Join the Space Force
The newest branch — satellite operations, orbital warfare, missile warning, and cyber. Small, selective, and deeply technical.
- Founded
- 2019
- Active duty
- ~10,400
- Min AFQT
- 36
- Officer test
- AFOQT
- Boot camp
- 7.5 weeks
Why Join the Space Force?
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 9,400 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.
Space Force Enlistment Requirements
What you need to qualify: the Space Force is extremely selective.
Age: 17–42. 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.
Top Space Force Career Fields
Popular career options: check our job selection guide for full strategy.
1C6 Space Systems Operations
Satellite command and control: operate and manage the systems that keep satellites on orbit and mission-ready. The core of Space Force operations.
5C0 Cyber Operations
Network defense and space cyber security: protect critical space infrastructure from digital threats. Exceptional civilian transfer value.
1N0 Intelligence
Space-based intelligence and threat analysis: fuse data from multiple sources to support space domain awareness and mission planning.
3D1 Client Systems
IT support for space operations infrastructure: maintain the computers and networks that enable space missions. Strong tech career path.
1C1 Space Control
Monitor space debris and orbital warfare concepts: track objects in orbit, assess threats, and support space superiority missions.
9S100 Scientific Applications Specialist
Technical research and data analysis: support scientific missions, analyze space data, and apply technical expertise to complex problems.
Space Force Basic Training
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.
Tips from the Field
Practical advice from those aiming to join the Space Force.
Aim for 70+ to be competitive. With fewer than 500 enlisted slots per year, every point counts. See our practice test to prepare.
Most positions require Secret or Top Secret clearance. Disclose everything and ensure your background is clean. Any red flags can disqualify you.
Buckley (Colorado), Vandenberg (California), Patrick (Florida), Peterson (Colorado), and Schriever (Colorado) are the primary Space Force locations. Be prepared for limited duty station options.
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.
Career paths may change as the Space Force grows. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt to new missions and structures over your career.
Compare the branches
Joining the Space Force, quick answers
Is the Space Force real?
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.
Do Space Force members go to space?
No, Guardians operate space systems from the ground (satellites, radars, communications). They do not deploy to space. Their work enables space operations from Earth.
How is the Space Force different from the Air Force?
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.
Is the Space Force hard to get into?
Yes, selective — but it is growing faster than its reputation suggests. The Space Force set an FY2026 enlisted accession goal of 730 and exceeded it, bringing in more than a thousand Guardians. It remains by far the smallest service, so openings are limited and standards are high: strong ASVAB scores, U.S. citizenship, and a clean background are essential.
Build your test-day method
- Exam-aligned drills under deliberate time pressure
- Instant explanations after every item
- Your score estimate, tracked drill after drill