The United States Space Force is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of a contested and congested space domain. At the heart of this transformation is Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), whose mission is clear: Develop combat-ready Guardians and validate capabilities to ensure operational superiority. 

Developing Guardians for the Fight 

STARCOM’s core activities—training, education, exercises, testing, and doctrine development—are designed to prepare forces for combatant commanders. On episode 28 of the Spacepower Podcast, Bill “Hippie” Woolf talked with Maj Gen James E. Smith, Commander, about what this mission looks like in modern terms.

“Our mission is to build combat credibility for the Space Force. That means developing Guardians who are ready to fight and ensuring the systems they operate are validated for real-world missions,“ Maj Gen Smith said. “We also have a responsibility to educate the American public about why space matters to national security.” 

Officer Training: A New Era 

Transitioning from Air Force-managed education to Space Force-specific training has been a priority. Maj Gen Smith explained, “We needed a course that instills space-mindedness from day one. The Officer Training Course gives every Guardian a common baseline of space knowledge and cross-domain operational skills.” Early cohorts have praised the program, and future iterations will integrate acquisition and modernization content. “Adaptability is key,” Maj Gen Smith noted. “We’re listening to feedback and congressional direction to make OTC even stronger in year two.” 

Enlisted Training Integration 

STARCOM is reshaping enlisted education through: 

• Basic Military Training with Space Force-centric curriculum. 

• Initial Skills Training enhanced by Space Force-specific modules. 

• Professional Military Education consolidated at Peterson SFB via Vosser Fellowships. 

Maj Gen Smith explained, “We’re moving toward greater integration across specialties while maintaining technical depth. Our enlisted Guardians need to be versatile and ready for the challenges of space operations.” 

Civilian Guardians: A Vital Component 

With civilians comprising nearly one-third of the Space Force, their training is equally vital. Maj Gen Smith shared, “General Sheba started a pilot course for civilian Guardian education, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Civilians bring critical expertise, and we need to invest in their development just as we do for uniformed Guardians.” 

Capability validation—ensuring Guardians have the right tools for the mission—remains a cornerstone. “Validation isn’t just about hardware,” Maj Gen Smith stressed. “It’s about making sure our people and systems can execute under real-world conditions.” 

Accelerating Testing and Validation 

Traditional serial testing cannot keep pace with modern threats. Maj Gen Smith stated, “The old way of testing—one step at a time—doesn’t work anymore. We’re embedding acquirers, operators, and testers from day one. Integrated testing means faster validation and better tactics.” Officer and enlisted test courses at Edwards are building the next generation of test professionals. 

Aggressor Squadrons: Realistic Training 

Aggressor units simulate adversary tactics, creating realistic training environments. Maj Gen Smith explained, “Think of them like professional sports teams that study specific opponents. Our goal is to make training so real that Guardians can’t tell the difference between live systems and simulators.” 

OTTI and Infrastructure Development 

The Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) program, supported by System Delta 81, is delivering critical capabilities: on-orbit ranges, high-fidelity simulators, electronic warfare (EW) and cyber ranges, and digital twins. Maj Gen Smith emphasized, “Digital twins are game-changers for accurate testing. We need industry to step up with facilities, investment, and innovative solutions.” 

Vision for the Future 

Maj Gen Smith concluded, “STARCOM’s vision is about collaboration—within the Space Force, with industry, and with academia. We’re building a culture that drives combat credibility and innovation.”  

Bottom Line: STARCOM is not just training Guardians—it is forging a force capable of prevailing in the most challenging domain of warfare. Through integrated education, testing, and partnerships, the Space Force is building the foundation for enduring space power.