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What Happens At: SSC MindGym

Saturday, April 4th, 2026

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. —

In today’s contested and increasingly complex operational environment, the concept of “lethality” is expanding beyond the physical realm of weaponry and into the cognitive domain. Space Systems Command (SSC) is investing in the mental readiness of its warfighters through MindGym, an innovative, science-backed training capability designed to sharpen focus, accelerate recovery, and strengthen the mental edge essential for lethality and dominance in space operations.

“MindGym was conceived to equip our Guardians and Airmen with neuroscience-backed tools to unlock peak mental performance,” said Mr. Colin Lim, the Licensed Mental Health Provider on the Guardian Resilience Team at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

According to Lim, just a few sessions on MindGym can reduce reaction times under stress by some 29% and boost mood by up to 46%. These results stem from MindGym’s powerful fusion of neuroscience, cutting-edge technology, and immersive art in a fully self-guided pod that lets users train their minds with the same deliberate intensity and rigor as physical conditioning.

At its core, MindGym harnesses neuroplasticity, the brain’s lifelong ability to reorganize neuronal pathways, strengthen connections, and adapt in response to targeted experiences and training. Through controlled sensory isolation, dynamic light patterns, reflection, and therapeutic sound, MindGym creates an optimal environment to regulate the nervous system, cultivate deep focus, reduce cognitive overload, and forge lasting mental muscle memory. This isn’t just optional wellness training: it’s the decisive edge that elevates capable operators into unstoppable forces.

“You can think of it as a flight simulator for the mind,” said Lim. Sessions orient users to the present moment, quiet mental noise, and reinforce a high-performance mindset, turning reactive stress into proactive resilience that transforms potential burnout into sustained mission dominance.

With a repeatable, measurable approach, users gain optimized mental performance, enhanced focus, superior stress recovery, and the ability to thrive under pressure. By proactively training resilience, not just reacting to fatigue, MindGym combats cognitive fatigue across demanding operational tempos, delivering fast stress recovery, sharper clarity—even under pressure—and enduring cognitive readiness.

Sessions are efficient (10-20 minutes), accessible, and seamlessly integrate into the duty day or workout at the gym. Guided audio cues pair with immersive light and sound to reset, recover, recharge, and elevate cognitive sharpness without disrupting missions.

MindGym is deployed across nearly 40 installations worldwide, supporting Air Force, Space Force, Army National Guard, and Joint Force units. Deployments span major commands including Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Guard and Reserve units. Notable installations include Hill Air Force Base (Flightline), Barksdale Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

For SSC, MindGym is available to Active-Duty Service Members, civilians, contractors, family dependents, and others with base access to Los Angeles Air Force Base, Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, and Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Getting started is intentionally effortless: Eligible participants can create an account directly at the MindGym kiosk in minutes, then access it as often as desired. Schedule at www.lumenalabs.com/booking.

New and returning users are invited to join the Mental Edge Challenge, a structured 30-day program with guided sessions to build habits and track real, measurable impact. lumenalabs.com/30daychallenge.

As SSC spearheads warfighting capabilities at speed and scale, elite mental training is as critical as physical readiness. MindGym delivers a proven, science-driven path to train focus, recovery, and resilience, ensuring Space Force and SSC personnel are mentally primed to operate, decide, and lead when it matters most.

By Linda Rivera, SSC Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Space | No Comments »

Fortastra Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Development of Mission-Ready Space Systems

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Industry Veterans from Relativity Space, Hermeus, Astrion and Divergent Join to Elevate Engineering, Product, and Organizational Growth

LOS ANGELES, CA., — April 2, 2026 — FortastraCorporation, a developer of advanced space systems supporting national security and commercial missions, today announced the appointment of Josh Jetter, Sahil Desai and Arnold Nowinski to its leadership team. These new hires strengthen Fortastra’s engineering, product, and organizational capabilities as the company continues scaling to support modern space infrastructure operations.

