Space Force to partner with Johns Hopkins University SAIS for service-specific IDE, SDE

Published Oct. 26, 2022
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Space Force will partner with the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies for service-specific, in-residence Intermediate and Senior Developmental Education programs in Washington D.C., scheduled to be implemented in 2023.

Implementing an independent Space Force IDE/SDE program fulfills the aspirational vision set by the Chief of Space Operations to align the USSF with a fresh approach on talent management, as set forth in the Guardian Ideal.

“Our service has been entrusted to protect and defend domains that underpin every other branch’s ability to execute their missions,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond. “We are capitalizing on a once-in-a-century opportunity to build and integrate structures, institutions, and processes that prepare our Guardians to take on the unique challenges and opportunities of space operations.”

Developing professional military education programs in collaboration with a civilian institution is an innovative approach to deliver the best of both worlds to the officer development experience.

“Our talent development processes must be uniquely designed to allow our Guardians to thrive and reach their full potential," said Katharine Kelley, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital. "To develop superior space capabilities and deliver warfighting solutions, we must deliberately grow our Guardians to think, act, and fight strategically with an understanding of how they fit into the larger ecosystem of the space community."

By partnering with Johns Hopkins SAIS on IDE/SDE, the service can tailor curriculum to meet the unique and evolving needs of space operations by capitalizing on the multidisciplinary, strategy-focused course offerings in international security, ethics and leadership, international public policy and more at the institution.

“We are very excited about this partnership with the Space Force,” said James B. Steinberg, dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS. “Our institution is deeply committed to preparing leaders to meet the complex challenges of the 21st century, and participants in this program will be fully involved in our SAIS community, working closely with our distinguished faculty and other students. It is also wonderful that the first Space Force cohort—together with other service members and civilians—will join the SAIS community next fall in our state-of-the-art new building here in Washington DC, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. We look forward to welcoming the Guardians and their fellow program participants.”

Independent PME also contributes to a unique Space Force culture while preparing Guardians to undertake the specific challenges inherent to the space domain.

“Developing Guardians to compete and prevail in space and cyberspace requires a Guardian-focused professional military education experience,” said Maj Gen Shawn Bratton, Space Training and Readiness Command commander. “The space domain requires a unique education for space-minded professionals; partnering with Johns Hopkins SAIS enables Guardians greater access to cutting-edge STEM electives, laboratory research opportunities, and a wider range of commercial space sector program opportunities in the Washington, D.C.-area.”

Partnering with Johns Hopkins SAIS has the added benefit of being located in the heart of Washington D.C., allowing for enhanced working relationships, networking opportunities that will allow IDE/SDE students to continue building school projects after graduation, and the ability to more easily transition to and from assignments within the NCR.

Locating the program in the National Capital Region allows students and their families fewer PCS moves, adding family stability, increasing quality of life, and providing a seamless transition to their follow-on assignment.

The USSF will determine the approach and timing for transitioning select faculty from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base to Johns Hopkins SAIS by 2023. Like other sister service Professional Military Education programs, this institution will have joint PME accreditation and be open to select civilians.

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