STARCOM launches Captain's Leadership Course in partnership with Texas A&M

Published Jan. 20, 2026
By 1st Lt. Margaret Blice
Space Training and Readiness Command Public Affairs

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AFNS) -- Space Training and Readiness Command held an assumption of command ceremony for Space Delta 13 Detachment 2 and officially launched its Captain’s Leadership Course at Texas A&M University, Jan. 20.

Managed by STARCOM’s Delta 13 Detachment 2, CLC is a four-week resident course held in partnership with Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. The course will provide captain-level Professional Military Education independent from the Air Force and unique to the space domain.

During the assumption of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, STARCOM commander, addressed the first cohort of students and spoke on the importance of furthering space-minded education and leadership skills.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, speaks during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony held in partnership with Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026. Smith addressed the inaugural cohort on the importance of leadership development as the Space Force begins the four-week professional military education course for captains. — Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, speaks during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony held in partnership with Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026. Smith addressed the inaugural cohort on the importance of leadership development as the Space Force begins the four-week professional military education course for captains. (U.S. Space Force photo by Brandon Kalloo Sanes)

“You’re among the first cohorts of our officers being deliberately developed to lead a service that is still defining itself in real time,” Smith said. “Success in the strategic environment hinges first and foremost on leadership. That is why this course exists.”

The partnership combines military expertise with academic rigor to further develop captains into confident leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively and integrate Space Force expertise into joint operations. The curriculum consists of Master’s-level concepts supported by practical military examples, classwork, group discussions and activities.

During the ceremony, Col. Alison Gonzalez, Space Delta 13 commander, discussed how vital the partnership between the Space Force and Texas A&M was to the development of Guardians.

“This is not just a partnership, this is a declaration that military education is born from space intellect, that space is indistinguishably linked to human connection and human education,” Gonzalez said.

An instructor cadre of approximately 20 Guardians will teach space and joint military education lessons, while university faculty will provide specialized instruction on leadership and communication. This integrated approach provides a holistic education experience tailored to Guardian needs.

Glenn Hegar, chancellor of Texas A&M University Systems, addresses attendees during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026. University leaders emphasized Texas A&M’s role in supporting Space Training and Readiness Command’s development mission. — Glenn Hegar, The Texas A&M University Systems chancellor, addresses attendees during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026. University leaders emphasized Texas A&M’s role in supporting Space Training and Readiness Command’s development mission. (U.S. Space Force photo by Brandon Kalloo Sanes)

“Leadership is strongest when you have education operations and missions that partner together,” said Glenn Hegar, The Texas A&M University System chancellor. “Our expectation is this [course] becomes durable, scalable, and most importantly, impactful.”

The service’s one-year, $1.8 million prototype contract with Texas A&M provides for the initial build-out and execution of the curriculum, with six classes planned through the end of the year. STARCOM will reassess the program after one year to determine the best path forward for long-term execution.

The first cohort includes 24 students, with follow-on cohorts growing up to 60 students at the end of the summer. Initial classes will prioritize captains nearing promotion eligibility, with leadership hoping to eventually include seats for civilian Guardians as well as joint and international partners, to strengthen interoperability as the course develops.

Lt. Col. Johann Pambianchi, CLC commandant, shared a message with the first cohort of students before they left to attend their first class.

“The unit stands ready, not just as a new organization on a beautiful campus, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Texas A&M partners as a testament to what professionals can accomplish when the mission matters, and great Americans roll up their sleeves,” Pambianchi said. “Together we will showcase of one-of-a-kind program ripe for connection, growth, gratitude and Texas grit.”