Hundreds of Air Force reservists focused on space missions are applying for active-duty service, as the Space Force launches a first-of-its kind model to employ both full-time and part-time guardians.
The current reservists can retire, put in for retraining with the Reserve, or apply for the Space Force, but they can’t stay in their current positions under a law that phases out the space-focused portion of the Air Force Reserve.
It’s a model that Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations in the Space Force, has promoted saying it would allow active-duty guardians to transfer between full-time and part-time work and bring commercial experience to the Space Force.
“Such opportunities will help us attract highly skilled, technologically inclined people in an increasingly competitive space enterprise talent market,” he said in congressional testimony.
Across the country, most of the Air Force reservists eligible to transfer into the Space Force work for the 310th Space Wing headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base. The reservists with the wing who are eligible to transfer work in specialty areas such as space systems operations, cyberspace operations and intelligence.
Current reservists with the wing work side by side with active-duty guardians in various missions such as missile warning at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, space domain awareness at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and GPS at Schriever, said Col. Adam Fisher, wing commander.
In some cases, reservists are needed to fill a certain percentage of seats during missions for several months as part of schedules forecast years in advance, Fisher and Chief Master Sgt. Josh Francois said.
The transfer of Air Force reservists into the Space Force is separate from the debate over the future of National Guard units with space-focused missions. Colorado is home to seven space-focused National Guard units in Colorado Springs, Denver and Greeley.
Earlier this year, governors from across the nation got involved to oppose the Defense Department’s proposal to unilaterally move guard units into the Space Force.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, among many others, have argued the the proposal undercuts governors’ authority and disregards federal law.
While the proposal was removed from the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act, it is still in the Senate version of the large must-pass annual bill. Congress has yet to compromise on the final version of the bill.
Colorado lawmakers have pushed for a dedicated Space National Guard that would allow existing units to remain in place, an option they argue would preserve the expertise of experienced guardsmen who may choose to leave instead of transferring into the active duty.
Conversely, Fisher said a large percentage of his full-time force is interested in transferring into the active duty and a somewhat surprising number of part-time forces who have already applied for full-time work.
Since applications opened up June 1, about 200 people from the wing have applied to transfer into the Space Force of about 900 airmen eligible to transfer. Those applying now must be willing to work two years full-time in active duty. Fisher said he expects part-time positions will open in a few years.
Fisher expects to be the last wing commander as hundreds of people transfer into the Space Force and he leads the 310th Space Wing through inactivation. The transition could last through 2028 because of its complex nature, he said.
It’s important the knowledge and experience in the reserve is preserved, Fisher said. So an assignment process will help match applicants to their preferred positions while balancing the needs of Space Force, he said.
In some cases, reservists could remain working on the same mission, such as missile warning, when they transfer into the active duty.
“The talent in the reserve component and in the citizen airmen is exquisite,” he said. He expects leaders in industry will be transitioning into the Space Force through this process.
About 400 people are support personnel for the wing who are not eligible to transfer, Fisher said. Those reservists could be eligible to work for the 302nd Air Lift Wing at Peterson Space Force Base. Overall, even though the 310th is going away, the region should not gain or lose jobs.
“We’re working hand in hand with with the members and Air Force Reserve Command to ensure that they’re taken care of,” he said, of support personnel.
In one unique case, the 6th Space Operations Squadron, charged with helping to run a key satellite constellation for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will transfer into Space Operations Command. The transfer is expected in the near future, Fisher said.
In the coming years, one of Fisher’s challenges will be managing a shrinking force within the 310th Space Wing, as the full-time space professionals transfer first, leaving behind more part-time reservists.
“We have contingencies upon contingencies right now, based upon how many people do end up transferring,” he said.
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