USSF’s Space War Declaration

International Space Station orbiting above Earth.

A new USSF doctrine sets a standard of perseverance for Guardians, reflecting a shift toward viewing space as a warfighting domain.

Story Summary

USSF doctrine now views space as a warfighting domain.
Perseverance is highlighted as a key standard for space Guardians.
Focus on resilience and teamwork in orbital warfare missions.
Shift aligns with broader strategic defense frameworks.

Perseverance as a Professional Standard

The U.S. Space Force has introduced a new ethos for its Guardians, emphasizing perseverance as a professional standard in orbital warfare missions. This narrative reflects a shift towards viewing space as a warfighting domain, where Guardians are expected to demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and continuous effort. The focus on perseverance is intended to bolster unit cohesion and operator resilience, ensuring that personnel are prepared for the demands of 24/7 operations in the vast expanse of space.

The Role of Doctrine in Space Operations

The release of the “Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners” in April 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the USSF. This document outlines a comprehensive strategy for space warfighting, identifying orbital warfare as one of three primary mission areas alongside electromagnetic and cyberspace warfare. The framework underscores the importance of maintaining space superiority, which is defined as ensuring freedom of action in space while denying the same to adversaries. The perseverance standard complements this doctrine by encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and readiness among Guardians.

Guardians are now recognized as combatants in a new warfighting domain, transitioning from technical specialists to front-line operators. This shift is expected to affect training intensity and performance expectations, reinforcing the role of perseverance in achieving mission success.

Long-Term Implications for Space Operations

Over time, the emphasis on perseverance is anticipated to contribute to a distinctive warfighter culture within the Space Force. This culture will align with the doctrinal push toward persistent space superiority, ensuring that the USSF remains a formidable force in space operations. Additionally, the focus on perseverance may influence recruitment and retention by attracting individuals seeking a high-tech, combat-oriented role in the space domain.

The narrative also extends to allied space forces, which may adopt similar standards as they develop their own space warfighting components. The commercial space sector is likely to see increased investment in responsive, maneuverable, and persistent on-orbit systems, driven by the cultural and doctrinal emphasis on orbital warfare.