Space Professional Strategy

This thesis defines why and how the current Air Force Space Professional Strategy (2003) should require the Air Force personnel, promotion, and assignment system to change in order to reverse a decline in US NSS performance. The following explores the development of Air Force space culture and how recent changes have led to several unintended consequences that continue to challenge Space Cadre excellence. Also under examination are personnel trends in the Air Force and a discussion of why current Air Force personnel policies degrade NSS performance. Both the culture and personnel trends have driven large cost overruns and schedule delays in acquisition programs and these performance issues are the reasons why the Air Force personnel, promotion, and assignment system for the Space Cadre must be changed. Finally, concepts for an alternative Air Force Space Cadre personnel, promotion and assignment system are presented which will increase force motivation, retention, and performance. Two professional career tracks are proposed which will build requisite depth and breadth in a cadre of space experts and leaders for tomorrow's Air Force. Cadre members developed along these tracks will eventually reverse the pattern of NSS performance in delivering late and over budgeted space systems and also ensure the success of our nation's future space activities.