US Space Force Unveils Whimsical Naming Scheme for Orbital Arsenal
In an effort to bolster its identity as the youngest military branch, the US Space Force has adopted a unique naming scheme for its mission areas. General Chance Saltzman announced the thematic categories at the recent Spacepower conference in Orlando, Florida.
According to Saltzman, the space force's units have spent over a year developing these seven categories, which will serve as "terms of reference" to establish the identities of their space weapon systems. The categories include:
* Orbital warfare: Norse pantheon
* Cyber warfare: Mythological creatures
* Satellite communications: Constellations
* Space domain awareness: Ghosts
* Electromagnetic warfare: Snakes
* Missile warnings: Sentinels
* Navigation warfare: Sharks
This naming scheme is reminiscent of other military branches that assign themes to their systems, such as the Army's use of mythological figures for artillery and vehicles named after animals. The space force hopes this will help create a sense of identity among its Guardians (military personnel) and establish a distinct cultural connection.
However, some might view these names as confusing or even far-fetched, given that "ghosts" could potentially refer to actual spirits in the vastness of space. Nevertheless, General Saltzman argues that these symbols evoke the character, importance, and identity of each system and the guardians who employ them.
This move marks a new chapter in the space force's efforts to establish its role within the military establishment. Its previous branding has been criticized for being ambiguous, with the release of a theme song describing itself as an "invisible front line" that left many scratching their heads. The latest mission statement is no more detailed and was replaced by a snappy nine-word phrase: "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space."
In an effort to bolster its identity as the youngest military branch, the US Space Force has adopted a unique naming scheme for its mission areas. General Chance Saltzman announced the thematic categories at the recent Spacepower conference in Orlando, Florida.
According to Saltzman, the space force's units have spent over a year developing these seven categories, which will serve as "terms of reference" to establish the identities of their space weapon systems. The categories include:
* Orbital warfare: Norse pantheon
* Cyber warfare: Mythological creatures
* Satellite communications: Constellations
* Space domain awareness: Ghosts
* Electromagnetic warfare: Snakes
* Missile warnings: Sentinels
* Navigation warfare: Sharks
This naming scheme is reminiscent of other military branches that assign themes to their systems, such as the Army's use of mythological figures for artillery and vehicles named after animals. The space force hopes this will help create a sense of identity among its Guardians (military personnel) and establish a distinct cultural connection.
However, some might view these names as confusing or even far-fetched, given that "ghosts" could potentially refer to actual spirits in the vastness of space. Nevertheless, General Saltzman argues that these symbols evoke the character, importance, and identity of each system and the guardians who employ them.
This move marks a new chapter in the space force's efforts to establish its role within the military establishment. Its previous branding has been criticized for being ambiguous, with the release of a theme song describing itself as an "invisible front line" that left many scratching their heads. The latest mission statement is no more detailed and was replaced by a snappy nine-word phrase: "Secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space."