The Army's Space Provider
Abstract
In this issue of the Army Space Journal, I will share a slightly edited version of my recent testimony to the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces in May. My purpose was to inform the Senate about the Army as a user of space capabilities; to summarize the Army s space strategy and policy; and to discuss the space capabilities provided by the Army. I think it s important for you to know what I testified to Congress on this important topic of Army Space. The Army as a User of Space Capabilities As America s principal land force, our Army must be organized, trained, and equipped to provide responsive and sustained combat operations in order to fight as a Joint team and to respond, as directed, to crises at home and abroad. Geopolitical uncertainties and nearly a decade of continuous combat have necessitated a high degree of operational adaptability. The Army s Operating Concept identifies six warfighting functional concepts that contribute to operational adaptability: mission command, movement and maneuver, intelligence, protection, fires, and sustainment. Space-based capabilities leveraged and employed across the Army Space enterprise enable each of these warfighting functions. Simply put, space-based capabilities are critical elements to the Army s ability to shoot, move, and communicate. The Army is reliant on space-based systems, such as global positioning satellites, communication satellites, weather satellites, and intelligence collection platforms. They are critical enablers to our ability to plan, communicate, navigate, and maintain battlefield situational awareness, engage the enemy, provide missile warning, and protect and sustain our forces. Most of these services are so well integrated into weapon systems and support processes that Soldiers are unaware of the space connection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA559435
Entities
People
- Richard P. Formica