Higher Ground: Guidelines for the Air Force's Transition to the Space Environment.

The following study examines some of the major issues facing the Air Force as it transitions from an air to an air and space force. International regimes currently preserve space as a peaceful operating environment. However, given the military advantages derived from space based systems, the U.S. will continue to deploy military systems in the space environment. This dichotomy between international regimes and national policy defines the socio-political environment the Air Force will face as in transitions into space. The functional and operational difference between the Air and Space environments create some natural barriers that will make it difficult for the Air Force to link its air and space operators into one fighting force. These barriers will be in the areas of ethos, personnel, missions, and acquisitions. Present Air Force activities in these areas are not geared towards the space environment.