Netflix's 'Space Force' Is Based on a Real Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces

From Good Housekeeping

Netflix's new Steve Carell-led series Space Force was just released on the streaming platform, and already it's becoming the talk of the internet. If you find yourself watching the new comedy show, there's a good chance you'll start wondering about the real-life Space Force (because, yes, it does actually exist).

To answer any questions you might have about the U.S. Space Force (USSF), here's the full scoop on the brand-new branch of the Armed Forces:

What is the Space Force?

On December 20, 2019, the USSF became an official new military service with the goal of organizing, training, and equipping space forces "in order to protect the U.S. and allied interests in space." Upon the launch of the USSF, about 16,000 military and civilian space personnel were assigned to the branch.

Right now, the USSF is responsible for "developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands." In short, those involved have the primary duty of securing our national defense in space.

"Space has become essential to our security and prosperity, so much so that we need a branch of our military dedicated to its defense, just like we have branches of the military dedicated to protecting and securing the air, land, and sea," the USSF website reads.

The creation of the branch was ordered by President Donald Trump in 2018, who expressed the belief that establishing a Space Force would reinforce national pride.

“It’s going to be important monetarily and militarily,” he said while at a meeting of the National Space Council. “But so important for right up here — the psyche. We don’t want China and Russia and other countries leading us.”

Right now, the USSF is headed up by General Jay Raymond, who was appointed by President Trump as the Chief of Space Operations.

The headquarters for the new branch is located in the Pentagon in Washington D.C., just like the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Since the military branch is so new, right now, those part of it are currently serving as Airmen within the U.S. Air Force.

Those eager to join can visit the USSF's website to read about all the necessary requirements to be considered. To first get in touch with a recruiter, you can visit Airforce.com and choose "connect" and then "find a recruiter." Alternatively, you have the option to chat live with an advisor or call 1-800-423-USAF.

So there you have it! A little context to think about while watching the next Space Force episode.

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