Advancing Space Force Acquisition Strategies: Insights from Hawaii Conference

Overview of Current Initiatives

While anticipation builds around forthcoming acquisition reform legislation, Space Force leadership asserts that they are already operationally advanced.

Positioning Ahead of Reform Legislation

Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, emphasized the Space Force’s proactive stance during the AMOS conference in Wailea, Hawaii. He noted:

• Existing frameworks, concepts, and processes have placed the Space Force at a strategic advantage.
• The service is poised to leverage these developments to expedite its mission execution.

Organizational Transformation and Mission Alignment

The Space Force is undergoing a reorganization aimed at aligning acquisition programs with distinct mission areas, referred to as systems deltas. Garrant highlighted the significance of this restructuring:

• It empowers program executives and directors to enhance their interactions with commercial partners.
• The incorporation of a 2024 commercial strategy has fundamentally altered perspectives within the Space Force regarding procurement and innovation.

Empowering Smaller Teams for Greater Flexibility

Garrant articulated the Space Force’s unique position as a smaller service, which offers inherent advantages in terms of adaptability and budget flexibility. He described:

• The organization’s innovative approach to methods and structural dynamics encourages strategic thinking among program executives.
• This agility enables rapid adjustments that traditional larger organizations may struggle to achieve.

Integrated Operations and Research Collaboration

The 15th Space Surveillance Squadron, part of Mission Delta 2 in Maui, exemplifies the effectiveness of integrated operations. The unit’s collaboration with personnel from the Air Force Research Laboratory provides both operational capabilities and developmental resources.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman remarked:

• This organizational model allows for immediate problem-solving, as operators engage directly in addressing challenges.
• Typically, military structures separate operational roles from problem-solving responsibilities, but this unit allows for a more cohesive approach.

Innovative Procurement Practices

Innovation within the Space Force extends to procurement methodologies. Lt. Col. Douglas Thornton, the squadron’s commander, reported that:

• By focusing on certifying data rather than entire systems, the unit has accelerated the acquisition of new capabilities.
• The ability to procure equipment, like the commercially available “Raven-class” telescopes, on platforms such as Amazon enhances operational readiness.

Strategic Organizational Changes and Future Directions

The establishment of five systems deltas, with an additional three to be launched shortly, marks a significant shift in the Space Force’s operational paradigm. Col. Jason West, commander of Systems Delta 85, outlined:

• The consolidation of prior acquisition efforts under a new framework has facilitated operational efficiencies.
• Recent activations have dismantled previous institutional barriers, demonstrating the positive impact of the new design.

Ongoing Evaluation and Adaptation

Shannon Pallone, the program executive officer for battle management command, control, and communications, acknowledged that:

• Early indicators suggest improvement right from Day One of the new structure.
• Continuous refinement in practices is essential, yet initial feedback indicates a productive trajectory.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

During the AMOS conference, Pallone and West visited the space domain awareness TAP lab, which serves as a collaborative space for industry partners. Their discussions focused on:

• Developing pipelines for innovative solutions that integrate existing commercial technologies.
• Striving towards improved practices, even if the goal of optimal efficiency has yet to be fully realized.

Conclusion

The Space Force’s strategic advancements reflect a commitment to reshaping operational methodologies and procurement processes. As the organization embraces change and innovation, the potential for improved effectiveness in space operations becomes increasingly apparent. This ongoing transformation positions the Space Force as a leader in contemporary military operations, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and responsiveness in an evolving landscape.