TOPIC SPONSORS: 51 OSS & 50 OSS
What is the number of new enlisted accessions needed to generate future USSF CMSgts? Take into account nominal promotion rates & attrition of enlisted. Does/doesn’t that exceed the current new accession enlisted today? (51 OSS) What are the motivational factors of Airmen staying in space career fields? (50 OSS) What is the number of new accession officers needed to generate future USSF general officers? (50 OSS) What are the effects of additional commercial opportunities for space professionals on the retention of officers and enlisted personnel in the USSF? (50 OSS)
- Borja, Maj. Kevin S., "Optimizing Officer Development for USSF Operations: Specialization vs. Generalization," AFGC thesis, 2025.
- Borja addresses this by arguing that the Space Force's current generalist development model causes a catastrophic "knowledge leakage," as high-performing technical officers frequently leave for the commercial space sector because they are forced into administrative staff roles that do not utilize their specialized skills. He notes that failing to provide long-term specialized tracks effectively subsidizes training costs for private industry, which eagerly hires these experts at significantly higher salaries. To combat this retention crisis, Borja recommends implementing Technical Career Tracks (TCTs) and Assignment Incentive Pay to decouple rank from administrative command, allowing technical experts to remain in specialized tactical roles without sacrificing their career progression or pay.
- Titus, Lt. Col. Bryan M., "Establishing a Space Profession within the US Space Force," AWC PSP, 2020, 32 pgs. (published in Air & Space Power Journal; vol 34 no 3; Fall 2020; p10-28)