One Small Step for Space Acquisition Doctrine
in many ways, specifically how they are organized (by function) and their hierarchy. The Space Force breaks down doctrine into four main categories: Capstone, Keystone, Operational, and Tactical (Figure 3). The first two categories, Capstone and Keystone, align with the Joint hierarchy but vary slightly in that the Space Force calls the next level Operational while the Joint Force calls it Core (Space Training and Readiness Command, n.d.-a). The Space Force aligns its numbering scheme with the Joint publications but deviates slightly regarding its numbering of operational- level doctrine. The objective is not to highlight minor discrepancies or differences in doctrine among the individual Services and the Joint Force. Instead, this flexibility allows Services to make necessary deviations, underscoring the need for reevaluating and possibly introducing new doctrinal levels.
FIGURE 3. SPACE FORCE DOCTRINE HIERARCHY
Capstone
Space Capstone Publication
Mission Command SDP 6-0
Keystone
Personnel SDP 1-0
Intelligence SDP 2-0
Operations SDP 3-0
Sustainment SDP 4-0
Planning SDP 5-0
Space Domain Awareness
Mission Planning
Information Operations
Missile Warning
EMS Ops Warfare
Targeting
Operational
Gray boxes identify doctrine publications currently in development.
Tactical Doctrine
Note. EMS Ops = Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations; SDP = Space Doctrine Publication.
Doctrine–A Different Perspective The curriculum for professional military education encompasses diverse subjects, including theories of warfare, international relations, modern Joint warfighting, and strategy. At the Space Force’s school at Johns Hopkins University, the most influential lesson relevant to this study was doctrine as described by retired Air Force Major General I. B. Holley, Jr. In his book, Technology and Military Doctrine: Essays on a Challenging Relationship , he identifies doctrine as critical to an officer’s development (Holley, 2004). In his introduction, he distills his 30 years of experience into a series of essays, which can be divided into several themes.
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Defense ARJ, Summer 2025, Vol. 32 No. 2: 132—193
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