The White House is offering “full support” to the Space Force
WASHINGTON – The White House on Wednesday offered “full support” to the Space Force, a day after the president’s spokesman sparked a reaction with seemingly dismissive comments about the addition of the Trump era to the U.S. Armed Forces.
“They absolutely have the full support of the Biden government,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a briefing when asked whether President Joe Biden supported the newest branch of the military or whether he would take steps to try to eliminate it or slow it down.
“We are not reviewing the decision to establish the Space Force,” she said.
Psaki noted that Congress would have to initiate any dismantling of the force. She said the Department of Defense’s desire to focus more attention and resources on security challenges in space has been a bipartisan concern for some time.
“Thousands of men and women serve proudly in the Space Force,” said Psaki. “As you know, it was established by Congress and any other measures would have to be taken by Congress, not the government.”
Psaki had adopted a dismissive tone on Tuesday when asked about Biden’s intentions.
“Wow. Space Force. It’s today’s plane!” She said, and called the question “interesting”.
Hours later, Psaki tweeted an attempted cleanup after some lawmakers, including Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the House Republican Armed Services Committee’s top Republican, apologized.
“We hope to continue the work of the Space Force and invite team members to visit us in the instruction room at any time to share an update on their important work,” she tweeted.
The chief space force general said on Wednesday that he would accept Psaki’s invitation.
“I am very proud of the guardians of the Space Force,” said General Jay Raymond, head of space operations, at a virtual event with defense writers. “I see the value of that strength every day. I am willing to talk to anyone about their excellent work and would appreciate the opportunity. “
The Space Force was launched in December 2019 as the first new military service since the establishment of the Air Force as an independent entity in 1947. Raymond sits at the table with the other Joint Commanders, although the Space Force operates as part of the Air Force , similarly the Marine Corps is a separate service, but is supervised by the Navy.
The Space Force is currently much smaller than any other branch of the Armed Forces, but it is acquiring a Force’s standard traps, including an official flag, logo, seal and doctrine. He launched commercials to attract recruits. After a long debate, it was decided last month that members of the Space Force would be called guardians, although they do not yet have an official uniform.
The force plans to expand its ranks from 2,400 active members to 6,400 by the end of this year.
Trump was very proud of the Space Force and rarely delivered a speech without mentioning it.