New Commander of U.S. Space Command Vows To Create ‘Space Warfighting Culture’

Aug. 21, 2020 (EIRNS)—U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson was installed, yesterday, as commander of U.S. Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado, in a ceremony presided over by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. Dickinson left no doubt in his remarks during the ceremony that he views Space Command as a warfighting command. “To be clear, our objective is to deter conflict,” he said. “However, should deterrence fail, our imperative is clear. We will win. To do so, we will require a space warfighting culture that permeates the entire command,” he continued. “My pledge to you is that my focus on a commander will be developing, nurturing, and embracing a space warfighting culture.”

Esper echoed Dickinson, saying the United States is the dominant space power” and the gains we possess are being threatened.” China and Russia are the most concerning adversaries because of their advanced anti-satellite weapons, said Esper. “Our competitors are seeking new ways to exploit our systems and undermine our military advantage.” Just like air, land and sea, “space power will be essential to any future conflict,” said Esper.