Trump says he’s directing Pentagon to create a new ‘space force’

[Thomas]

Yeah I know having Trump suggest anything makes it sound dubious at best. But seeing how vital space is to the US military and NATO, it isn't the worst idea to split the mission off to its own service.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/06/18/trump-says-hes-directing-pentagon-to-create-a-new-space-force/?utm_term=.cc85a94c5e31

[Jason]

Do they have sweet laser guns?

[Adam]

I took my son to see Solo on Saturday. I really enjoyed it. I was a bit surprised. I think it's better than either Force Awakens or Last Jedi

[arch stanton]

I tend to agree with the generals who oppose it because it creates unnecessary additional costs which our defense budget doesn't need and I'll go out on a limb and say they would try to allow private entities too much authority and influence in the operations

[Pujols4MVP]

The name for that Space Force: Storm Trumpers.

[Thomas]

26 minutes ago, arch stanton said:

I tend to agree with the generals who oppose it because it creates unnecessary additional costs which our defense budget doesn't need and I'll go out on a limb and say they would try to allow private entities too much authority and influence in the operations

Private entities having too much influence in the Air Force? That's unpossible!. The problem is though is that the goals of space command and the air force as a whole are quickly diverging. What is best for the Air Force isn't necessarily best for space command as they are two completely separate missions. In fifty years this will be the case ten-fold.

[well_red]

the batteries in trump's remote must've died last night and star wars was on.  

[UndertheHalo]

When’s trump going to release the secret alien files and unleash hysteria ?

[Thomas]

4 minutes ago, UndertheHalo said:

When’s trump going to release the secret alien files and unleash hysteria ?

They slightly modified this plan to maximize the toxic effect and hatred among the populace. The result?

[Jason]

9 minutes ago, UndertheHalo said:

When’s trump going to release the secret alien files and unleash hysteria ?

If any president would do it, it would be him

[nate]

2 hours ago, Thomas said:

Yeah I know having Trump suggest anything makes it sound dubious at best. But seeing how vital space is to the US military and NATO, it isn't the worst idea to split the mission off to its own service.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/06/18/trump-says-hes-directing-pentagon-to-create-a-new-space-force/?utm_term=.cc85a94c5e31

I just worry that it means spending even more on our defense budget.  I do think we need to give NASA a lot more money, but more for research than militarization.

Since we already have a Space Force in all but name anyway, this probably isn't a big deal.

[Thomas]

2 minutes ago, nate said:

I just worry that it means spending even more on our defense budget.  I do think we need to give NASA a lot more money, but more for research than militarization.

Since we already have a Space Force in all but name anyway, this probably isn't a big deal.

This wouldn't really be about NASA at all. It's just giving Space Command a bigger voice in the Pentagon. Clearly judging by the comments out there today on the interwebs roughly 98% of the populace didn't even know it existed. Can't say I did before it became part of my job. 

[nate]

1 minute ago, Thomas said:

This wouldn't really be about NASA at all. It's just giving Space Command a bigger voice in the Pentagon. Clearly judging by the comments out there today on the interwebs roughly 98% of the populace didn't even know it existed. Can't say I did before it became part of my job. 

Yeah, I know.  I didn't word my post well but basically what I was saying is if there were more money pumped into space I would prefer NASA over the Air Force/Space Force.

But like you said, it already existed, this just makes it more official.  But more bureaucracy, because let's be honest, our government loves it and there is no way this doesn't create more, means more spending.

Also, since China and India's space programs have really taken off, it makes sense for there to be an official wing in our government.

 

[Thomas]

6 minutes ago, nate said:

But like you said, it already existed, this just makes it more official.  But more bureaucracy, because let's be honest, our government loves it and there is no way this doesn't create more, means more spending.

Optimist: More direct accountability.
Pessimist: More bureaucracy. 

Probably right to be pessimistic. But in principal elevating Space Command "feels" right.

6 minutes ago, nate said:

Also, since China and India's space programs have really taken off, it makes sense for there to be an official wing in our government.

The most valid argument is the politics of having an official military branch for space. We kind of signed a treaty not to militarize space.  So it's a thing. But it's been so widely disregarded that what are you going to do? The GPS constellation alone is practically worth its own service. It's THAT important. 

[Thomas]

5 minutes ago, Thomas said:

But in principal

 

[Blarg]

Star Wars Defense was my idea first.

[nate]

As it turns out, the President doesn't have the power to do this, lol.

[Adam]

Shit man, Trump is making a run at the dungeons and dragons crowd for 2020. If he can figure out a way to throw some pussy at them, it's over. 

[Rico]

Rico's Roughnecks might become a reality!

[Jason]

58 minutes ago, Rico said:

Rico's Roughnecks might become a reality!

I'm afraid many here may not get the reference. Nice job though

[nate]

[UndertheHalo]

59 minutes ago, Jason said:

I'm afraid many here may not get the reference. Nice job though

It’s very important reading.  A lot of pretty out there social science ideas.  Listed as recommended reading at Westpoint.

Edited June 19, 2018 by UndertheHalo

[Kevin]

[gotbeer]

4 hours ago, Jason said:

I'm afraid many here may not get the reference. Nice job though

 

[Vegas Halo Fan]

On 6/18/2018 at 11:42 AM, arch stanton said:

I tend to agree with the generals who oppose it because it creates unnecessary additional costs which our defense budget doesn't need and I'll go out on a limb and say they would try to allow private entities too much authority and influence in the operations

Odds are that Trump has billionaire buddies who have been working on pie-in-the-sky ideas that they want to sell to the government.