This monograph examines the factors that led to the stand-up of an independent United States Air Force in 1947 and the factors that influenced the development of the United States' space force. In the wake of President Donald J. Trump's order to stand up a Space Force as a sixth armed service, this monograph will contrast the formation of the Air Force and the current United States space forces to determine if the potential military Space Force has met the same milestones experienced by the independent US Air Force. It will also offer recommendations for the US government to enact prior to establishing an independent Space Force.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)