Josh Jetter will take on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Fortastra, where he will spearhead the company’s engineering organization across design, manufacturing, integration and operations. Jetter brings top-level experience building advanced aerospace systems across both startup and traditional ecosystems. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Avionics Engineering and Manufacturing at Relativity Space, and as Director of Engineering at Impossible Aerospace. Earlier, he held engineering leadership roles at Momentus Space, contributed to hardware development for Starlink at SpaceX, and supported multiple space systems programs at Sandia National Laboratories. At Fortastra, Jetter will work closely with customers to align product roadmaps with evolving technical requirements and mission needs.

Sahil Desai joins Fortastra as Vice President of Product, where he will head up product strategy and growth to ensure Fortastra’s technology delivers mission-ready capabilities for defense and commercial partners. Desai started his career as an Intelligence Community Officer supporting national security initiatives. He later served as Director of Programs at Hermeus Corporation, teaming up with Fortastra CEO Mike Smayda, where he established the company’s program management function and helped secure key hypersonics contracts. Most recently, as Vice President of Aerospace and Defense Programs at Divergent Technologies, Desai helped scale the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies in defense technology environments.

Arnold Nowinski joins Fortastra as Vice President of People, bringing more than 25 years of experience supporting commercial, civil, and Department of Defense programs. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of the Space Launch and Sciences business unit at Astrion, where he staffed and led a team of more than 250 engineers and scientists across multiple NASA and U.S. Space Force programs. Arnold also spent time developing the flight safety system for Falcon 1 at SpaceX. Earlier in his career, he served as a developmental engineer in the United States Air Force, assisting in research and development at the Air Force Research Laboratory and mission assurance of National Security Space launches.

“Fortastra is building technology that will define the next era of space operations and achieving that vision demands leaders from across disciplines and industries,” said Mike Smayda, CEO of Fortastra. “Josh, Sahil, and Arnold bring world-class experience spanning engineering, product strategy, and organizational leadership from some of the most demanding and innovative sectors. This diversity of expertise provides a unique advantage as we continue developing mission-critical systems for our government and commercial partners.”

“I’ve spent my career building aerospace systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible and am thrilled to be joining this organization securing critical assets in orbit,” said Josh Jetter, Chief Technology Officer at Fortastra. “Fortastra is tackling some of the most complex challenges in space operations, and I’m happy to be a part of the journey as we build reliable, scalable systems.”

“Modern space missions demand advanced technologies that are operationally ready,” said Sahil Desai, Vice President of Product at Fortastra. “Fortastra is uniquely positioned to deliver that capability, and I’m excited to help guide the product strategy to bring these innovations to customers who need them most.”

“The space economy is growing rapidly, and building the teams most capable of supporting that growth is essential,” said Arnold Nowinski, Vice President of People at Fortastra. “Fortastra is curating an exceptional group of experts and I’m excited to help develop the organizational foundation that will support the company’s expansion.”

Fortastra recently raised over $8 million in seed financing, led by Upfront Ventures, with participation from Generational Partners, Wave Function Ventures, Bloomberg Beta, and Forward Deployed VC.

About Fortastra

Fortastra designs and operates maneuverable spacecraft for on-orbit security. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Fortastra combines modern engineering practices, high-rate spacecraft manufacturing, and advanced autonomy to protect critical space infrastructure and deliver consistent operational advantage for the United States and its allies. Learn more at www.fortastra.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on Fortastra Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Development of Mission-Ready Space Systems

United States Space Force Awards AnySignal to Fortify MILSATCOM Against Electronic Warfare

Friday, March 27th, 2026

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2026 — AnySignal announced it has been selected by the United States Space Force (USSF) to field their Resilient, Agile, and Interference-Defiant Network for Secure Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Space Data Network (SDN). This contract will accelerate the fielding of a combat-ready architecture designed to ensure mission continuity in Contested, Denied, and Degraded (CDD) environments.

As near-peer adversaries increasingly deploy sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities to disrupt allied command and control, the reliance on centralized, rigid satellite links has become a critical vulnerability. AnySignal is addressing this operational gap by delivering autonomous, decentralized communications architecture in the face of adversarial spectrum denial.

“The modern battlespace requires communications infrastructure that is as dynamic and resilient as the warfighters it supports,” said John Malsbury, CEO at AnySignal. “AnySignal’s Defense platform is moving beyond static links to a self-healing network that autonomously navigates the spectrum to defeat interference.”

