Going where no president has gone before, Trump wants Space Force by 2020

[webfact]

Going where no president has gone before, Trump wants Space Force by 2020

By Phil Stewart and Susan Heavey

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing a proclamation declaring his intention to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, U.S. May 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday announced an ambitious plan to usher in a new "Space Force" as the sixth branch of the military by 2020, but the proposal was scorned by opponents and may struggle to get liftoff in a divided Congress.

 

Trump has strongly championed the idea of creating a space-focused military service with the same stature as the Air Force and the Army, turning his dreams of a "Space Force" into a rallying cry for supporters at political events.

 

His 2020 reelection campaign sent a fundraising email on Thursday asking supporters to vote on their favourite Space Force logo for future Trump campaign merchandise, offering a choice of six.

 

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, in an address at the Pentagon, described the Space Force as "an idea whose time has come."

 

"America will always seek peace in space, as on the Earth. But history proves that peace only comes through strength, and in the realm of outer space, the United States Space Force will be that strength in the years ahead," Pence said. He added that Congress must now act to establish and fund the department.

 

Trump tweeted: "Space Force all the way!"

 

The Space Force would be responsible for a range of crucial space-based U.S. military capabilities, which include everything from satellites enabling the Global Positioning System (GPS) to sensors that help track missile launches.

 

But critics view its creation as an unnecessary and expensive bureaucratic endeavour, a vanity project that simply strips away work already being done effectively by services like the Air Force.

 

Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, who is on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, said the Space Force was a "dumb idea.""Although 'Space Force' won't happen, it's dangerous to have a leader who cannot be talked out of crazy ideas," Schatz said on Twitter.

 

MILITARIZING SPACE?

Democratic Senator Bill Nelson has said such a move would "rip the Air Force apart." Senator Bernie Sanders said via Twitter "maybe, just maybe" the government should guarantee healthcare "before we start spending billions to militarize outer space."

 

However, although Pentagon leaders, including U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, once opposed the idea of a Space Force, they lined up on Thursday to offer their support.

 

A Pentagon report released on Thursday included interim steps toward the creation of such an organization. A unified combatant command known as the U.S. Space Command would be formed by the end of 2018, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters.

 

In a nod to the Air Force's current role, the Pentagon report recommended that the Space Command be led initially by the commander of Air Force Space Command, who would be dual-hatted.

 

One of the arguments in favour of devoting more resources to a Space Force or Space Command is that American rivals like Russia and China appear increasingly ready to strike U.S. space-based capabilities in the event of a conflict.

 

"It is becoming a contested war fighting domain and we have to adapt to that reality," Mattis said.

 

The United States is a member of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which bars the stationing of weapons of mass destruction in space and only allows for the use of the moon and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes.

 

Former astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly on Thursday said that while Pence was right about the threats in outer space, the military was already handling them.

 

"There is a threat out there but it's being handled by the U.S. Air Force today. (It) doesn't make sense to build a whole other level of bureaucracy in an incredibly bureaucratic Department of Defense," Kelly told MSNBC.

 

(Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Bill Trott and Rosalba O'Brien)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-08-10

[Bluespunk]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, who is on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, said the Space Force was a "dumb idea."

Of course it’s a dumb idea. 

 

trump came up with it. 

[bluesofa]

29 minutes ago, webfact said:

announced an ambitious plan to usher in a new "Space Force" as the sixth branch of the military

Why does that remind me of The Muppet Show's 'Pigs In Space'? It might be a plan to deter radial Muslims from conquering space.

 

[ehs818]

More distraction from this administration. Money would be better spent on dealing with current problems rather than create a space spending race internationally. Idiots.

[ezzra]

Ground Control to Donald Trump
Ground Control to Donald Trump
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom (ten, nine, eight, seven, six)
Commencing countdown, engines on (five, four, three)
Check ignition and may God's love be with you (two, one, liftoff)

[mtls2005]

Louie Gohmert, another Russian stooge, chimes in on the Space Force...gay's need not apply...

 

 

 

[Lungstib]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"America will always seek peace in space, as on the Earth.

