STRATCOM Mulling a New Four-Star Joint Command for Space

Upcoming changes in the organizational structure of US Strategic Command could result in the creation of a new four-star joint command for space. Air Force Space Command chief Gen. Jay Raymond said Wednesday he is “fully supportive” of a move that would, in the words of Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), make Air Force Space Command “a functional component of US Strategic Command.” Raymond went on to explain that the change is being considered as “part of a larger command and control restructure at STRATCOM.” The proposed shift would “elevate the operational commander for space from a three-star to a four-star,” Raymond said, a move that “strengthens my voice in joint requirements.” A three-star general, currently Lt. Gen. David Buck, commands the Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC) under STRATCOM, as well as AFSPC’s 14th Air Force. STRATCOM spokesman Army Lt. Col. Martin O’Donnell confirmed by email that the STRATCOM plan “includes exploration of a four-star joint force space component command” that would be separate from JFCC. O’Donnell said the plan is “in nascent stages” and “it would be premature to discuss specifics,” but the move to reorganize STRATCOM is “intended to build a more streamlined organizational structure, enabling cleaner command and control of forces and lines of authority.”