The effort focuses on maturing and validating the system for operational deployment. At the core of the solution is AnySignal’s Defense platform bolstering hardened Military Satellite Communications and the Space Data Network.

How AnySignal’s Defense platform is Advancing Resilient Military Communications in Contested Environments:

Autonomous Adaptation – Detects jamming in real time and autonomously adapts to maintain uninterrupted mission communications.

Waveform Agility and Reconfigurability – Allows rapid switching between Low Probability Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) waveforms for tactical concealment at the edge and high-throughput backhaul.

Advanced Threat Mitigation – Intelligent radios sense the spectrum and dynamically adjust links, power, and routing under adversarial pressure.

Zero Packet Loss – Autonomous rerouting preserves mission-critical data with no interruption, even in degraded environments.

Strategic Impact and Transition
AnySignal directly supports the Department of War’s vision for CJADC2 and the Space Data Network by ensuring reliable, assured data transport across heterogeneous platforms. As integrated defense initiatives like Golden Dome demand continuous, interference-resistant connectivity across distributed nodes, AnySignal provides the resilient communications backbone these architectures require.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, EW, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on United States Space Force Awards AnySignal to Fortify MILSATCOM Against Electronic Warfare

Drones, Robots, Satellites: Rheinmetall Presents Itself at the XPONENTIAL Europe 2026

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Rheinmetall AG will be participating in the specialised trade fair XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf from 24 to 26 March 2026. The event is one of the most recognized European trade fairs for autonomous systems, robotics and unmanned technologies. This year, for the first time, special attention is being paid to the topic of security and defence.

The Düsseldorf-based technology group is showcasing a wide range of unmanned solutions within the land, air, and space domains at the trade show. These include amongst others drones, satellites, robotic systems and applications for teleoperated driving via 5G mobile networks. Among the new products Rheinmetall is presenting at XPONENTIAL 2026 are:

Loitering Munition FV-014:
The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system, specifically designed to meet the requirements of todays and tomorrow’s battlefield. As a portable reconnaissance and strike-drone, it combines reconnaissance capabilities with accurate impact strikes in a flexible solution, giving armed forces significant operational advantages from a distance. In the field, the FV-014 can first observe and analyse targets in order to strike precisely at the right moment. The operator remains involved in the decision-making process at all times. In this way, the system helps to minimize collateral damage, protect own forces, and engage at critical targets quickly, in a controlled manner, and effectively. The FV-014 is also a key component of Rheinmetall’s Reconnaissance and Strike Network (AWV). This network encompasses all necessary systems for reconnaissance and combat missions and combines coordinated strike capabilities with rapid responsiveness.

c-UAS Interceptor drone: Rheinmetall’s c-UAS Interceptor drone (RV-005) is a specialized “hard-kill” effector, designed to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles and is part of the company’s comprehensive drone defence toolbox. The system neutralizes enemy drones through a targeted physical collision or by means of a warhead, with modern AI technology enabling a precise approach even under the influence of radio jamming. The RV-005 can be integrated as an effector into any command-and-control system for drone defence. Threats can therefore be detected reliably, characterized and hence, physically neutralized at low cost, even within the framework of a “multi-layer defence.” Thanks to these capabilities, the drone is ideally suited for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive airspace, such as airports or during major events.

SAR-Satellites (Synthetic Aperture Radar):
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites are modern reconnaissance systems that provide high-resolution radar images of the Earth’s surface regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Using active radar signals, they gather detailed information even in dense clouds, fog, smoke, or complete darkness. For modern armed forces, this data forms an essential basis for real-time operational assessment, target detection and surveillance. Through the joint venture, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, a sovereign German satellite constellation is being established in Neuss on the Lower Rhine region, ensuring a secure and controlled flow of information. Space-based reconnaissance is considered a central component of the digital transformation of defence and national security.

Collaborative robot YARO Cobot:
The YARO Cobot was designed for environments where other robots fail. With advanced AI, a robust design, and customizable options, it is the ideal tool for complex tasks in the harshest conditions. The hard-coated aluminium frame ensures resistance to salt, fog and corrosion in harsh outdoor environments. IP67- and IP69-certified, it is fully dustproof and waterproof for reliable operation in wet, dusty environments. “Force Control” enables precise handling for difficult tasks, even under extreme conditions. Vibration absorption and corresponding sensors ensure precision in environments with strong vibrations. Custom sensor heads adapt the YARO Cobot for tasks such as chemical detection or spatial measurements. The robot operates reliably at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C.

