A Space Force is unnecessary and too expensive
Creating a Space Force, along with building a wall, is another example of a Trump vanity project. I would argue that there is no evidence of its present value, and the cost would be prohibitive.
It would establish a new military branch whose purpose would be to create American dominance in space against our two competitors, China and Russia. There is growing concern that its establishment would divert funds from other military priorities. It would also launch an ongoing competition among the various service branches over missions and budget resources.
The idea lacks clear definition. Obstacles in its establishment are necessary funding, a slow acquisitions process, limited paths for a career in space service and lack of war-fighting focus. It undermines our present position in space, and could jeopardize further peaceful exploration.
Presently, the political odds are stacked against its establishment. We can thank our Founding Fathers for creating three branches of government, which places spending money under the legislative control, not the whims and fancies of the executive.
Fran Ostrosky Hanover Township, Northampton County
for threats to our satellites. The thought that enemy missiles could take out our communications systems is quite frightening. Monitoring asteroids and space junk are also mentioned, and I’m as afraid of asteroids as the next person.
Since Trump first brought the concept up, responsible people have suggested setting up a Space Force, not as a freestanding agency, but, at much lower expense, as an arm of the Air Force. Whether this Space Force will involve pilots and rocket ships or computer programmers, I do not know, and whether they will have spiffy uniforms and a Space Force Big Band remains to be seen. And if the latter, will its signature tune be a big, swinging arrangement of “Fly Me to the Moon”? I’d vote for that.
If the Space Force turns into a new arms race in space and a bonanza for the military-industrial complex, then this will stand as one of Trump’s worst ideas. But if its mission remains defensive, then it will rank as one of Trump’s best ideas.
Lucy Horton South Whitehall Township