Quite some statement. Perhaps anyone who thinks that is true would do well to look at the following before accepting it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_military_operations

The list is endless. Its frightening.

[Mike Teavee]

53 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

Of course it’s a dumb idea. 

 

trump came up with it. 

I honestly believe that the US elected Trump because us Brits voted for Brexit & they wanted their title of dumbest nation on the planet back...

 

EASY GUYS, I'm just joking - I just think it's a mad world where somebody like Trump can be elected to the most powerful man on the Planet & my tiny little nation decides it's bigger than the rest

 

?  

[sammieuk1]

He has one little "rocket" man in his pocket already doesn't he?

[Boon Mee]

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

[Credo]

1 minute ago, Boon Mee said:

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

Not necessarily.  

 

I don't like him, but the need to eventually protect assets in space will be a reality.   I just don't know about the extreme costs that are going into the military.   

 

[mtls2005]

27 minutes ago, Boon Mee said:

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

 

The American public, Congress and the Pentagon generally believe that this is a BAD idea, and rue the day it popped into tRUmp's head. There no clearly defined mission, which is not currently covered by branches and commands within the military, and NASA.

 

So that leaves you, Mike Pence and tRUmp thinking this, and who knows whatever "this" is, is a good "idea".

 

Give him a parade, and pretend to form a "Space Force", give him a jacket/uniform and a model spaceship and he'll be happy.

 

 

Space Force: Trump 2020 asks supporters to vote on logo

 

Donald Trump's goal of creating a new military branch has yet to take off, but his campaign is hoping it will fill their coffers to infinity and beyond.

 

Trump 2020 re-election campaign manager Brad Parscale emailed supporters on Tuesday asking them to vote on a Space Force logo which will be sold later on.

 

The email came as Vice President Mike Pence appeared at the Pentagon to hail the proposed Space Force.

 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45123606

 

 

 

Edited August 10, 2018 by mtls2005

[Peterw42]

I suppose people have worked out that Muslims, Mexicans, trade and immigrants are not actually the problems Trump makes them out to be, that only leaves little green men from outer space. Maybe a ban on visitors from certain planets, a big wall in outer space, some trade tariffs with Mars ?

I think he is going for the "Leader of the free universe" title.

Edited August 10, 2018 by Peterw42

[bluesofa]

8 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

I suppose people have worked out that Muslims, Mexicans, trade and immigrants are not actually the problems Trump makes them out to be, that only leaves little green men from outer space. Maybe a ban on visitors from certain planets, a big wall in outer space, some trade tariffs with Mars ?

I think he is going for the "Leader of the free universe" title.

I don't think we need any trade tariff with Mars? Or Bounty, or Twix.

 

[helpisgood]

Truly, an astronomical boondoogle from someone supposedly from the party of small government and fiscal responsibility.  The American people would be better served by the federal govt. investing more in better jobs, infrastructure, health care issues and so on rather than by creating a new and unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Former astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly on Thursday said that while Pence was right about the threats in outer space, the military was already handling them.

 

"There is a threat out there but it's being handled by the U.S. Air Force today. (It) doesn't make sense to build a whole other level of bureaucracy in an incredibly bureaucratic Department of Defense," Kelly told MSNBC. 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

 

Edited August 10, 2018 by helpisgood
grammar

[kamahele]

I would think this may violate the "Outer Space Treaty" which the U.S. signed in the 1960's if he intends to put weapons of mass destruction in space. Or will he have an army stationed on the moon with lasers??

[727Sky]

As it stands now the Air Force, Navy, and even the Army all have their own activities in space. If a joint mission for all the services is (like a satellite launch) planed and desired it can take up to 10 years before the actual launch is approved due to all the inter service bureaucratic B.S.

 

The space force (joint command) is supposed to eliminate much of the infighting by establishing command and control and delegating authority to actually get stuff done with all the services working together instead of fighting individually for their own money .. 

 

But do not let me rain on anyone's parade and their endeavors to make anything good seem bad as they truly know nothing about the subject.. I wonder sometimes if some know more than how to eat, sleep, and crap...while being the mouth piece of the NWO  socialist movement who can not stand anything Trump ?  But by all means carry on.

