View source for Space Training and Readiness Command

{{short description|U.S. Space Force education, training, doctrine and test field command}}
{{Distinguish|Starcom: The U.S. Space Force}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Space Training and Readiness Command
| image = Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png
| image_size = 
| caption = Space Training and Readiness Command emblem
| start_date = 23 August 2021 ({{Age in years and months|2021|08|23|df=yes|show unit=full}})<br />''as Space Training and Readiness Command''
----
1 November 1993 ({{Age in years and months|1993|11|1}})<br />''as the Space Warfare Center''<ref name="Lineage" />
| country = {{flagu|United States}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = {{space force|United States}}
| type = [[Field command]]
| role = 
*[[Professional Military Education|Education]]
*[[military training|Training]]
*[[Military doctrine|Doctrine]]
*[[Flight test|Test]]
| size = 800 personnel<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/raymond-new-starcom-will-shape-next-century-space-operations/|title=Raymond: New STARCOM Will 'Shape the Next Century' of Space Operations|date=23 August 2021}}</ref>
| command_structure = 
| current_commander = 
| garrison = [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado, U.S.
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| ceremonial_chief = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment = 
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto =
| colors = {{color box|#7BAFD4}} [[Blue|Cannes Blue]]
| march = 
| mascot = 
| battles = 
| decorations = [[File:AFOEA Streamer.jpg|200px]]<br />[[Organizational Excellence Award|Air Force Organization Excellence Award]]<ref name="Lineage" />
| notable_commanders = 
| anniversaries= 
| website = {{URL|https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/}}
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Flag of the Space Training and Readiness Command.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_label = Flag
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of a United States Space Force major general.svg|size=23px}} [[Major general (United States)|Maj Gen]] [[Timothy Sejba]]
| commander1_label = [[Commander of Space Training and Readiness Command|Commander]]
| commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of a United States Space Force brigadier general.svg|size=23px}} [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brig Gen]] [[Matthew Cantore]]
| commander2_label = Deputy Commander
| commander3 = [[Chief Master Sergeant|CMSgt]] Karmann-Monique Pogue<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Senior-Leaders/Display/Article/3495981/karmann-monique-pogue/ | title=Karmann-Monique Pogue }}</ref>
| commander3_label = Senior Enlisted Leader
}}
'''Space Training and Readiness Command''' ('''STAR Command''' or '''STARCOM''') is the [[United States Space Force]]'s [[Professional Military Education|education]], [[military training|training]], [[Military doctrine|doctrine]], and [[Flight test|test]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=USSF names STARCOM as lead Operational Test Agency |url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3614817/ussf-names-starcom-as-lead-operational-test-agency/ |access-date= |website=Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) |language=en-US}}</ref> [[field command]]. It is headquartered at [[Peterson Space Force Base]], Colorado.<ref name="activation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2742956/space-force-activates-space-training-and-readiness-command/|title=Space Force activates Space Training and Readiness Command|website=United States Space Force|date=23 August 2021 }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter|title=USSF field command structure reduces command layers, focuses on space warfighter needs|website=United States Space Force|date=30 June 2020 |access-date=19 July 2020|archive-date=8 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408005609/https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2242267/ussf-field-command-structure-reduces-command-layers-focuses-on-space-warfighter/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Space Training and Readiness Command was first established on 1 November 1993 as the '''U.S. Air Force Space Warfare Center''' under [[Air Force Space Command]] and simply renamed to the '''Space Warfare Center''' ('''SWC''') on 1 July 1994. On 1 March 2006, the Space Warfare Center was redesignated as the '''Space Innovation and Development Center''' ('''SIDC'''). The Space Innovation and Development Center was inactivated on 1 April 2013 and its responsibilities were transferred to [[Air Combat Command]]'s [[United States Air Force Warfare Center]]. Following the establishment of the U.S. Space Force as an independent service, the [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]] was activated on 24 July 2020 under [[Space Operations Command]] to begin preparing the groundwork for STARCOM's activation as the Space Force's third field command on 23 August 2021.<ref name="activation"/><ref name="Lineage">{{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2886936/space-training-and-readiness-command-ussf/|title=Space Training and Readiness Command (USSF)|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119195507/https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2886936/space-training-and-readiness-command-ussf/|archive-date=January 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>

==History==
===Beginning as the Space Warfare Center===
{{Gallery
| title        = Space Warfare Center groups and squadrons
| align        = center
|width=120
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
|File:USAF - 595th Space Group.png|[[595th Space Group]]
|File:3d Space Experimentation Squadron Patch.jpg|[[3rd Space Experimentation Squadron]]
|File:17th Test Squadron.jpg|[[17th Test Squadron]]
|File:25th Space Range Squadron.png|[[25th Space Range Squadron]]
|File:527th Space Aggressor Squadron.png|[[527th Space Aggressor Squadron]]
|File:576th Flight Test Squadron.jpg|[[576th Flight Test Squadron]]
|File:AF Space Battlelab.png|Air Force Space Battlelab
}}

