Because of world events and legislation like Goldwater-Nichols, Air Force roles and missions continue to change, and do so under great scrutiny. In particular, military space issues have assumed even greater importance following recognition of the Persian Gulf War as "the first space war," and with the November 1996 release of the Air Force's latest White Paper, Global Engagement: A Vision for the 21st Century Air Force. This white paper included the most important USAF statement ever concerning the role of space in the future of the Air Force: "We are now transitioning from an air force into an air and space force on an evolutionary path to a space and air force." But beyond the overall direction this strategic vision provides, the Air Force does not have a clear and supportable interpretation or definition of future Air Force space operations or "uniformed" space operators. This research paper attempts to provide that interpretation and to further expand the awareness and understanding of Air Force core competencies and mission areas as they relate to space operations.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
