SpOC Commander represents Space Warfighters at 2025 AFA Warfare Symposium

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Joe Simms
  • Space Operations Command
AURORA, Colo. --  U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., commander, Space Operations Command, joined other senior leaders at the 2025 Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Warfare Symposium March 5, 2025 to discuss moving the Space Force forward to increase warfighting readiness, develop Guardians, and strengthen partnerships.
 
Miller participated in two panels; the first was titled “Force Generation: A New Model” and was joined by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Akshai Gandhi, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. They focused on both service’s force generation models and fielding combat-credible forces.
 
 “Space is no longer a benign and permissive environment which has led to a foundational change in how we prepare to fight,” said Miller. “Today our force generation model is based on three tenants to meet the needs of the joint force: readiness, training and synchronization of effects throughout the team.”
 
SPAFORGEN establishes a predictable, standardized battle rhythm ensuring rotational forces are properly organized, trained, equipped, and ready to sustain capabilities while rapidly responding to emerging requirements.
 
The Space Force began implementation of the Space Force Generation Cycle in 2022 and synchronized the first Commit phase on July 1, 2024, integrating training tailored to the latest threat intelligence and combatant commander needs and requirements. 
 
“The combatant commander, who is my main customer in Space Operations Command, has requirements I need to meet, and my team needs to plan for,” said Miller when discussing his focus on mission planning. “Now I have a core team comprised of the combat group, mission planning cell and mission support functions committed to meeting those requirements.”
 
During his remarks Miller emphasized SpOC will continue to review and update the Space Force Generation Cycle as capabilities modernize and the national security environment continues to evolve.
 
Miller’s second panel, “Missile Defense: Lessons Learned,” included U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, Director of the Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess Commander of U.S. Space Forces – Space. 
 
During the panel discussion Miller spoke of what he foresees as the future of missile warning and missile defense following last year’s attacks by Iran on Isreal.
 
“Space power will encompass a credible joint force that will protect the United States and our partners through active defense,” Miller explained. “The decisive arm of the missile defense enterprise will not just be the sensors, it will involve the effectors as well.”
 
“Recognizing the threats in terms of capabilities and disciplines will also be part of our operating concept. We are not going to wait until missiles are launched before we decide to act,” he continued.
 
Mission Delta 4, located at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, leads the Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) mission for Space Operations Command. MD 4 provides battle space awareness to combatant commanders through the use of Space Based Infrared Satellites (SBIRS) and Ground Based Radars (GBRs) and technical intelligence for analysis of future threats.
 
The annual AFA Warfare Symposium is a professional development event that brings together members of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and the aerospace and defense industry, giving an opportunity to network and focus on critical concerns and challenges of joint warfare in every corner of the globe. 
 
 

 

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