[mtls2005]

24 minutes ago, 727Sky said:

As it stands now the Air Force, Navy, and even the Army all have their own activities in space. If a joint mission for all the services is (like a satellite launch) planed and desired it can take up to 10 years before the actual launch is approved due to all the inter service bureaucratic B.S.

 

Feel free to back this up with, say even the smallest shred of detail. And/or how the "Space Force" will address your perceived inadequacies?

 

24 minutes ago, 727Sky said:

The space force (joint command) is supposed to eliminate much of the infighting by establishing command and control and delegating authority to actually get stuff done with all the services working together instead of fighting individually for their own money .. 

 

The Pentagon has pushed back and mentioned that a joint command is a better solution. However, tRUmp wants what tRUmp wants, a "sixth branch of the military".

 

24 minutes ago, 727Sky said:

But do not let me rain on anyone's parade and their endeavors to make anything good seem bad as they truly know nothing about the subject.

 

Oh wise and sage oracle of the Space Force, please share your "wisdom". You do realize that people with a different opinion may actually "know something"?

 

 

24 minutes ago, 727Sky said:

But by all means carry on.

 

This is in the "news" today to deflect the latest news from the Tramp/Swump (Trump Swamp) (Manafort/Gates, Don Jr., Cohen, Wilbur Ross, Chris Collins).

 

 

Edited August 10, 2018 by mtls2005

[Tug]

It’s a ruse to divert attention away from his latest scandals he has allready blowen up the deficit with his millionaires tax break there is no money for it 

[Peterw42]

Woudnt it be easier to fight any "space" enemy back on earth ? if someone starts blowing up US satellites etc, go and blow up their country. If you send the space army out there to fight, who are they fighting, there is nobody out there.

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Going where no president has gone before,

Wanna get filthy rich in light speed time? Join me to raise funds on the web for his one-way ticket to Saturn. All currencies and international government donations accepted. 

Edited August 10, 2018 by Lupatria

[mtls2005]

16 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Woudnt it be easier to fight any "space" enemy back on earth ? if someone starts blowing up US satellites etc, go and blow up their country. If you send the space army out there to fight, who are they fighting, there is nobody out there.

 

Logical thoughts and statements like this will be drowned out by the Rally Klown's Krazy Krowds chanting "Space Force, Space Force, Space Force".

 

 

[wayned]

I think that we should just build a big "bubble" around earthe and have the Martians pay for it!

[bushdoctor]

39 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Woudnt it be easier to fight any "space" enemy back on earth ? if someone starts blowing up US satellites etc, go and blow up their country. If you send the space army out there to fight, who are they fighting, there is nobody out there.

 

That might be a difficult feat without satellites. 

Edited August 10, 2018 by bushdoctor

[rudi49jr]

I see another arms race on the horizon. The ceo's of the military-industrial complex must be wetting themselves, thinking of the multi-billion (trillion?) orders in the near future.

[Nickymaster]

3 hours ago, Boon Mee said:

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

Why is it a great idea? Orange Man doesn't really have a reputation of making peace anywhere in the world. It is basically him against the world at his moment. 

[heybruce]

4 hours ago, Boon Mee said:

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

People oppose it because Trump, a man with no military or aerospace experience, spewed it out without any consultation with experts while he was having one of his diarrhea of the mouth events.  Now his administration is scrambling to provide some kind of rational.

 

A real President would have asked for recommendations from the Pentagon and aerospace community, with some kind draft organizational structure and cost benefit analysis before going public with the idea.  But thinking things through is not Trump's style.

[puck2]

It seems Trump would like to escape the climatic  change on earth   

Edited August 10, 2018 by puck2

[johnnybangkok]

4 hours ago, Boon Mee said:

Of course it's a great idea! The only reason why the plan is criticized is that it's supported by Trump. 

Yes, yes of course it is Boon. 

Now put down your crayons and come back to your padded room. It’s nap time. 

[smotherb]

I understand Trump has nominated James Tiberius Kirk for appointment as the SpaceAgency's director. I wonder what sort of immigration policies the Trump administration will mandate for  space--oh, wait, who would be the immigrants?