By Rhonda Sheya, SFA Public Affairs
The Space Force Association, a leading organization dedicated to advancing space-related initiatives and knowledge, recently conducted a highly informative Space Warfighter Talk (SWT) featuring Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence. Hosted by Greg Gillinger, Chief Intelligence Officer of SFA and creator of “The Final Frontier Flash Newsletter“. The discussion centered on the significance of space readiness and its pivotal role in supporting various military branches while preparing for potential future conflicts.
Gagnon serves as the Senior Intelligence Officer to the Chief of Space Operations and plays a vital role in shaping intelligence policy, oversight, and guidance for Space Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. He is also responsible for the Space Force Intelligence Community Element, a critical member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Additionally, Gagnon holds the position of Chief, Service Cryptologic Component, with delegated authorities from the Director of the National Security Agency. His previous role included serving as the Director of Intelligence at the United States Space Command, based at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.
During the interview, Gagnon emphasized the rapid integration of space into modern warfare scenarios. He stated, “Our adversaries, if there is a war, will extend that war to space very rapidly. They will do so because space enables our joint forces to be the most precise, lethal, effective, and most power-projecting force on the planet.” His insights shed light on the increasing significance of space dominance in the evolving landscape of global conflicts. Gagnon authors a column in the newsletter, Joint Forces Quarterly; his latest article, “Why Military Space Matters,” explains in more detail the importance of space readiness.
Gagnon’s extensive background as a career Intelligence Officer and his experience in cyberspace operations have equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on modern warfare and its dynamics. He was commissioned through ROTC from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont. He has commanded at various levels, including squadron, group, and joint wing, with combat command experience in Afghanistan. He is a qualified Joint Staff Officer and has served in prominent staff roles at Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Space Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. Space Command. His contributions have extended to multiple deployments in support of joint air and special operations.
The Space Warfighter Talk provides valuable insights into the critical intersection of space capabilities, military readiness, and future conflict preparedness. The interview, sponsored by Palantir Technologies Inc., offers a platform to explore these vital topics and further understand the evolving landscape of space operations.
For those interested in watching the full interview and gaining a deeper understanding of the discussions, the interview is available on the SFA YouTube Channel.
About Palantir Technologies Inc.
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About the Space Force Association (SFA)
The Space Force Association (SFA) is the only independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a professional military association whose sole focus is supporting the United States Space Force, United States Space Command, U.S. national spacepower at large, and our global partners and allies’ efforts in space exploration. Its core functions are to research, inform, and advocate to achieve superior spacepower by shaping a Space Force that provides credible deterrence in competition, dominant capability in combat, and professional services for all partners. Space Force Association has partnered with ISR University to provide online space training and certification programs through Global Space University. In addition, the SFA has an essential function to provide support for the men and women of the U.S. Space Force. Membership is open to both military and civilians. For more information on the SFA, please visit ussfa.org.
