries have recognized this, and they are developing weapons to take away the advantages that we have built into space. Is the Department of Defense strategically postured to effectively respond to these threats and to prioritize the changed space domain over the long term? It is all too clear that we are not. There is no clear leadership of the military space domain below the Secretary of Defense. There is an adviser, councils, chiefs, directors, and even commanders. As the Government Accountability Office states, "DOD space leadership responsibilities are fragmented." While there are great leaders within the space enterprise, the structure is set up such that far too many people are able to say no without the consequence for the delay and the costs they create. Those responsible for the organizing, training, equipping, and operational missions in the national security space are not actually in charge. As General Hyten told the Senate Armed Services Committee, "We are moving much slower in certain areas than our adversaries. We need our industry and our acquisition process to move faster." The U. S. has the best military and civilian space professionals, alongside the most talented industry in the world. The question is not of their ability, but rather what tools, structures, incentives, and responsibilities and authority we need to give them to succeed.