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Acquisition best practices across the DoD were evaluated through a comprehensive survey of 45 individuals with varying experience and exposure across multiple acquisition organizations. The study results were then used to create the blueprint for Space Force acquisition doctrine to bridge the gap between institutional knowledge and Service- wide acquisition professionalism. This acquisition doctrine document will serve as the baseline knowledge for the acquisition community and equip Guardians for success regardless of experience level or which organization they serve. This study aimed to answer the following research questions: 1. What acquisition best practices are prevalent across the DoD that can either codify existing space acquisition policy or improve the body of knowledge? 2. How can these best practices be used as a blueprint to introduce acquisition as a new level of the Space Force doctrine hierarchy? The author hypothesized that ample institutional “best practice” knowledge exists across the DoD to inform the development of the Space Force’s first acquisition doctrine. Literature Review Space Force Doctrine According to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 5120.02, “doctrine consists of fundamental principles that guide the employment of the Armed Forces of the United States in unified action to achieve unity of effort” (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2020). The Space Force maintains consistency by adhering to this exact definition (Space Training and Readiness Command, n.d.-b). As multiple sources will agree, doctrine is authoritative but not directive. A commander possesses the discretion to diverge from established doctrine under certain conditions, as it is not meant to be inflexible dogma. Furthermore, the Space Force recognizes doctrine as the framework for organizing and employing forces, embodying the agreed-upon and relevant best practices. It is underpinned by history, analysis, and debate, serving as the language of the profession (Space Training and Readiness Command, n.d.-b). As one would expect, Joint and Service-level doctrines align
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Defense ARJ, Summer 2025, Vol. 32 No. 2: 132—193
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