The U.S. Army recently reclassified over 600 Soldiers to the new 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist role, forming a crucial part of the newly established Army Space Operations branch. This initiative aims to enhance the Army’s capabilities in the space domain, drawing talent from various military branches such as Military Intelligence, Air Defense Artillery, and the Signal Corps.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Jackson emphasized the importance of selecting highly capable Soldiers, stating that the 40D MOS is open to all applicants who excel in their current roles. While the 40D enlisted and 40A officer designations are new, the Army’s involvement in space operations dates back to 1984, evolving from technology development to operational execution.
Previously, Soldiers were temporarily assigned to space operations but often lost valuable expertise upon returning to their original roles. The new 40D MOS aims to create a permanent pool of trained Soldiers who can support critical space operations.
Lt. Gen. John Rafferty highlighted the Army’s significant reliance on space capabilities for multidomain operations, recognizing the establishment of the Space Operations Branch as pivotal in transforming the Army to better integrate these capabilities. Soldiers in this role will undergo rigorous training at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, preparing them for unique missions related to space integration and warfare.
The 1st Space Brigade is the Army’s only unit dedicated to space operations at the brigade level, focusing on providing vital space-based capabilities in contested environments. Col. Michael Dyer noted the increasing value of space operations as adversaries enhance their own space capabilities.