Operator’s stand and control centre for remote operations:
With its exhibit, Rheinmetall subsidiary MIRA GmbH showcases key elements of its teleoperation solution for use in public road traffic. The focus is on the driver’s console, from which a vehicle can be teleoperated and guided in real time. The workstation is designed so that all vehicle functions relevant to driving can be operated and controlled remotely. Via the screens, the “remote driver” receives high-resolution video streams from the vehicle cameras to continuously monitor traffic conditions and safely perform driving tasks. In addition, MIRA is presenting the Control Centre at the trade show as the central control and command unit of the entire system. This is where all information relevant to operations converges; where driving missions are monitored and coordinated; and where driving tasks are relayed to the respective Control Station. The interaction between the Control Centre and the driver’s console demonstrates how teleoperated vehicles can be controlled efficiently, safely, and in a scalable manner.

Rheinmetall – driver of the digital transformation of the armed forces
At XPONENTIAL, Rheinmetall is positioning itself as a leading international systems provider driving the digital transformation of armed forces and delivering innovative mobility solutions for civilian applications. In doing so, the company underscores its commitment to establishing unmanned technologies as a central element of modern defence and ensuring information superiority on the battlefield. As a global player, the Group is presenting ahead-looking solutions for networked operations in the coming decade during the trade show. In doing so, Rheinmetall is making a decisive contribution to national and international security in an ever-changing world. Visitors to XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 can learn about Rheinmetall’s extensive portfolio at booth C25 in hall 1.

Posted in Drone, International, Press Release, Space, Tradeshow | No Comments »

US Space Force Combat Forces Command Leaders Tout “Carnivore” Mindset and Combat Readiness

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

AURORA, Colo. — Leaders from U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command (CFC) praised their Guardians’ forward momentum and ever-increasing combat readiness throughout multiple discussion panels the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo., Feb. 23-25, 2026.

The Space Force We Need: Delivering a Combat-Ready Force in an Evolving Operational Environment

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, CFC commander, teamed with Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, for a panel that focused on the needs of the service and what leaders need from Guardians to meet and exceed the threat.

“We have to transform from a herbivore to a carnivore,” Gagnon declared, citing CFC’s motto, “Semper Venator,” which means Always the Hunter.

“Hunters eat, right? We seek to provide the ability to control our domain so that we can unlock the greatness of the joint force and the greatness of our coalition partners,” said Gagnon. “We cannot cede space to a very aggressive meat-eating PLA [People’s Liberation Army] aerospace force.”

Gagnon echoed Space Force senior leaders, saying that the Space Force must essentially double in size in the near future.

“I need you to be fit,” said Gagnon to the Guardians in attendance. “What most people don’t know is not every Guardian employs in Colorado. In fact, we have sensors in place on every continent of the planet except Antarctica.”

“We have squadrons dispersed around the world. We have Guardians deployed in every joint combat formation that goes forward,” explained Gagnon, stressing the need to be fit in order to operate in austere environments. “You will go forward in mission areas such as intelligence, and you’ll be running vans with barbed wire fences around them.”

Gagnon also praised the achievements of U.S. Space Force Capt. Olivia Lane of Mission Delta 4 as an example of the qualities he’s looking for in the force. Lane played a key role in providing missile warning during Iran’s recent missile attack against Israel, and then took the initiative to rework procedures, speeding up the missile warnings by more than 80%.

For more on Capt. Olivia Lane’s accomplishments, follow the link below:

Seconds Matter: Guardian on the Missile Warning Front Line

Moving Target Indications from Space

Lt. Gen. Gagnon also updated the forum on the progress made of space-based Moving Target Indicators (MTI), where Space Force Guardians will take an increasing role in tracking ground and air targets for the Joint Force. The Space Force is taking on the mission partly due to the increased vulnerability of air-based systems like the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or J-STARS.

“Controlling the high ground has profound impact on the outcomes of war, but that high ground is no longer the air,” declared Gagnon.

