What Happened
New Chief Must Address Rapid Growth Challenges
As Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess prepares to become the third Chief of Space Operations, the Space Force faces significant challenges in doubling its size to 20,000 members by 2030. The service must ensure it has the right people, with the right ranks, doing the right functions, and in the right locations, all while preserving high standards of qualification. To achieve this, the Space Force may consider options such as restoring service of separated members, interservice transfers, integration of Guard and Reserve forces, and direct appointments of experts from industry. The Space Force’s growth plans were first reported by Breaking Defense.