Space Force Adds Unit Tying Acquisition to Test and Training

The Space Force is launching a new unit to manage acquisition projects for training and test infrastructure.

Space Systems Command stood up System Delta 81 on Sept. 9 to partner with both Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command to help them acquire test and training infrastructure.  

“The efforts across SYD 81 will ensure our Guardians are equipped with the right tools, able to validate capabilities and enhance combat effectiveness,” said Col. Corey Klopstein, the new delta’s commander. 

System Delta 81 is the fourth system delta established by SSC, which announced two such units in July and another in August, with still more planned before the end of the year. The first system deltas aligned with mission deltas at Space Operations Command. But SYD 81 is the first that will be working not just with SpOC, but also with deltas at Space Training and Readiness Command, which are responsible for testing, training, doctrine, wargaming, training ranges, and aggressor training for the entire Space Force. 

“Our mission in SYD 81 is to build and field capabilities so Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Operations Command can successfully meet their readiness needs,” Klopstein said. 

The tie between acquisition and training is especially important as Space Force leaders push for more advanced training tools.

STARCOM has led the Operation Test and Training Infrastructure initiative, with full-throated backing from Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, who cited the need for new training equipment as one of his top priorities coming into the job. 

A high-fidelity simulated training environment, where Guardians at different locations can train against realistic threats scenarios, is one clear priority former STARCOM boss Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba said in July.

So is the potential to launch operating satellites for training in orbit so Guardians can get more real-world training, Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Shawn W. Bratton said back in 2023, when he commanded STARCOM.  

In a release, SSC said the new system delta will also support the “underlying infrastructure to connect and integrate test and training events” and “the rapid delivery of products and services to support wargames and exercises.” 

The Space Force is increasingly aligning efforts along mission lines, like missile defense, rather than functional lines, such as intelligence or acquisition. The goal is to minimize gaps and duplication of effort. 

Todd Harrison, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute, has proposed going even further, recommending in a paper earlier this year that the Space Force revise its field command structure to focus on mission sets rather than functions, as they do now, with one each dedicated to operations, training, and acquisition. But don’t bet on that happening any time soon.

SSC said in its release that “the SYD stand-ups do not change the core missions of SSC or other field commands. USSF’s field command structure … remains the same.”