The U.S. Air Force Space Warfare Center (SWC) was established on 1 November 1993 at [[Falcon Air Force Base]] under [[Air Force Space Command]] to better enhance military space capabilities. On 1 July 1994, its name was simplified to the Space Warfare Center.<ref name="Lineage" /> The Space Warfare Center was created as a direct result of the [[Gulf War]], where U.S. space capabilities were used more than any previous conflict, but post–war analysis indicated potential shortfalls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249281/30th-anniversary-milestone-afspc-space-warfare-center-swc-activated-at-falcon-a/|title=30th Anniversary Milestone: AFSPC Space Warfare Center (SWC) activated at Falcon AFB, Colo|publisher=Air Force Space Command|date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206172630/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249281/30th-anniversary-milestone-afspc-space-warfare-center-swc-activated-at-falcon-a/|archive-date=February 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Space Warfare Center was specifically tasked with integrating space forces with terrestrial forces, including working with the [[Air Force Doctrine Center]] and [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University]] to incorporate space. It was compared with the [[United States Army Air Corps]]' [[Air Corps Tactical School]] in its role and purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0800space/|title = The Fight for Space}}</ref> It also was responsible for integrating air, space, and cyberspace capabilities in wargames and exercises, conducted advanced space training, and oversaw space experiments and the space ranges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249185/30th-anniversary-milestone-space-warfare-center-swc-reredesignated-the-space-in/|title=30th Anniversary Milestone: Space Warfare Center (SWC) reredesignated the Space Innovation and Development Center (SIDC)|publisher=Air Force Space Command|date=March 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417165550/https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/249185/30th-anniversary-milestone-space-warfare-center-swc-reredesignated-the-space-in/|archive-date=April 17, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 July 1995, the [[17th Test Squadron]] was activated to manage Air Force Space Command test programs and placed under the Space Warfare Center.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.53rdwing.af.mil/News/Article/2086074/17th-test-squadron-executes-one-of-a-kind-mission/|title=17th Test Squadron executes one of a kind mission|last=Lovelace|first=Airman Amanda|publisher=50th Space Wing Public Affairs|date=February 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206233042/https://www.53rdwing.af.mil/News/Article/2086074/17th-test-squadron-executes-one-of-a-kind-mission/|archive-date=February 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed by the realignment of the [[576th Flight Test Squadron]], which performed flight testing of the [[LGM-30G Minuteman III]], from the [[30th Operations Group]] to the Space Warfare Center on 22 February 1996. In 1997, the Air Force began standing up a series of [[battlelab]]s to foster innovation across its major commands and functions. The Air Force Space Battlelab was activated on 9 April 1997 and its initial focus was [[space surveillance]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0998labs/|title=From the Battlelabs|last=Grier|first=Peter|work=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|date=September 1, 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030110149/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0998labs/|archive-date=October 30, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 October 2000, the [[527th Space Aggressor Squadron]] was activated as the first [[Aggressor squadron|space aggressor unit]].<ref name="Lineage" />

On 7 April 2000, the Space Warfare Center gained the [[595th Test and Evaluation Group]], which was redesignated as the [[595th Space Group]] on 1 August 2002. The 595th Space Group was originally activated in 1970 under the [[6595th Aerospace Test Wing]] as the 6595th Missile Test Group, before being redesignated as the 6595th Test and Evaluation Group in 1988. Following its activation, the 17th Test Squadron and 576th Flight Test Squadron were realigned under the 595th Space Group. The 527th Space Aggressor Squadron was also realigned on 23 October 2002 and the [[25th Space Control Tactics Squadron]], renamed the [[25th Space Range Squadron]], was activated under it on 1 July 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433963/595-command-and-control-group-afspc|title=595 Command and Control Group (AFSPC)|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208002159/https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433963/595-command-and-control-group-afspc/|archive-date=December 8, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the 2001 Space Commission report, Air Force Space Command established the [[United States Air Force Space Operations School]] on 28 June 2001. It was realigned under the 595th Space Group on 23 October 2002 and renamed to the [[National Security Space Institute]] on 1 October 2004, being realigned directly under [[Air Force Space Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/431968/national-security-space-institute-afspc/|title = National Security Space Institute (AFSPC)}}</ref>

