by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Thibault
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
11/30/2006 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.
Space is an integral part of the American way of life, warfighting operations and homeland defense.
Air Force Space Command and U.S. Northern Command have partnered to address common issues facing the future defense of the homeland.
"Seminars like these contribute much in developing potential courses of action," said AFSPC Vice Commander Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz. "Space can and will play a decisive role in securing our borders and the maritime approaches, and defending the homeland."
General Klotz also highlighted the recently released U.S. National Space Policy. He noted that while there is a great deal of continuity between the old and new policies, there are also distinct differences.
One difference is the emphasis placed on homeland security. "In the 10-page summary of the Policy, homeland security was referenced 15 times," General Klotz said. "While this reflects the effects of September 11 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it reflects a recognition of the enormous contributions space capabilities make to this critical mission set."
Through a series of AFSPC-sponsored seminars designed to investigate space operations in a future conflict, AFSPC held the fourth and final seminar at NORTHCOM Headquarters here Nov. 14 - 16 focusing on homeland defense and homeland security, all in preparation for the Schriever IV Wargame scheduled for the Spring of 2007.
During the past eight months, the Schriever IV Wargame team has conducted three previous seminars on policy and rules of engagement, counterspace and information operations.
"These seminars are the building blocks we will use to execute the wargame in March, which will be hosted by Air Combat Command, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.," said the Schriever IV Wargame Director Jason Altchek.
Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, kicked off this final seminar with opening comments highlighting the importance of space systems and capabilities.
"The space domain is somewhat foreign to a lot of us," said the Admiral. "In the United States, we control it and accept it as a product given to us by the 'space' guys. We need to [gain] a better understanding of it and the integration of resources that are fundamental to delivering the air superiority we enjoy today."
Admiral Keating spoke of the wealth of knowledge and expertise gathered for this seminar including the Schriever IV Wargame senior mentors, former Air Force Chief of Staff General Ronald R. Fogelman, retired Gen. Charles R. Holland, former commander, U.S. Special Operations Command; and retired Marine Gen. Charles E. Wilhelm, former commander, U.S. Southern Command.
