USSF Doctrine - Chapter 2

If you haven’t read any in this series yet, you can start at the beginning of my analysis of the USSF Doctrine in my Introduction post.

Chapter 2: National Spacepower

This chapter, like many others through this document, stresses the uniqueness of space and spacepower as an incomparable asset. However, it is also a unique asset in its reliance on the other instruments of national power (diplomatic, information, military, economic). Seemingly In return for this reliance, space amplifies those other powers to vast extents.

“States leverage instruments of national power in order to exert influence and control in the international system. …Collectively, the instruments of power represent the tools states employ to achieve national objectives. The proper conduct and application of spacepower must serve policy aims and seek to strengthen all four instruments of national power.”

Coordinating application of these instruments together in concert is a rough task. The recent integration of spacepower is still finding its fit into this concert, especially since historically success in space = success in science, industry, technology, leadership, etc. This correlation reaches back as far as the space industry has existed, as mastery of this rocket technology has been a historical equivalent to domination in global competitiveness.

Unification is of utmost importance. This not only encourages de-escalation of conflict but also accelerates progress. This doctrine employs a “cooperation > competition” mindset. Space Force standards and procedures are encouraged to be the standard across the space domain.

This chapter is relatively short but sets a national stage for the next, which is all about Military Spacepower.