The leadership team of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) recently embarked on a trip to meet with Airmen supporting Space Force installations across the United States. The trip aimed to enable the team to speak directly to Airmen about what it means for AFMC to be the servicing major command to the US Space Force and answer questions related to how it would impact their career and personal growth as they serve under the newest Department of Defense organization. The trip was also an opportunity for General Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., AFMC commander, to hold all-calls with Airmen and civilians in base operating support roles at Vandenberg SFB, Los Angeles SFB, Peterson-Schriever Garrison, Buckley SFB, and Patrick SFB throughout the course of the week.
During an all-call at Peterson Space Force Base, Bunch stated that the focus of this new servicing structure is to ensure that Airmen are taken care of. He said, “We want to make sure we’re doing the right things to develop you and make sure that you’re successful.” Bunch also met with Space Force leaders to answer questions related to the servicing MAJCOM role and identify any potential current or emerging issues.
Bunch further explained that there is no doctrinal guidance for the servicing MAJCOM role, as it is the most significant change to Air Force structure since the service was established in 1947. So far, 326 tasks are identified that will be performed by AFMC as the servicing organization to the Space Force, spanning areas that include manpower management, developmental team representation, awards and special trophies, enlisted commissioning programs, Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotions, and civilian hiring policy and oversight.
AFMC recently declared Initial Operational Capability for this new role which impacts approximately 8,000 Airmen assigned to Space Force installations. The U.S Space Force derives almost all its support from the Air Force, including infrastructure, logistics, security, medical services, and a host of other common capabilities. The servicing MAJCOM role ensures that Airmen working in these areas receive the same developmental opportunities and functional career support as their peers assigned to Air Force organizations.
While AFMC has declared IOC, it continues to develop and refine policies related to awards and trophies, Civilian Developmental Education, force presentation, and nominative assignments. Department of the Air Force Instructions are in the process of being revised to encompass the changes. Nearly 40% of functional tasks have completed transfer from the Space Force to AFMC, with full transition of others on the horizon.
Bunch emphasized that AFMC is committed to this partnership and together they can make sure that the Space Force is successful and Airmen are successful. A “USAF support to USSF handbook” was created to outline what remains unchanged, as well as key areas where support processes are evolving to fit the new service-to-service relationship. Airmen and Guardians can view the handbook on the Space Operations Command portal page.
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