Space Force and Crisis Management: Insights from the Mike Schriever Event

The establishment of the United States Space Force in December 2019 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. military. As the sixth branch of the armed forces, the Space Force is tasked with organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. The Mike Schriever Event, a critical crisis management simulation held in early 2023, provided valuable insights into the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of the Space Force. This article delves into the details of the event, examining its implications for space defense and crisis management.

The Mike Schriever Event: An Overview

The Mike Schriever Event, named after General Bernard A. Schriever, a key figure in the development of the United States' ballistic missile and space programs, was a large-scale simulation exercise conducted by the Space Force. The event took place at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, a location named in honor of the general. This exercise was designed to test the Space Force's ability to respond to a hypothetical crisis involving multiple threats in space, ranging from satellite collisions to cyber-attacks on space-based assets.

The event brought together personnel from various branches of the military, as well as representatives from NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and private space industry partners. The collaborative approach was intended to simulate real-world conditions where multiple stakeholders would need to coordinate their efforts in the event of a crisis.

Scenario and Objectives

The fictional scenario of the Mike Schriever Event involved a sudden and unprovoked attack on U.S. satellites by an adversarial nation. This nation, equipped with advanced anti-satellite (ASAT) technology, launched a series of attacks aimed at crippling U.S. communication, navigation, and intelligence-gathering capabilities in space. The scenario also included cyber-attacks targeting ground-based control systems and efforts to jam satellite signals.

The primary objectives of the exercise were to test the Space Force's ability to:

• Rapidly detect and attribute the source of the attack.
• Coordinate a defense response across multiple domains, including cyber and electronic warfare.
• Maintain operational continuity of space-based assets and services.
• Work collaboratively with international allies and private sector partners.
• Implement contingency plans to mitigate the impact on civilian and military operations.

Key Players and Roles

General John W. "Jay" Raymond, the Chief of Space Operations, played a pivotal role in the Mike Schriever Event. As the highest-ranking officer in the Space Force, General Raymond was responsible for overseeing the execution of the exercise and ensuring that the objectives were met. His leadership was instrumental in fostering collaboration among the various participants and ensuring that the exercise remained focused on its core goals.

Major General Stephen Whiting, Commander of the Space Operations Command, was tasked with leading the operational response. His team was responsible for coordinating the efforts of space operators, cyber specialists, and intelligence analysts to develop a comprehensive defense strategy. Major General Whiting emphasized the importance of agility and adaptability in responding to rapidly evolving threats in the space domain.

Representatives from NASA, the NRO, and private sector companies such as SpaceX and Lockheed Martin played critical roles in the exercise. Their expertise in space technology and operations was invaluable in developing realistic scenarios and testing the interoperability of different systems. The involvement of these partners highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in space defense.

Challenges and Solutions

The Mike Schriever Event presented several challenges that tested the Space Force's crisis management capabilities. One of the primary challenges was the detection and attribution of the initial attack. In the scenario, the adversary employed sophisticated techniques to conceal the origin of the attack, making it difficult to determine the responsible party. The Space Force relied on advanced space-based sensors and intelligence-sharing partnerships to identify the source of the threat accurately.

Another challenge was the coordination of a multi-domain defense response. The exercise required seamless integration of space, cyber, and electronic warfare operations to counter the adversary's actions effectively. The Space Force utilized cutting-edge command and control systems to facilitate real-time communication and decision-making among the various stakeholders. This approach enabled the rapid deployment of countermeasures and minimized the impact of the attack on critical space-based assets.

The exercise also highlighted the importance of maintaining operational continuity in the face of a crisis. The Space Force implemented contingency plans to reroute communication and navigation services through unaffected satellites, ensuring that military and civilian operations could continue with minimal disruption. This demonstrated the resilience of the U.S. space architecture and its ability to withstand and recover from attacks.

Lessons Learned

The Mike Schriever Event provided several valuable lessons for the Space Force and its partners. One of the most significant takeaways was the importance of early detection and rapid response. The ability to quickly identify and attribute an attack is crucial in minimizing its impact and preventing further escalation. The exercise underscored the need for continuous investment in advanced sensors and intelligence-gathering capabilities to enhance situational awareness in space.

The event also highlighted the necessity of multi-domain integration in modern warfare. The successful coordination of space, cyber, and electronic warfare operations demonstrated the value of a holistic approach to defense. The Space Force's ability to leverage capabilities across different domains was instrumental in neutralizing the threat and maintaining operational continuity.

Furthermore, the exercise reinforced the importance of collaboration among government agencies, international allies, and private sector partners. The complex nature of space threats requires a collective effort to develop effective solutions. The involvement of diverse stakeholders in the Mike Schriever Event demonstrated the benefits of sharing expertise, resources, and information to enhance overall security.

Implications for the Future

The insights gained from the Mike Schriever Event have significant implications for the future of the Space Force and space defense. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, the ability to manage crises effectively will be critical in safeguarding U.S. interests and maintaining strategic stability. The lessons learned from the exercise will inform the development of future strategies, capabilities, and partnerships.

The Space Force is likely to continue investing in advanced technologies to enhance its detection and response capabilities. This includes the development of new sensors, artificial intelligence systems, and command and control infrastructure to improve situational awareness and decision-making. Additionally, the Space Force will prioritize the integration of multi-domain operations to ensure a comprehensive defense posture.

Collaboration will remain a key focus for the Space Force. Strengthening partnerships with international allies and private sector companies will be essential in addressing the evolving challenges of space defense. The Mike Schriever Event demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach, and the Space Force is expected to build on this foundation to enhance global security in the space domain.

Conclusion

The Mike Schriever Event was a pivotal exercise that tested the crisis management capabilities of the United States Space Force. The insights gained from the event will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space defense and ensuring the continued security of U.S. and allied interests in space. As the space domain becomes more complex and contested, the lessons learned from this exercise will guide the Space Force in developing effective strategies and capabilities to address emerging threats. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, the Space Force is poised to meet the challenges of the future and uphold its mission to protect and defend the space frontier.

Back to Subject

PLEASE READ:
Immediate Demand to End Covert Psychological and Electromagnetic Targeting Programs