Air Force Academy cadets prepare for graduation (April 17, 2020). They will begin “careers in the Air and Space Forces as second lieutenants.” AF photo by: Trevor Cokley
The COVID-19 pandemic has not put a dent in the organization and mission activities of USSF, our newest (6th) armed service branch.
Eighty-six graduates, out of 967, were “…moved directly into the U.S. Space Force, (Link) marking the first infusion of commissioned personnel into the new service since its creation last year.” And later, over 8,000 airmen volunteered to join the USSF; 2,410 were selected.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2020 graduation in Colorado Springs, Colo. AF photo by Staff Sgt. Dennis Hoffman
Space Force used a special King James Bible for the oath, outraging the Military Religious Freedom Foundation in language that is so familiar these days (Link). To Military.com, founder Mikey Weinstein spewed anger over what he believes is a violation of church and state separation:
“The MRFF condemns, in as full-throated a manner as is humanly possible, the shocking and repulsive display of only the most vile, exclusivist, fundamentalist Christian supremacy, dominance, triumphalism and exceptionalism which occurred at yesterday’s ‘blessing’ at the Washington National Cathedral.”
I, for one, am tired of all the over-the-top rhetoric that we hear today. Weinstein is quoted as calling the bible choice as a “… blatantly scurrilous activity” and an example of “Christian privilege” in the DoD. He may be right but chill already. Exhibit some emotional control. It’s not required reading. Here is the Army’s Oath (Link):
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
The Constitution protects free speech rights of course. But not the violence, property damage, and looting we have seen in Portland, NYC, Seattle, Minneapolis and other places. The contrasts between photos of the wild-eyed young protesters versus the disciplined military youth is sharp. It’s anyone’s guess how this will all end but I think the above named cities will have a tough time attracting new business or tourism for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Space Force, is appealing to a different type of idealism in their first recruiting advertisement. Can’t miss the cool factor in this video. But this is not Hollywood; it’s about defense, warfare, logic, and real-life dangers.
These men and women are tomorrow’s veterans. It’s difficult to imagine what their needs will be when they transition to civilian life but a hostile American society, Congress, or VA should not be in their future.
Laura (Guest author)
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Laura
Veterans Claims Help 
I think a more apropos uniform for the Space Force would be midnight black with a few variously sized, irregularly-spaced white spots representing stars.
Which branch of the military did you serve in?
I never served in the military. I’m the wife of a Vietnam combat Marine and mother of an airman (both enlisted). Both are veterans now. My husband comes from a “military family” on both sides–mainly Air Force. His late father and late brother (Vietnam) were Army; one brother, Air Force. Two of my 1st generation Irish uncles and one aunt were enlisted Army. My mother volunteered to drive a Red Cross ambulance in NY! No one glorified warfare but wanted to serve the country in meaningful ways, with an emphasis on duty to defend.