Space Force Builds Workforce to Secure Contested Domain

Space Force Master Sgt. Allison Thodos never planned to lead a collections team at the National Space Defense Center. Her path, detailed in a recent Department of Defense feature, took her from an uncertain Air Force recruit in 2007 to a key role safeguarding U.S. space assets. Her story, marked by grit and adaptability, reflects a broader challenge: how does the nation build a workforce capable of securing an increasingly vital and contested orbital domain?

Thodos's journey, from honor guard to intelligence analyst, underscores the Space Force's reliance on versatile talent, and her individual success points to a systemic issue. With space underpinning $2 trillion of annual U.S. economic activity, from GPS to banking, the demand for skilled Guardians is surging. The question is whether the Space Force can recruit, train, and retain enough people like Thodos while navigating tight budgets and global pressures.

The National Space Defense Center, where Thodos serves, operates 24/7 to monitor threats to satellites. Established in 2017 and now under Space Delta 15, it integrates military, intelligence, and commercial data to protect assets. As space becomes a frontline domain, the center's work highlights the need for a workforce that is both highly technical and adaptable to rapid changes.

Space is no longer a distant frontier. Over 8,000 active satellites orbit Earth, enabling everything from weather forecasts to missile defense. The Space Force, created in 2019 as the sixth military branch, exists to protect these assets. Its $30 billion budget request for 2025, about 4 percent of total defense spending, reflects the growing priority of space security.

Threats are real and evolving. Research from the Congressional Budget Office projects a 20 percent rise in satellite replacement costs over the next decade due to counter-space capabilities from nations like China and Russia. These include electronic jamming and potential anti-satellite weapons, though no state currently deploys confirmed kinetic space weapons. The National Space Defense Center's role in tracking these threats is critical, but it depends on people.

The complexity of this mission demands technical skill and a workforce strategy that can keep pace with rapid advancements and global competition.

Building a space workforce starts with recruitment and training. RAND studies show that interservice transfers, like Thodos's move from the Air Force, boost retention of mid-career technical experts. These transfers bring seasoned personnel who can handle the National Space Defense Center's demanding roles. The Space Force, however, competes with tech giants for STEM talent, driving up enlistment bonuses by 15 percent annually.

Training is equally critical. Guardians need to master complex systems, from orbital mechanics to cybersecurity. The Space Force invests heavily in technical education, but the fast pace of innovation means constant learning. Thodos herself highlights the challenge of staying current with "ever-changing" events in space, a sentiment echoed by experts who stress the need for agile, lifelong training programs.

Retention poses another hurdle. High-demand roles at places like the National Space Defense Center require work-life balance, childcare, and spouse employment support. Success stories like Thodos's can inspire, but keeping talent long-term depends on addressing these practical needs, especially for underrepresented groups who may see her as a role model.

The Space Force's ambitions come with a price tag. Its budget, while substantial, faces scrutiny from taxpayers and lawmakers who demand accountability. Government Accountability Office reports highlight cost overruns in space programs, raising questions about efficiency. A balanced approach could involve multiyear pilots to boost civilian staffing at the National Space Defense Center, increasing diversity without inflating military headcounts.

Globally, space security intersects with legal and diplomatic norms. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans celestial colonization but does not address space-based weapons. Proposals for a Space Rules of Engagement Act aim to clarify use-of-force thresholds, reducing miscalculation risks. Meanwhile, international calls for a ban on debris-creating anti-satellite tests gain traction, offering a potential area of compromise.

Transparency is another sticking point. Classifying too much data hampers collaboration with commercial partners and allies, who share the burden of space situational awareness. A bipartisan commission could design measures to disclose budget totals without compromising sensitive details, building public trust while maintaining security.

The Space Force's challenges are not new. The 1958 creation of NASA and early military space commands set the stage for today's debates. The 2001 Rumsfeld Commission warned of a "space Pearl Harbor," a fear that persists as great-power competition extends into cislunar space. History shows that cooperative security, like shared satellite data with allies, can reduce tensions.

Looking ahead, the Space Force must balance deterrence with restraint. Developing a professional workforce, as exemplified by Guardians like Thodos, is essential. But so is fiscal discipline and global cooperation. Experts agree that norms of behavior, such as voluntary moratoriums on destructive tests, can deter adversaries while preserving orbital access for all.

The path forward lies in blending talent, technology, and transparency. By investing in people, streamlining costs, and engaging globally, the Space Force can secure the high ground of space while addressing the practical and ethical demands of a connected world.