First Space Force Enlistees Take Oath And Head To Basic Training
DENVER (CBS4) – The first group of Americans to enlist directly into the Space Force took their Oath of Enlistment in Denver on Tuesday morning, joining the sixth branch of the military. This was a first in the 244 years of the U.S. armed forces.
U.S. Space Force Deputy Commander, Major General Stephen Whiting, presided over the historic ceremony.
The three new Space Force enlistees will "ship out" to Air Force Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas.
"They've been inspired by our space mission and they're going to be at the foundation of building this new service so we can meet that mission for the American people and develop a unique culture," said U.S. Space Force Deputy Commander, Major General Stephen Whiting.
He presided over the historic ceremony in Denver, the new Space Force enlistees will "ship out" to Air Force Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas. He says he will transition to the Space Force himself on Wednesday from the U.S. Air Force.
Space Force was founded last December and the initial headquarters for Space Command is Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. There will also be a Space Force unit at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.
The three enlistees in Denver told CBS4 they chose the Space Force to join a new endeavor and try a different form of service, some also said it is a continuation of their family tradition in the military.
Whiting explained that their mission is to protect American interests to, from, and in space. While it has been a place of exploration and commerce since 1957, space is also a part of national defense. They will watch over others trying to take away capabilities from the U.S. in space and make sure the nation keep all advantages.
Another group of four enlistees took the oath in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday.
