Military & Defense
U.S. Space Force activates SPACEFOR-SOC, the first new U.S. Special Operations Command component since 2006
The U.S. Space Force has activated U.S. Space Forces Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, joining the four other service components of USSOCOM, the command says.
The U.S. Space Force has formally activated U.S. Space Forces Special Operations Command, known as SPACEFOR-SOC, as the newest service component of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The ceremony took place on 2 November at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, according to a USSOCOM release published by DVIDS.
The activation makes SPACEFOR-SOC the dedicated Space Force component to USSOCOM, alongside the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps special operations components. USSOCOM describes it as the first new service component since 2006. The command took administrative effect on 7 October and is led by U.S. Space Force Col. Peter “Charlie” Norsky.
What the new command does
SPACEFOR-SOC organises and presents specialised forces, called “SOF Guardians”, to theatre special operations commands and joint task forces worldwide. Through an operational capability known as Space Special Warfare, it deploys small, modular teams that combine space, cyber and intelligence specialists. USSOCOM says the teams are meant to deliver mobile, low-signature space capabilities in contested and communications-degraded environments.
What officials said
Gen. Douglas Schiess, the Chief of Space Operations, said the Guardians of the new command are “shaping how our special operations leaders see the world through the space domain lens”. U.S. Navy Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, the commander of USSOCOM, said the activation “provides an enduring and accountable way to integrate space power into special operations”. Norsky said the Guardians, assigned to Space Special Warfare Teams, will be able to integrate space power “at scale” across the special operations enterprise.
The step follows other recent moves by the service to build out its operational reach, covered in US Space Force awards six CASR agreements to build a commercial space-surveillance reserve.