One Small Step for Space Acquisition Doctrine
Recommendation 1: Update to Space Force Doctrine Hierarchy
As stated in the introduction, the Space Force desires to build a Warfighter mentality and culture whereby all Guardians feel connected to these beliefs. Evidence has proved that sufficient best practices exist across the DoD to inform the creation of acquisition doctrine. As a start, the Space Force should consider classifying acquisition as its own category of doctrine, not as a point of departure from traditional Joint doctrine culture but to trailblaze this new view of acquisition. Since acquisition forms a foundation for military operations involving the development and procurement of weapons, systems, and equipment crucial for warfighting, it is imperative to categorize them under a distinct classification that defines this relationship. Furthermore, acquisition informs doctrine from the top down and the bottom up. For example, planning is impacted by the delivery timing of new capabilities, just as tactics will be dictated by the inventory of existing, procured weapon systems. Introducing acquisition as a new Cornerstone doctrine category, Figure 25 depicts the proposed Space Force doctrine hierarchy update. This doctrinal level has no arrows to indicate flow—it merely represents its foundational nature.
FIGURE 25. PROPOSED DOCTRINE HIERARCHY UPDATE
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
Cornerstone
Acquisition
Note. EMS Ops = Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations; SDP = Space Doctrine Publication.
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Defense ARJ, Summer 2025, Vol. 32 No. 2: 132—193
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