Strengthening Unity of Command: Integrated Mission Deltas Making Strides

Strengthening Unity of Command: Integrated Mission Deltas Making Strides
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 07, 2023

The U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command has taken a bold step towards enhancing its operational effectiveness by establishing two provisional Integrated Mission Deltas (IMDs) in October. This groundbreaking move reorganizes service activities around mission areas rather than functional specialties, with the aim of strengthening unity of command for readiness and energizing unity of effort for capability development.

IMDs have now been operating under this new structure for two months, and the early results are promising. Guardians of Space Delta 3 (Electromagnetic Warfare) and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Delta - Provisional have identified three critical areas of improvement that are propelling these integrated missions forward.

The first noteworthy development is synchronized testing to improve acquisition. This process, critical for assessing the readiness and maturity of mission software and platform requirements, has received a significant boost from the IMD integration. For example, operators from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron are now actively participating in acquisition Formal Qualification Testing (FQT). This increased collaboration between operators and acquirers ensures that the delivered system aligns with mission needs.

Furthermore, the IMD structure has led to an increased response rate of intel assessments. With intelligence personnel embedded directly into the Deltas, this unity of command allows for specialization in specific mission areas. This tailored approach enables improved tailoring of requirements to respond swiftly to emerging threats, enhancing the Space Force's ability to adapt rapidly.

Perhaps the most significant outcome of IMD integration is the acceleration of operational effects. With all the necessary expertise, resources, authorities, and responsibilities consolidated under one command team, mission owners now have the means to manage challenges effectively. This has resulted in tailored, agile responses that have significantly improved the Space Force's capacity to generate combat-ready forces.

U.S. Space Force Col. Andrew Menschner, provisional PNT IMD commander, remarked, "IMDs are designed to bring the best talent from across a mission area and focus their efforts on achieving unified mission readiness, accelerate development, fielding, and presentation of combat-ready forces. We started to see the effects of IMD integration right away."

The IMDs' innovative approach to streamlining operations and enhancing readiness is expected to have far-reaching implications. It is believed that these noted successes will drive the acceleration of operational effects, ultimately benefitting the Space Force and its mission to safeguard space assets.

As the Space Force continues to assess, iterate, and adapt the Unified Mission Readiness approach, it is likely that this model will be extended to other mission areas across the organization, further strengthening its position in space operations.

In conclusion, the establishment of Integrated Mission Deltas within the U.S. Space Force is proving to be a significant step towards achieving greater readiness and capability development. The early successes in synchronized testing, increased response rate of intel assessments, and accelerated operational effects indicate that this innovative approach is bearing fruit. As the Space Force expands this model, it is poised to make even greater strides in safeguarding space assets and ensuring its readiness for the challenges ahead.