In this episode, Peter Garretson meets with General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations (CSO) for the United States Space Force. They discuss the role of CSO within the broader space ecosystem, and the opportunities and threats that occupy his thoughts. They examine the changes in the space domain, and how to respond to a contested domain. They touch on 'theories of success' and 'theories of victory.' Gen Saltzman discusses "Competitive Endurance" and its tenets of: 1) avoiding operational surprise; 2) denying first-mover advantage; and 3) responsible counterspace campaigning. They go in-depth on counterspace campaigning and its relationship to deterrence, integrated campaigning, and implications for the security dilemma. They delve into how adversary space systems now have the capability to enable targeting of U.S. forces. Followed by a discussion on offense and defense, its meaning, how technology has shifted the balance in military history, and in the space domain. They converse about what the concept of 'denying first mover advantage' means and what it does not, and its relationship to deterrence and stability. They go over the USSF mission statement and just what it means to 'Protect the interests of the United States in Space" as enshrined in US Code Title X. They discuss requirement to access, control and exploit space his three lines of effort (LOEs): 1) Fielding Combat Ready Forces; 2) Amplifying the Guardian Spirit; and 3) Partnering to Win. Gen Saltzman ends with a message to junior Guardians and a powerful recruiting message to join the Space Force.

Gen Saltzman's Bio

About Space Force 

THREAT & TRENDS

NASIC Competing in Space

DIA Challenges to Security in Space 

Space Futures Workshop: The Future of Space 2060

Space Futures Workshop: Commercial Planning Assumptions

THEORY OF SUCCESS, COMPETITIVE ENDURANCE & TENANTS

2023 AFA Warfare Keynote "Guardians in the Fight" (TRANSCRIPT)

2023 AFA Warfare Keynote "Guardians in the Fight" (VIDEO)

CSIS Theory of Success: A Conversation with General Saltzman

CSO C-Notes and Priorities:

LOE #1 Field Combat-ready Forces (C-Note 1)

LOE #2, Amplify the Guardian Spirit (C-Note 2)

LOE #3 Partnering to Win (C-Note 5)

All 3 LOE's together

SPACE FORCE DOCTRINE

USSF STARCOM Doctrine Page & Digital Library (more up to date)

Space Capstone Publication: Spacepower: Doctrine for Space Forces

SDP 5.0 Planning (discusses competition continuum)

SDP 3.0 Operations (discussed competition continuum)

SDP 2.0 Intelligence

SDP 4.0 Sustainment

USSF Recruiting / Joint USSF: 

How to Join Space Force

Space Force via USAF Academy

Space Force ROTC

Enlist in Space Force