Sharing the stage with representatives from the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Development Agency, Gagnon explained that moving the MTI mission to orbit will be a monumental change in size and scope, providing 24/7 coverage in multiple regions around the globe, while air-based platforms were limited in number and could only provide coverage for hours at a time.

According to Gagnon, the Space Force is now moving from planning to the implementation stage, with a whole squadron already dedicated to the effort and multiple partnerships with other organizations ongoing.

“In 30 years, the surety of global moving target engagement delivered by your Space Force will be as certain as Missile Warning and PNT [Position, Navigation and Timing],” said Gagnon. “I don’t think it’s going to take 30 years, either.”

Generating EW Effects

U.S. Space Force Col. Angelo Fernandez, commander of Mission Delta 3 – Electromagnetic Warfare, while moderating panel a discussion, said his formation’s efforts at stepping up training and links with the Joint Force are making a significant impact on world events.

“I’ve seen a fundamental transformation within just the Space Force of us getting postured for today’s modern environment, and it’s translated into operational success,” said Fernandez, citing the key role Electromagnetic Warfare Guardians played in both Operation Midnight Hammer last year and the recent Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

The discussion with two industry leaders also covered the ways EW crosses over into all operational domains, EW lessons learned from ongoing conflicts in the world and how the military is partnering with industry to adapt technology more quickly to outpace potential adversaries.

Overall, the messaging was clear, Space Force is expanding global missions and readiness to ensure dominance in an increasingly contested space domain.

By Dave Grim, USSF CFC Public Affairs

USSF Combat Forces Command

Posted in Guest Post, Space | No Comments »

ISI Introduces KNIGHT– A Very High-Resolution Satellite with Advanced SWIR and Video Capabilities

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Knight combines 35 cm true?color imaging, Full Motion Video and 1.5 m SWIR sensing to extend space?based intelligence into night and low?visibility conditions

February 25, 2026, Israel – ImageSat International (TASE: ISI), a global leader in space-based intelligence solutions, reports that the KNIGHT development program is progressing according to schedule and has entered its final stages. The satellite is designed to strengthen ISI’s operational portfolio by delivering persistent, high-clarity observation of critical targets across day, night, and degraded visibility environments, enabling effective collection in low-visibility conditions such as haze, smoke, fog, and during dawn and dusk.

For defense and security users, KNIGHT provides reliable monitoring in conditions where conventional electro-optical systems face limitations. Its integrated SWIR channel enhances detection, recognition, and tracking capabilities, while onboard AI processes imagery directly in orbit – prioritizing mission-critical data and accelerating response timelines.

Building on the intelligence-centric architecture pioneered by ISI’s RUNNER satellite, KNIGHT incorporates proven in-orbit analytics, real-time movement tracking, and efficient narrow-band intelligence dissemination via embedded AI. It extends this foundation into the very high-resolution domain and into night and limited-visibility operations, combining 35 cm true-color imaging with a dedicated SWIR channel and integrated video capabilities to deliver a richer and more dynamic intelligence picture.

Advanced onboard computing enables real-time image and video assessment, autonomous memory management, and optimized downlink usage. The satellite can filter low-quality data, re-task areas of interest autonomously, and deliver actionable intelligence directly to operational networks. Its flexible processing architecture also allows software and algorithm updates throughout its lifetime, ensuring continuous performance enhancement and evolving analytical capabilities in orbit.

“Completing recent development milestones demonstrates the maturity of the Knight program and our continued execution towards a launch planned for 2027,” said Noam Segal, CEO of ImageSat International. “KNIGHT is being developed to provide defense and security users with clearer and more continuous intelligence, both static and dynamic, regardless of time of day or visibility conditions. By integrating very high-resolution imaging, SWIR sensing, video, and onboard AI-driven processing, it enhances operational flexibility and decision-making confidence in complex environments.”

www.imagesatintl.com

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, Space | No Comments »

Saab Selected by Missile Defense Agency for the SHIELD Program

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

Saab, Inc. was awarded a contract for the Missile Defense Agency Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. This contract encompasses a broad range of work areas that allows for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter with increased speed and agility.

