USSPACECOM Senior Leader Speaks to U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets about Defending the Space Domain

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --  U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott Stalker, U.S. Space Command, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visited the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo, Sept. 20, 2022. 

Stalker spoke to a group of about 30 Air Force Academy cadets who represent the next generation of future Air and Space Force leaders. Stalker outlined U.S. Space Command’s primary mission sets to deliver global space capabilities to joint and combined forces and to protect and defend the space domain. 

“The space domain impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives, from navigation systems, to communications, and even the global economy,” said Stalker. “The preservation and protection of our space network is crucial to our way of life.”

Also, Stalker discussed the future of space, to include partnering with commercial and interagency organizations, alongside all instruments of national power, to address our mutual challenges decreasing space debris and countering competitor activity.

“The way he presented space was extremely motivating,” said Cadet 1st Class Khava Tsarni. “I was surprised on how often we work with the commercial sector and the added capabilities that the private sector brings to our space mission.”

Stalker briefed the cadets on several other topics as well, discussing elements of good leadership, and the importance of good character, as well as the integration of the joint forces in a combatant command.

“If we don’t develop our people, we won’t be able to deter, deliver, defend, or defeat with maximum effectiveness,” said Stalker.

After the event, several cadets provided their feedback and impressions.

“I really like how he focused on leadership,” said Cadet 1st Class Paulo Martinez-Riviere, who is studying to be a developmental engineer. “As a leader, you must maintain awareness of how your team is doing, and what each team member brings to the table, so that you can leverage all their skillsets for better effect.”

“I agree with his message about developing and investing in people, and how this is critical to producing better leaders,” said Cadet 1st Class Keaton Koenig, a future pilot with dreams of getting a master’s degree in Aerospace Propulsion.

According to Statista.com there were 4,852 active artificial satellites orbiting the Earth as of Jan. 1, 2022.  U.S. Space Command projects over 100,000 additional commercial license requests for orbital satellites in the next decade.

“As global reliance on space continues to grow, U.S. Space Command will need the best and the brightest to defend the space domain to ensure there is never a day without space,” said Stalker.
 

 

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