🛰️ Join the U.S. Space Force: Everything You Need to Know

From Enlistment to Benefits — A Complete Guide to Becoming a Guardian

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the U.S. military — a forward-looking force responsible for defending America’s interests in space. Focused on satellites, communications, cybersecurity, and orbital operations, Space Force offers elite training, advanced tech careers, and a mission unlike any other.

Whether you’re a tech-driven student, a STEM graduate, or someone seeking purpose and progress, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a Guardian.

How to Join the Space Force

Though it shares infrastructure with the Air Force, the Space Force operates under its own command and mission. As the most selective branch, it emphasizes intelligence, cyber aptitude, and technical expertise.

How to Enlist:

  • ✅ Speak with a U.S. Air Force/Space Force Recruiter

  • ✅ Take the ASVAB (with a focus on General & Electronics scores)

  • ✅ Pass MEPS (Medical & Physical screening)

  • ✅ Choose your AFSC (Space Force shares AFSC structure with Air Force)

  • ✅ Take the Oath and ship to Basic Military Training (BMT)

Basic Eligibility:

  • Minimum Age: 17 with parental consent, 18 without

  • Maximum Age: 39 (enlisted); 42 for some officer programs

  • Education: High school diploma or GED (college preferred for many roles)

  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens only

  • Background: Clean legal, medical, and security clearance potential

👉 Visit SpaceForce.com to Apply or Learn More

🏋️‍♂️ What to Expect in Space Force Training

Basic Military Training (BMT):

  • Location: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX

  • Duration: 7.5 weeks (same as Air Force)

  • Focus: Discipline, customs, physical readiness, and Space Force fundamentals

Technical School (Tech Training):

  • Location: Varies based on AFSC (e.g., Keesler AFB, Goodfellow AFB, Peterson SFB)

  • Duration: 8–52 weeks depending on career field

  • Focus: Cyber operations, orbital mechanics, electronic warfare, space system maintenance

Officer Training Paths:

  • Officer Training School (OTS)

  • U.S. Air Force Academy (USAF graduates may commission into USSF)

  • ROTC (select billets available)

⚙️ Space Force Careers (AFSCs)

The Space Force shares AFSC classifications with the Air Force but focuses on space-specific mission sets. Most positions are STEM-heavy or tech-centered.

Key Career Fields:

  • 🛰️ Satellite Operations

  • 💻 Cybersecurity & Network Warfare

  • 🔭 Orbital Warfare & Surveillance

  • 📡 Signal Intelligence & Electronic Warfare

  • 🛠️ Systems Maintenance & IT Infrastructure

  • 🧠 Intelligence, Cryptology & Analysis

  • 🧑‍🚀 Engineering, Space Systems, and Launch Support

Sample AFSCs:

  • 1C6X1 – Space Systems Operations

  • 3D1X2 – Cyber Transport

  • 1N4X1A – Fusion Analyst (Digital Networks)

  • 17SXA – Cyber Warfare Operations Officer

  • 13SX – Space Operations Officer (Commissioned)

🧭 Active Duty Only (No Reserve or Guard Options Yet)

Unlike other branches, the Space Force currently operates as an active duty-only force.

  • No Reserve or National Guard components at this time

  • All Guardians serve full-time under the Department of the Air Force

  • Possible future development of part-time or Reserve integration is under review

💰 Pay, Bonuses & Financial Benefits

Base Pay (2025):

  • E1: ~$2,017/month starting

  • Increases with promotion and time in service

Financial Benefits:

  • 💸 Enlistment Bonuses: Available for cyber and intelligence roles

  • 🏠 Housing Allowance (BAH) – Tax-free, varies by location

  • 🍽️ Food Allowance (BAS) – Non-taxable

  • 🏥 TRICARE Medical & Dental – Free for you, low-cost for dependents

  • 🧳 Special Pays – Language, tech, and hazardous duty (if applicable)

  • 💼 Retirement – Blended Retirement System + Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

🎓 Education & Advancement

The Space Force places strong emphasis on education and technical skill development.

While Serving:

  • 🎓 100% Tuition Assistance – College classes while on active duty

  • 🧾 Credentialing Assistance – Certs in IT, cybersecurity, intelligence, etc.

  • 🧠 AF COOL – Maps AFSCs to civilian certifications

  • 🎖️ Opportunities for cross-training, STEM development & innovation programs

After Service:

  • 🧰 SkillBridge – Transition internship with civilian companies

  • 📚 Post-9/11 GI Bill – Full tuition, housing, and textbook coverage

  • 🤝 Civilian Tech Careers – Fast track into government, private sector, or defense contracting

🛡️ Life in the Space Force

Culture & Mission:

  • Guardians operate in a highly professional, mission-focused environment

  • Emphasis on innovation, integrity, technical excellence, and global awareness

  • Smaller, more elite force allows for close mentoring and leadership development

Locations:

  • Primary Bases: Peterson SFB, Buckley SFB, Vandenberg SFB, Schriever SFB, Patrick SFB

  • Most Guardians are stationed within the U.S., with some global partnerships

Day-to-Day:

  • Modern workspaces with advanced tech

  • Less physical intensity compared to ground branches

  • Intelligence briefings, network operations, orbital monitoring, system support

🎖️ Life After the Space Force

  • ✅ VA Healthcare and VA Disability Claims

  • ✅ VA Home Loan – No down payment

  • ✅ GI Bill for higher education or certification

  • ✅ Career Transition Assistance via TAP

  • ✅ Security Clearance Transferability — High-value in civilian tech sector

  • ✅ STEM and Defense Industry Pathways — Ideal for Guardians post-service

🔗 Ready to Launch Your Future?

If you're looking for the most modern, technical, and intellectually focused path in the U.S. military — the Space Force is it. The mission is serious. The technology is cutting-edge. The opportunities are just beginning.

👉 Visit SpaceForce.com to Apply or Learn More
Boldly go where few have gone — and help protect what’s above.