“Saab’s proven systems integration and layered defense capabilities deliver scalable missile defense solutions that directly support the warfighter,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab, Inc. “By bringing together advanced sensors, command and control, and rapid integration expertise, we execute at the pace the mission demands—helping accelerate capability delivery and stay ahead of evolving and complex threats.”

Saab has extensive experience and knowledge in implementing technologies such as advanced weapons and sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and practices including model-based systems engineering and agile acquisition and development. Saab is building a state-of-the-art munitions facility in the U.S., increasing domestic production capacity for shoulder-launched weapons and precision fire systems.

This award enables Saab to compete for future task orders over the contract’s period of performance. Saab has not received an order or signed a contract for deliveries relating to this program.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Space | Comments Off on Saab Selected by Missile Defense Agency for the SHIELD Program

Leader Transforms SMDC for the Future

Monday, January 12th, 2026

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Lt. Gen. Sean A Gainey, commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, is focused on transforming USASMDC into a warfighting headquarters as he closes out his second year in command.

One factor driving that transformation is the addition of the 263rd and 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Commands to USASMDC.

“We have gone through a significant change inside of the command, we now have two of the Army’s air and missile defense commands within SMDC,” Gainey said. “Defending the homeland has been a priority, and now the Army is putting additional resources into this command. We have a bright future as we transition into a warfighting headquarters.”

Gainey, who is dual-hatted and also serves as the commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, expects changes within JFFC IMD, too. He said details are evolving on how team members will provide operational expertise to those organizations planning for homeland defense.

“JFFC IMD will transform to play a greater role in supporting air and missile defense protection of the homeland,” he said.

As USASMDC continues to evolve, Gainey said the integration of space, missile defense, and high-altitude capabilities to enable multi-domain operations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges of the future battlefield.

“If you look at any conflict in a contested environment, the need to conduct over-the-horizon communication and provide command and control is critical,” he said.

The SMDC Technical Center’s and Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence’s focus on pushing capability to warfighting formations quickly puts SMDC at the forefront of continuous transformation, Gainey said.

“We’ll continue to do the work we’re doing with U.S. Army Special Operations Command to validate high altitude platforms,” he said. “We’ll also continue to develop and refine our Tactical Integrated Ground Suite and some of our smaller form factor capabilities pushing those systems to the tactical edge of our warfighting formations.” When looking to deliver combat ready air and missile defense and space operations forces, Gainey, as the Army’s senior air defender and space operations proponent emphasized the importance of having trained and ready forces capable of global commitment.

“As you look at any conflict out there, space capabilities are a high priority,” he added. “In the current and future fight, the reliance on space is significant.”

Gainey’s focus on space operations included the development of the 40D space operations military occupational specialty which is expected to have its first enlisted members in October 2026.

“Now is the right time to have an Army space operations MOS and in the future a space branch inside the Army,” Gainey said. “The 40D MOS is going to give us more capacity to be able to leverage our space capabilities at the close tactical edge.”

Gainey said his role as the Army’s air and missile defense enterprise integrator takes on additional significance with the command’s expanded role as Army Service Component Command role to U.S. Northern Command for air and missile defense of the homeland.

While the Army is currently meeting AMD demand, Gainey said it’s coming at a cost to the AMD Soldiers. He said he’s focusing on finding ways to optimize the ability to globally provide trained and ready forces and ensure that AMD forces are adequately prepared to respond to emerging threats.

“The ability for the Army to be able to generate formations to support the COCOMs has driven our deploy-to-dwell rate to an all-time low,” he said. “We’re looking at other ways to provide forces to our combatant commands.” Spearheading this historic change to USASMDC is a team of professionals working together to meet the goals Gainey has set.

Gainey said it’s an exciting time to be part of the command.

“The efforts of our Soldiers and civilians strengthen the profession and embed the warrior ethos throughout SMDC,” he said, “We are starting to realize what this command was always intended to be, a warfighting headquarters that provides the Army and Joint Force with ready combat forces to deter aggression, defend the homeland against aerial threats, develop and deliver integrated space, missile defense and high-altitude capabilities, and dominate the land domain in conflict.”

Story by Jason Cutshaw

US Army Space and Missile Defense Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on Leader Transforms SMDC for the Future