Requirements, top career fields, basic training, and everything you need to know about becoming a Guardian in 2026.
Enlistment Age: 17–39
Min AFQT Score: 36
Contract Length: 4–6 years active
Boot Camp: 7.5 weeks, Lackland AFB TX (shared with Air Force BMT)
Active Duty Size: ~16,000 (smallest branch, rapidly growing)
What makes the newest branch different, and who it's best for.
The U.S. Space Force is the newest military branch, established in 2019. It operates cutting-edge technology: satellite operations, space domain awareness, missile warning systems, and cyber operations. With roughly 16,000 active duty members, it's the smallest branch, but it's rapidly growing and very selective.
The culture is built on "Semper Supra" (Always Above). There are no combat roles: this is a brain-powered branch. Guardians work with the most advanced technology in the military, monitoring satellites, defending networks, and supporting national security from ground-based operations. If you want to work on the frontier of technology without deploying to a combat zone, the Space Force may be your path.
Best for those who love tech, thrive in technical environments, and don't mind that you won't go to space. You'll operate the systems that make space operations possible. The civilian transfer value is exceptional in cybersecurity, satellite operations, and intelligence.
What you need to qualify: the Space Force is extremely selective.
Age: 17–39. Applicants who are 17 need parental consent to enlist.
Citizenship: U.S. citizen required (no permanent residents). Due to security clearances, virtually all Space Force positions require U.S. citizenship from day one.
Education: High school diploma required. The Space Force does not typically accept GED-only applicants due to the technical nature of most roles.
ASVAB: Minimum AFQT score of 36, but aim for 70+ to be competitive. With fewer than 500 enlisted slots per year, higher scores open doors. See our MEPS guide and enlistment process guide for more.
Medical: Pass MEPS medical screening. Waivers exist but are limited given the branch's selectivity.
Legal: No felony convictions. A clean background is critical: most positions require security clearances.
Height/Weight: Meet body composition standards (shared with Air Force). Your recruiter can provide the exact charts.
Security Clearance: Most positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Be prepared for extensive background checks. Start the process early. Space Force recruiting is slow but deliberate.
Popular career options: check our job selection guide for full strategy.
Satellite command and control: operate and manage the systems that keep satellites on orbit and mission-ready. The core of Space Force operations.
Network defense and space cyber security: protect critical space infrastructure from digital threats. Exceptional civilian transfer value.
Space-based intelligence and threat analysis: fuse data from multiple sources to support space domain awareness and mission planning.
IT support for space operations infrastructure: maintain the computers and networks that enable space missions. Strong tech career path.
Monitor space debris and orbital warfare concepts: track objects in orbit, assess threats, and support space superiority missions.
Technical research and data analysis: support scientific missions, analyze space data, and apply technical expertise to complex problems.
7.5 weeks at Lackland AFB (shared with the Air Force), then technical training.
Space Force basic training is the same as the Air Force: 7.5 weeks at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Every enlisted Guardian (Space Force members are called Guardians) passes through Lackland for Basic Military Training (BMT) before moving on to technical training.
After BMT: Guardians attend technical training school specific to their career field. Technical training can last from 3 to 12 months depending on the job. This is where the real specialization happens. You'll learn the systems, procedures, and skills needed for your specific mission set.
The structure mirrors Air Force BMT: classroom instruction, drill and ceremony, physical training, and BEAST week. Expect early mornings, constant structure, and a focus on teamwork. For more details on all branches, see our boot camp guide.
Practical advice from those aiming to join the Space Force.
ASVAB score matters a lot. Aim for 70+ to be competitive. With fewer than 500 enlisted slots per year, every point counts. See our practice test to prepare.
Be ready for extensive security clearance background checks. Most positions require Secret or Top Secret clearance. Disclose everything and ensure your background is clean. Any red flags can disqualify you.
Most positions are at a handful of bases. Buckley (Colorado), Vandenberg (California), Patrick (Florida), Peterson (Colorado), and Schriever (Colorado) are the primary Space Force locations. Be prepared for limited duty station options.
Expect lots of classroom and technical training. This is a brain-powered branch. If you thrive in technical, academic environments, you'll fit in. If you prefer hands-on field work, consider another branch.
This is a rapidly evolving branch. Career paths may change as the Space Force grows. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt to new missions and structures over your career.
Yes, the Space Force was established in December 2019 as the 6th branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It operates under the Department of the Air Force but is a separate military service.
No, Guardians operate space systems from the ground (satellites, radars, communications). They do not deploy to space. Their work enables space operations from Earth.
The Space Force is a separate branch focused exclusively on space operations. It shares some infrastructure with the Air Force (including basic training at Lackland AFB), but has its own mission set, culture, and career paths.
Yes, very selective. There are fewer than 500 enlisted positions per year, making it one of the most competitive military branches to join. High ASVAB scores, U.S. citizenship, and a clean background are essential.
Your ASVAB score determines which career fields you qualify for. Take a free practice test and prepare for MEPS.