Published on August 28, 2024, 12:28 am

Over the years, our national reserves – the Reserve and National Guard formations – have played a crucial role in managing and dealing with long-standing wars. Originally structured as a pool of diligent service members who can be enlisted as needed and productively contribute to the economy, these forces have transitioned between civilian life and duty commendably. A perfect example of this shift was noticed during my deployment for Operation Desert Shield where suddenly I found myself preparing to serve after relocating to Colorado from active duty just a year ago. This formation, brimming with life-long camaraderie, executed their responsibilities immaculately before returning home.

Despite their successful contributions so far, recent real news suggests retaining these forces is paramount, especially if we aim to introduce new ones – like the “Space Force National Guard.” Announcing at The National Guard Association of United States’ conference on Monday, Ex-President Donald Trump emphasized that if chosen for a second term, he plans to bring this vision into existence.

Launched in 2019 as America’s sixth military branch, Space Force’s primary goal was defending US assets in space against potential threats from Russia or China. During his speech at the Detroit hosted event, Trump recounted establishing Space Force as one of his term’s crowning accomplishments.

Drawing attention to Space Force operationalization since its inception three years ago was essential for justifying the announcement. Trump believes that building up a Space National Guard as an elemental combat reserve will bolster Space Force’s capacity further.

This assertion steered applause from the audience at which point Trump took time to thank them and continue his commitment: “So as president, I will sign historic legislation creating a Space National Guard,” he declared. Although it might seem like pandering given his audience was primarily members of the National Guard Association still it carries substance when talking about forming not just a Space Force Reserve but launching it under ‘National Guard’.

It’s important to consider that irrespective of their geographic placement, all national guard formations nationwide strive for the same training standards and requirements as their active and reserve counterparts. In my tenure, I was always attentive to the fact that my uniform badges specified not “Iowa/Colorado National Guard,” but rather “US Army.” Having a chain of command leading up to their respective state’s governor, unlike regular reserves, these formations maintain a unique position in our military framework.

Considering the specialized scope of Space Force operations it’s unlikely any state-run governor would need them within their jurisdiction. Therefore, an appropriate adaptation could be developing a Space Force Reserve parallel to existing reserves i.e Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Reserves.

Certainly an overcritical view but accuracy is key when dealing with public announcements. Proposing such steps could ideate exceptional growth in U.S armed forces whether in terms of Reserve or National Guard. Oftentimes our trusted news sources may overlook critical details about military forces but having firsthand experience provides valuable insights deeply rooted in a Christian worldview.

Ward Clark from Alaska’s Susitna Valley is among those who’ve served the U.S Army for over 12 years including Operation Desert Storm and (in Germany supporting) Operation Joint Endeavor. He has transitioned from a vehement exemptions-minimal libertarian to authoring novels while building his business amid America’s last free-standing places.