WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force Materiel Command is adding on a new role as the designated Servicing Major Command for the U.S. Space Force.
Recently the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force took steps to define AFMC’s role as the designated Servicing MAJCOM for the U.S. Space Force. These actions included a memorandum of understanding providing a strategic overview of support provided to the USSF by the USAF. And a programming plan outlining the functional support AFMC will provide to Airmen assigned to USSF who are supporting USSF installations and missions.
This unique and first-time Servicing MAJCOM structure was created to ensure Airmen assigned to the USSF receive the same force development opportunities, functional and administrative support as those at USAF Installations.
The USSF derives almost all its support from the USAF and its Airmen, including infrastructure, logistics, security, medical services, and a host of other common capabilities to support the mission.
AFMC, as the Servicing MAJCOM, will accomplish the roles and responsibilities traditionally performed by a MAJCOM for the Airmen providing base operating support for USSF installations. These MAJCOM functions typically include, but are not limited to, providing policy guidance, interpretation and, where applicable, waiver authority; professional development opportunities and guidance; developmental team representation; and functional-specific roles. Approximately 8,000 USAF Airmen assigned to USSF installations and units will be serviced by AFMC.
Airmen at USSF installations will continue to be serviced by their local Military Personnel Flight and Civilian Personnel Office; and the Air Force Personnel Center will continue to provide service to all Airmen at USSF installations. The primary difference will be when most Airmen at USSF installations need MAJCOM interaction, Headquarters AFMC 2-letter staff will assist them. Their MAJCOM Functional Manager will be at HQ AFMC.
USSF Guardians are not affected. Professional development and functional-specific support for USSF Guardians will be provided through the USSF Field Commands.
The Department of the Air Force is working toward a criteria-based initial operational capability in Fall 2021, working toward full operational capability in Fall 2022.
“We’re honored to be able to provide support to the outstanding Airmen who are helping advance the U.S. Space Force mission,” said AFMC Commander Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr. “We’re all in to ensure the success of the space mission and the Airmen assigned to the U.S. Space Force.”
The USSF mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to U.S. Combatant Commands.
This action aligns with the USSF organizational structure for echelons below the service headquarters and is designed to support a mission-focused force.