The chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force displays the service’s uniform nametapes in the Pentagon Jan. 17 in Arlington, Virginia. The Space Force is the sixth branch of service that was established during the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 20, 2019. Image: Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett
By: FEDweek StaffAir Force reservists who serve in space-related fields can now volunteer for full-time service in the Space Force. The application window, which opened June 1, will continue through Nov. 30.
Service officials see the change as part of the continuing process of integrating active-duty guardians and Air Force reservists.
“This is an important first step toward fully integrating critical space expertise from the reserve into our force,” Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said. “We’ve been serving side-by-side together, supporting the same mission, for longer than the Space Force has existed. I’m excited to officially call the teammates who decide to transfer guardians.”
Eligibility for the transfer applies to reserve officers in the cyberspace operations, intelligence, developmental engineer, acquisition management, and scientist career fields.
Enlisteds in the space systems operations, intelligence, imagery analysis, crypotologic language analyst, network intelligence analysis, targeting analysis, cyber defense operations, spectrum operations technician, and cable and antennae defense operations fields would qualify.
Ultimately, the Air Force will do away with all space operations career fields. At that point, the service’s reservists in these jobs would have to transfer to the Space Force or retrain in different specialties if they want to remain in the Air Force.
For now, the new policy does not include members of the Air National Guard. This could change in time, the service said in an announcement.
Pentagon Orders New Task Force, Disbands Counter‑Drone Office
Trump to move Space Command headquarters out of Colorado
Civilian FERS Now? How to Buy Back Your Military Time if You Stand to Gain
Audit: Rise in ‘Severe Staffing Shortages’ at VA Medical Facilities
Can My Military Discharge be Upgraded? Yes
The Rules for Getting Both Military Retired Pay and a Federal Annuity
Credit for Military Service for Federal Retirement Annuities
