The Space Force became the newest branch of the US military in December 2019 when it was split off from the United States Air Force . The service branch focuses on space-related operations (including missile warning systems, satellite communications, and more). But what are the requirements to become a Space Force officer? The requirements vary by what type of Space Force officer one is applying to become. Like the Air Force, the requirements for women are much the same as those for men .
1 Meet age restrictions
New officers need to be aged 17-42
Established: December 2023 Annual budget: Approx. 30 billion Part of: Department of the Air Force
As with all US military branches, age restrictions exist for those applying to join the Space Force as an officer. The Space Force sets the age range from 17 to 42, similar to other service branches. Enlistment age ranges for US service branches are 17-42 for the Air Force, 17-41 for the Coast Guard, 17-41 for the Navy, 17-35 for the Army, and 17-28 for the Marine Corps (age limits are different for those joining as an officer or joining the Guard or Reserve).
Photo: US Space Force
It should be noted that some officer training programs have different age restrictions. To attend the Air Force Academy, one must be between 17 and 23, and to attend the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, one must be between 17 and 31. Some requirements have been relaxed in the Air Force/Space Force over the years (e.g. the Air Force just removed height requirements to become a fighter jet pilot ).
Related US Space Force: How Are Satellites Used In Defense? Satellites are becoming an ever-critical part of the way the United States fights and dominates its opponents.
2 Have a degree
Space Force officers must have a bachelor’s degree
Preferred degrees: Science, mathematics, engineering, computer science related USSF’s University Partnership Program: 14 universities in 2022 Four years: Typical bachelor degree duration
Applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Any bachelor’s or master’s of science degree is good for the position of Space Operations Officer. Space Force requirements for an Intelligence Officer require a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: science, humanities, social sciences, structured analysis, engineering, or mathematics.
Photo: Space Force
For Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer, the degree needs a focus in computer and information sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, management information systems, or other related disciplines.
Related Japan & Poland Gain Access To US Space Force Defense Satellite Network The United States is working to increase the number of allies participating in its Wideband Global SATCOM system.
3 Completion of training courses
Pre-requisite training courses take 8 weeks to 4 years
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps duration: 4 years US Air Force Academy duration: 4 years Officer Training School duration: Approx. 8 weeks
To become officers, recruits need to complete training courses. These include the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy is a four-year college in Colorado Springs and one of the most selective colleges. The ROTC program is offered at many colleges and universities across the US. The truncated Air Force Officer Training School is sometimes another option (the Officer Training School is used to supply the Air Force and Space Force with an increased number of officers in times of need ).
Photo: Officer Training School, US Air Force
Additionally, after completing these courses, there are often other training requirements. For example, to be an Intelligence officer, a person must also complete
Top 5 Requirements For Officer Ranks In The US Space Force
