LAWMAKERS FILE BILL TO OFFICIALLY CREATE THE SPACE NATIONAL GUARD
President Donald Trump’s election win has revived the push for a Space National Guard, and various lawmakers are backing this initiative with a new bill. While the Biden administration opposed the idea, bipartisan lawmakers and advocates of the National Guard support it. So, while previous efforts failed in Congress, with many now advocating for its creation and a game plan to make it happen, it's likely the bureaucracy once standing in the way will fall by the wayside.
Congress Wants Space National Guard to Become a Reality
Momentum is building in Congress for the creation of a Space National Guard, with bipartisan lawmakers pushing new bills to make it happen.
Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced legislation known as the Space National Guard Establishment Act to establish the new Reserve component, a move also backed by President Donald Trump.
Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) filed a companion bill in the House, solidifying a push for a more modern structure to help meet statewide and national defense needs.
"Establishing a Space National Guard will better prepare and streamline the work of our existing space personnel to maintain readiness to respond to and thwart attacks from our adversaries," said Sen. Crapo.
Despite issues making these efforts a reality in the past, in what is somewhat of a rare feat these days, both sides of the aisle appear to support this idea, providing the framework to make it happen.
Replacing Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480)
The idea behind LP 480, which would skip the need for governor approval by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in order to transfer Guardsmen into the U.S. Air Force, was arguably well intentioned.
However, several military leaders, experts, and advocates believe it wouldn’t work in the best interest of our nation, which is why there’s now legislation to change it altogether.
This isn’t exactly new, as seen in a letter sent in May 2024 standing against LP 480.
Fast forward to a campaigning Trump in August of that same year, who declared that "as President, I will sign historic legislation creating a Space National Guard,” and it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a major push to do things differently.
"For many years, (the National Guard Association of the United States) has advocated the best way to keep them in the fight is to create a Space National Guard as the primary combat reserve of the U.S. Space Force, similar to how the Army and Air National Guard currently operate with their parent services. The Space National Guard Establishment Act is a common-sense solution that ensures the Space Force won't have to take a knee on readiness," said retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, president of NGAUS.
Organizing Units
The Space National Guard would utilize existing facilities and infrastructure, minimizing the costs of name changes and signage while continuing current missions.
Advocates argue that a dedicated Reserve component ensuring National Guard space experts have a clear path to serve both their communities and the country.
It seems that more leaders are on the same page this time around, and our nation can forge a stronger defense in the future while maintaining its current operations, readiness, and procedures.
Who Would Make Up the Space National Guard?
There are still details to iron out, yet initially, the Space National Guard looks to be created using units from Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Ohio.
Furthermore, a One-Star General will serve as the Reserve’s Director, reporting to the Director of the Air National Guard.
"A dedicated reserve component will make sure our National Guard space experts have a clear path to continue their service to community and country," said Sen. Hickenlooper.
Suggested reads:
SHARE:
TAGS:
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Get the latest news and military discounts
