The Space Force is considering asking prospective guardians to enlist for an initial eight-year term as a way to create a stable workforce, Military Times reported. That’s twice as long as the typical-first term enlistment.
“I know eight years is a big commitment to make if you’re 20 years old, 21 years old,” Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna said. “But… the training you’ll get, the opportunities you’re going to get, the experience you’ll have — it takes time.”
Enlisted troops in all branches are required to agree to at least eight years in uniform, but many serve a portion of that time in the reserves or the National Guard.
“A guardian’s journey doesn’t end at the traditional four- or six-year mark, which enables the service to build the technical depth and expertise we need for great power competition,” Bentivegna told Military Times.
Lawmakers Make Another Push for Space National Guard
More than a dozen Senators are behind a renewed bipartisan push to create a Space National Guard, Stars and Stripes reported.
“The U.S. needs to innovate in order to combat the New Axis of Evil’s increasing aggression,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “By establishing a Space National Guard, we will be better prepared to take on the challenges from Communist China, Iran, Russia and North Korea.”
DOD, the Space Force and the White House have consistently said a Space National Guard would be a costly, bureaucratic structure that would stifle a more dynamic plan allowing for part-time guardians.
Space Force photo by Tiana Williams
