The Space Force Vs The National Guard
The Space Force and the National Guard are two different entities created with different purposes, but still responsible for space-related security.
The Space Force
The Space Force is the newest branch of the United States Armed Forces, authorized through the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020. It was created to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.
Currently, the Space Force has approximately 16,000 active-duty members, who operate around 77 satellites, 6,000 missile warning systems, and a growing fleet of spacecraft, including the mysterious X-37B. The Space Force is one of the smallest military branches out there and the only one focused solely on space operations.
The National Guard
On the other hand, the National Guard is one of the oldest components of the U.S. military. Established in 1636, it is a reserve military force made up of citizen-soldiers trained to support the Army and Air Force when called upon. However, it, too, has a small space branch responsible for providing satellite support for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.
The National Guard, as of 2021, has around 340,000 members, with about 25,000 of those serving in space-related positions.
How They Differ
The Space Force and the National Guard are two different entities, created for different purposes. While the Space Force focuses solely on space operations, the National Guard is responsible for both national and state-level duties, overseeing mission support in various fields such as logistics, medical and engineering in times of need, such as during natural disasters.
Although they share some commonalities, such as space-based operations, the National Guard has a centralized command structure, whereas the Space Force operates more independently as its own separate branch.
Budget and Funding
Since the Space Force is still relatively new, its annual budget is still under wraps. However, the total budget for the Department of Defense, which includes the Space Force, for the 2021 fiscal year is estimated to be approximately $741 billion.
The National Guard, on the other hand, has a budget of around $8.5 billion, which covers both Army and Air Force components. The national guard is funded by both federal and state funding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Space Force and the National Guard share some similarities, they are two different entities. The Space Force is solely dedicated to space operations, while the National Guard has various responsibilities, including space operations. However, both play a crucial role in protecting the country's national security.
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