Space Force Faces Pressure Over Acquisition Capabilities Amid NDAA Passage

The recently passed fiscal 2026 defense policy bill includes language directing the Secretary of the Air Force to bolster the acquisition workforce. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) instructs Troy Meink to ensure a comparable level of trained Guardians in acquisition billets, following pressure from lawmakers about the need for a stronger acquisition corps led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith. The congressional move follows a year of pressure on the service about the need for a more robust acquisition workforce, with similar reports due ’not later than’ Oct. 31 through 2030.