The sixth and newest military service branch, the United States Space Force (USSF) was created in 2019 under the Department of the Air Force. It consists of about 4,200 enlisted service members and about 4,300 officers, all known as Guardians.
The Space Force is tasked with protecting U.S. and allied interests in space, most notably to protect and defend the massive U.S. satellite fleet. Its domains include the Global Positioning System (GPS), cyber operations, improving defense technology and more.
The Space Force evolved from the Air Force Space Command. Space Force officers, who plan and manage personnel, make up about half the service due to the fact that at its formation, the Space Force was primarily staffed with officers.
To join the Space Force as an officer, you must:
- Hold U.S. citizenship
- Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
- Have a clean background investigation
- Pass medical examinations
There are several routes to becoming an officer, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and Officer Training School (OTS).
Read More: Join the Space Force
US Air Force Academy
Located near Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the U.S. Air Force Academy admits about 1,100-1,200 cadets each year into its rigorous four-year program. Graduates earn a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in either the Space Force or Air Force, depending on their career track and selection.
Admission is highly competitive and generally requires a nomination from a U.S. senator or representative, although other nomination sources (e.g., presidential, vice presidential, ROTC, enlisted) are also available.
Cadets do not pay tuition; in exchange, they commit to a minimum of five years of active-duty service after graduation. Those selected for Space Force roles may serve in career fields such as cyber operations, orbital warfare, engineering or space acquisitions.
The curriculum includes courses in engineering, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The academy also offers specialized training and coursework in aerospace operations, including astrodynamics and space-related engineering, which help prepare cadets for careers in both air and space domains.
Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC)
Those interested in becoming a Space Force officer can apply through the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC), offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities.
While AFROTC primarily commissions officers into the Air Force, a select number of cadets are chosen each year for the Space Force, depending on qualifications and service needs.
Students can apply for the four-year AFROTC scholarship in high school or join later by contacting the aerospace studies department at their college. Contracted cadets receive a monthly stipend during the school year, plus a book allowance if on scholarship. Those aiming for the Space Force are encouraged to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors and express interest in the Space Force track early in the program.
Officer Training School (OTS)
Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama offers a path to commissioning for those with a bachelor's degree, including both civilians and enlisted airmen. The program serves future officers in both the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force.
Most candidates complete the nine-week Basic Officer Training (BOT) program, which includes leadership, communication and military studies as part of the modern "OTS-Victory" curriculum. Those entering specialized professions such as law, medicine or chaplaincy may qualify for a shorter five-week Commissioned Officer Training (COT) track. Multiple classes are held each year, and graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants.
Read More: Space Force Officer Ranks
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