Pacific Perspective:Space Force Focuses on the Indo-Pacific Region - plus an excerpt from the USAF Academy Class of 2023 Fact Sheet

U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific has been established as a service component command of the unified combatant command U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).Its first commander is Brigadier General Anthony J. Mustalir,U.S. Space Force.BGEN Mustalir said they will double down on incorporating space across all components and domains.The component's Guardians,as Space Force personnel are now designated,number 21 at present,including enlisted,officers and civilians.BGEN Mustalir said they are really focused on: integrating space into the operations plans,contingency plans-ensuring that other component commands absolutely,wihout a doubt,maximize the combat effects available from the space capabilities the nation has.* Guardians will advise on satellite communications across the Pacific tyranny of distance,while fighting through intentional interference with communications and GPS.In light of North Korea's launching of missiles,Guardians will understand what the profiles look like;projected impact points;making sure that US service members are safe,which is something Guardians can bring a lot of expertise to.In light of Chinese threats with ballistic and hypersonic missiles,Guardians can help bring clarity to such topics.* U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) will be the next to get their Space Force component commands;then U.S. European Command (EUCOM) will follow.However,the rest of the component commanders will be colonels,because the Space Force cannot afford the expense of supporting general officers.Chief of Space Operations General Chance B. Saltzman said that: given today's multi-domain character of war,space must be deeply integrated with the rest of the joint team.This is never more true than in this AOR (Area of Responsibility) where we find ourselves competing against a thinking adversary who continues to field counterspace systems as well as their own exquisite space-based support systems for their increasingly capable terrestrial forces.* Concluded BGEN Mustalir:As of today,you are the Guardians of INDOPACOM.You are outranked and outnumbered by every other compnent here-I don't care.I expect you to be confident and bold.* So the new component command's personnel are expected to make themselves a seat at the table and take command and control of space assets for INDOPACOM,while maintaining close ties to U.S. Pacific Air Forces.* The U.S. Air Force Academy held graduation on 1 June 2023.President Joseph R. Biden delivered the commencement address.From the USAF Academy Class of 2023 Fact Sheet-Graduating:921,Men 651 (71%),Women 270 (29%);International Students:12 from Cambodia,Jordan,Malaysia,Peru,Poland,Republic of Korea,Romania,Sri Lanka,Taiwan,Thailand,Tunisia;Assignments:419 pilots;Space Force:93;cross-commissioned:Army 3,Navy 3,Marines 2;total Space Force commissioned for all years:391;Service Academy graduates entering active duty incur a five-year service commitment.