Air Force integrates space operations into A-staff

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Air Force officials here completed the final phase in integrating space functions into key Air Staff processes for operations, plans and requirements, or A3/5.

As of Aug. 1, space functions previously found within the Directorate of Strategic Security, or A3S, have been reorganized to better integrate the space domain throughout the A-staff.

"Air Force missions have evolved to encompass air, space and cyberspace," said Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, the director of strategic security at the Pentagon. "We are witnessing an evolution in what it means to be an Airman, and this evolution should result in an 'Airman's Culture' that embraces the core domains of air, space and cyberspace equally."

Under the previous organization, A3S served as a stovepipe for Air Force space issues and questions, General Burg said. With the reorganization, space issues will be handled by the appropriate A-staff, in the same manner as other Air Force issues.

"When organizations have space issues, they'll have to consider what those issues relate to," he said. "For example, if the issue relates to operations, they'll call A3O (operations), if it relates to requirements, they'll call A5R (operational capability requirements); or, if it relates to plans, they will contact A5X (operational planning policy and strategy). 

"Leadership on the A-staff, and appropriate joint and Secretary of Defense staffs are aware that although the (A3S) entity is no longer there, the capability remains. They just have to connect to it in a different way," General Burg said.

The restructuring will also enhance Air Force leadership's knowledge of space, because they are required to be qualified and credible representatives of the Air Force on space-related issues, General Burg said.

"(Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley) wants to see air, space and cyber capabilities represented through the Air Force to the joint warfighting community as a fully-integrated set of Air Force capabilities," the general said. "And, he expects senior leadership to be able to groom that integration based on their knowledge and expertise."

The Air Force will incorporate classes and training for Air Staff officers assuming new responsibilities to ensure they have a better understanding of the space domain, General Burg said. 

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