Space Force Needs to Double in Size

Top Enlisted Leader Says it "is a National Security Necessity"

A Vulcan rocket carrying the USSF-87 mission successfully launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Feb. 12, 2026. The USSF-87 mission delivers advanced national security payloads to orbit, enhancing space domain awareness and strengthening the resiliency of space-based capabilities critical to joint war fighting operations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Becker) - The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

From the article:

Space Force officials warn that the service’s current force is too small to meet growing national security demands.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna told the Senate Armed Services Committee last week that while “achieving a force of just over 10,000 uniformed guardians in 2025 was a landmark milestone, it is insufficient for the missions we have been assigned.”

“To confront the threats of today and tomorrow, doubling the size of the United States Space Force is a national security necessity,” Bentivegna told lawmakers on Feb. 12 during a congressional hearing on service member and family quality of life.

Click here to read more from the article by Anastasia Obis at Federal News Network.