On 1 March 2006, the Space Warfare Center was redesignated as the Space Innovation and Development Center (SIDC). As part of this change, the 25th Space Range Squadron and 527th Space Aggressor Squadron were scheduled to be transferred to [[Air Combat Command]], however only the 527th Space Aggressors Squadron transferred to the [[57th Adversary Tactics Group]]. Instead, the Space Innovation and Development Center activated the [[3rd Space Experimentation Squadron]] on 10 March 2006, assigning it to the 595th Space Group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/252035/whats-in-a-name-swc-becomes-sidc/|title = What's in a name? SWC becomes SIDC}}</ref> Starting in 2006, the Air Force began to move to close all of its battlelabs and on 2 November 2007, the Space Battlelab was inactivated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/251189/space-battlelab-stands-down-after-10-years/|title = Space Battlelab stands down after 10 years}}</ref> This was followed by the 576th Flight Test Group being reassigned to [[Air Force Global Strike Command]] on 1 December 2009, as part of the transfer of missile responsibilities from Space Command to Global Strike Command.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/629069/576th-flight-test-squadron/|title=576th Flight Test Squadron|publisher=Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR|date=August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323022324/https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/629069/576th-flight-test-squadron/|archive-date=March 23, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 April 2013, the Space Innovation and Development Center, along with the 595th Space Group, were inactivated. The 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron was reassigned the [[50th Space Wing]]. The remaining units were transferred to [[Air Combat Command]], with the 17th Test Squadron becoming part of the [[53rd Wing|53rd Test Management Group]] and the 25th Space Range Squadron becoming part of the [[Nevada Test and Training Range (military unit)|Nevada Test and Training Range]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/947127/schriever-a-brief-history/|title = Schriever: A brief history}}</ref>

===Resurrection as Space Training and Readiness Command===
[[File:Space Force activates Space Training and Readiness Command 210823-F-CG053-1492.jpg|thumb|STARCOM activation ceremony on 23 August 2021]]

The first mention of STARCOM during planning for the Space Force was in a 18 March 2019 briefing given by Task Force Tango, a planning group within Air Force Space Command and its mission was finalized later that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2924010/qa-meet-starcoms-first-historian/|title=Q&A: Meet STARCOM's First Historian|publisher=Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)|date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206232758/https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2924010/qa-meet-starcoms-first-historian/|archive-date=February 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, the Space Training and Readiness Command Task Force was created, with [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brigadier General]] [[Shawn Bratton]], an [[Air National Guard]] officer, serving as planning lead and Chief Master Sergeant James P. Seballes senior enlisted leader.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-to-establish-new-command-in-colorado-focused-on-training-and-education/|title=Space Force to establish new command in Colorado focused on training and education|date=20 August 2021}}</ref><ref name=Sabellas>{{cite web|url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/Documents/STARCOM%20SEL%20Bio%20-%20CMSgt%20Seballes%20FINAL.pdf?ver=nvDFVqUnVbu6WYhpjJp81Q%3d%3d|title=Chief Master Sergeant James P. Seballes|publisher=[[United States Space Force]]|date=August 2021|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206030752/https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/Documents/STARCOM%20SEL%20Bio%20-%20CMSgt%20Seballes%20FINAL.pdf?ver=nvDFVqUnVbu6WYhpjJp81Q%3D%3D|archive-date=February 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

The creation of STARCOM was announced on 30 June 2020 as one of three [[field command]]s in the Space Force. It was scheduled to be activated in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/space-force-finalizes-organizational-changes/|title=Space Force Finalizes Organizational Changes|date=30 June 2020|access-date=19 July 2020|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716130519/https://www.airforcemag.com/space-force-finalizes-organizational-changes/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the interim, the [[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]] was activated on 24 July 2020 under [[Space Operations Command]] to consolidate the various space training and education units from the [[United States Air Force]] that was realigned to the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/760898/ussf-virtual-activation-deactivation-ceremonies|title=USSF Virtual Activation & Deactivation Ceremonies|website=DVIDS|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818035855/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/760898/ussf-virtual-activation-deactivation-ceremonies|url-status=live}}</ref> Reporting to [[Space Operations Command]], STAR Delta (P) served as the precursor organization to STARCOM while its establishment was still being planned.

On 23 August 2021, STARCOM was activated as the Space Force's first field command following the inactivation of STAR Delta (P). Brigadier General Shawn Bratton took command as the first commander of STARCOM and Chief Master Sergeant Seballes became its first senior enlisted leader. Following the activation of STARCOM, five subordinate [[Delta (U.S. Space Force)|delta]]s were also activated that serves as the main structure of the new field command. [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] Peter J. Flores, who served as STAR Delta (P) commander, took command of [[Space Delta 12]]. The field command's headquarters is temporarily located at [[Peterson Space Force Base]] while its permanent headquarters will be selected following a base selection process.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="activation"/>

