New training for Space Force officers starting at Peterson
New Space Force officers will start their careers in Colorado Springs as part of a new training model starting this year.
The Officer Training Course that launched this fall at Peterson Space Force Base will replace specialized technical schools specific to an officer’s career field. The new year-long program will feature six courses that provide baseline knowledge across satellite, intelligence and cyber operations disciplines, said Ethan Johnson, a spokesman for Space Training and Readiness Command in a written statement.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman promoted the new training regiment in a speech during the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Maryland this fall saying it will help broaden officers’ knowledge and prepare them for conflict in space.
The “(Officer Training Course) is just one small piece of the process, but it’s a critical step towards developing the multidisciplinary officer corps that we need,” he said.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said in a news release he hoped the new course would ensure guardians are ready for a potential conflict with Russia or China, countries investing heavily in space. For example, China has launched a satellite with a robotic arm that can pull other satellites out of orbit.
The first class of 80 new officers started in early September and a new batch of students will start every other month, Johnson said. The average daily student load will be 480 guardians.
Most of the officers are recent graduates from the Air Force Academy, an ROTC program or Officer Training School, Johnson said. But those officers transferring into the Space Force from other branches are also required to take the training course.
Peterson offered a good home for the training because about 60% of guardians will go on to serve at a base in the Colorado Springs area, Johnson said.
Saltzman said the Space Force is also working on training updates for enlisted guardians and civilians who work for the service.
Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazettedev.gazette.com or (719) 429-9264.