Space Force sourcing conference helps drive capability development, readiness

Published Oct. 25, 2024
By Ashley D. George, Space Operations Command Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The first U.S. Space Force Global Force Management Sourcing Conference was held at Peterson Space Force Base, Oct. 22-24. It was hosted and led by U.S. Space Operations Command.

The conference brought together component field commands, Space Force leadership, field commands, mission area teams, and allies and partners to communicate requirements to influence USSF Force Generation, prioritization and sourcing activities.

“The conference is a critical event for the future of space operations and an opportunity for component commands, the joint force, and allies and partners to communicate GFM requirements,” said Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., SpOC commander. “This is essential as we work together to meet the challenges of today’s contested space domain and herald a plan to address the increasing demand for spacepower across the joint and combined force.”

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., commander of Space Operations Command, shares his intent with participants at the Space Force Sourcing Conference at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Oct. 22, 2024. — Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., commander of Space Operations Command, shares his intent with participants at the Space Force Sourcing Conference at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Oct. 22, 2024. The conference brought representation from Space Component Commands, SpOC mission areas, intelligence, allies and commercial partners to discuss and deliver existing and emerging requirements for space capabilities and determine partnered solutions where possible, and new technology or training where needed. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)

As the Service Force Provider, SpOC is synchronizing the demands with planned force modernization, sustainment and mission system transition schedules and activities to develop prioritized force generation, readiness and resourcing recommendations for the future.

“The component commanders are our first line of information in learning what warfighter needs are and how we can hone space capabilities to drive operational advantages over our adversaries,” Miller said.

SpOC focused on setting priorities under capability development and readiness, aligning with the increased demand for space capabilities from combatant commands, allies and partners. The field command will build and maintain a three-year strategy forecast that, in coordination with Space Force’s chief operations officer, will inform the chief of space operations’ and secretary of the Air Force’s inputs into Global Force Management processes. This three-year force modernization strategy will include not just advanced weapon systems but advanced training opportunities and tools for Guardians.

Additionally, joint and allied partners talked one-on-one with mission area leads to determine ways SpOC can leverage complimentary capabilities within the command and in the commercial realm to enhance combat operations.

“This is a monumental step in a fully integrated approach to meeting warfighter needs now and, in the future,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Rozneck, Force Generation senior enlisted leader.