In May 2023, the Department of the Air Force announced that Space Training and Readiness Command's permanent home would be Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. It also announced that Space Delta 10 would also be moving from the U.S. Air Force Academy to Patrick SFB, Space Delta 11 would move from Schriever SFB to Kirtland Air Force Base, and that Space Delta 12 would stay at Schriever SFB.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/31/florida-chosen-preferred-location-space-force-training-command.html | title=Space Force's STARCOM HQ Preferred Location is Florida Base, Service Says | date=31 May 2023 }}</ref>

==Symbolism==
{{Gallery
| title        = Emblems of Space Training and Readiness Command and its predecessors
| align        = center
|width=140
| captionstyle = text-align:center;
|File:Space Training and Readiness Command emblem.png|Space Training and Readiness Command (2021–present)
|File:Emblem of STAR Delta (P).svg|[[Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)]] (2020–2021)
|File:Space Innovation and Development Center.png|Space Innovation and Development Center and Space Warfare Center (1993–2013)
}}

[[Polaris]] symbolizes the guiding light of security and defending the space domain. This is the same star from the [[Space Force Delta|USSF logo]]. The delta is taken from the [[Seal of the United States Space Force|USSF Seal]]; the Delta evokes historic ties to the earliest days of the U.S. Air Force space community, and symbolizes change and innovation. The dark and light shades of grey within the delta embody the 24/7 operations of the Space Force, while the placement and upward orientation of the delta reveals the central role of the Space Force in defending the space domain. The handle of the bow is made from lightning in homage to the Space Warfare Center and Space Innovation and Development Center's historic work to bring space to the fight in the [[naval warfare|sea]], [[aerial warfare|air]] and [[ground warfare|land]] domains, and linking the same to STARCOM's new role of developing and fielding forces to fight and win in the [[space warfare|space domain]]. The constellations of [[Noctua (constellation)|Noctua]] and [[Sagitta]] represent [[Athena]], the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War. Noctua, Latin for owl, is a constellation which represents STARCOM's wisdom in training, and Saggita, Latin for arrow, represents STARCOM's constant readiness.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Who-We-Are/ |website=www.starcom.spaceforce.mil |publisher=United States Space Force |access-date=7 February 2022}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/814043/space-training-and-readiness-command-emblem-explainer|title = Space Training and Readiness Command Emblem Explainer}}</ref>

== Structure ==
STARCOM is composed of five [[Delta (U.S. Space Force)|delta]]s activated following the activation of the field command. [[Space Delta 1]] is located at [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], [[California]], while the other deltas have to undergo a permanent base selection process.<ref name="activation"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/How-we-Do-It/|title=How We Do It|website=www.starcom.spaceforce.mil}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Delta
!Function
!Headquarters
!Current Commander
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 1 emblem.png|50px]] || [[Space Delta 1]] || [[Military education and training|Space training]] || [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]], [[California]] || Col Jason N. Schramm
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 10 emblem.png|50px]] || [[Space Delta 10]] || Space [[Military doctrine|doctrine]] and [[Military wargaming|wargaming]] || [[United States Air Force Academy]], Colorado* || Col Jack D. Fulmer II
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 11 emblem.png|50px]] || [[Space Delta 11]] || [[Aggressor squadron|Space range and aggressor]] || [[Schriever Space Force Base]], Colorado*  || Col Jay M. Steingold
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 12 emblem.png|50px]] || [[Space Delta 12]] || [[Independent test organization|Space test and evaluation]] || 	Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado* || Col E. Lincoln Bonner III
|-
| [[File:Space Delta 13 emblem.png|50px]] || [[Space Delta 13]] || [[Military education and training|Space education]] || [[Maxwell Air Force Base]], [[Alabama]]* || Col Niki J. Lindhorst
|-
|}

== List of commanders ==
{{Main|Leadership of Space Training and Readiness Command}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}}
! colspan=2| Commander
! colspan=3| Term
|-
! Portrait
! Name
! Took office
! Left office
! Term length
|-
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 1
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Maj Gen Shawn N. Bratton.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Shawn Bratton]]
| officeholder_sort = Bratton, Shawn N.
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 23 August 2021
| term_end          = 20 July 2023
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|23 August 2021|20 July 2023}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 2
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Maj Gen Timothy A. Sejba.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Timothy Sejba]]
| officeholder_sort = Sejba, Timothy
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 20 July 2023
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|20 July 2023}}
}}
|}

==See also==
* [[United States Air Force Academy]]
* [[Space Flag]]
'''U.S. Armed Forces training and education commands'''
* [[United States Army Training and Doctrine Command|Army Training and Doctrine Command]]
* [[United States Marine Corps Training and Education Command|Marine Corps Training and Education Command]]
* [[Naval Education and Training Command]]
* [[Air Education and Training Command]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}

{{United States Space Force}}
{{USAF Space Command}}

[[Category:Field commands of the United States Space Force]]
[[Category:Military education and training in the United States]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1993]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2021]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Space warfare]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Colorado]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:Satellite operators]]