Space Badge renamed, new guidance issued

by Master Sgt. Kevin Williams
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

12/10/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The current Space Badge will be renamed the Space Operations Badge beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Wear of the badge will be focused on personnel with core 13S and 1C6 Air Force Specialty Codes, grandfathered are space professionals of all other AFSCs awarded the badge prior to Jan. 1, 2014, and non-operations personnel awarded the badge after meeting certain criteria.

In a recent memorandum, General William L. Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command said, "In order to clarify space mission roles and responsibilities, I am restricting wear of the Space Operations Badge to primarily space operations specialties and selected individuals who have performed operations-focused duties."

Since selected Airmen outside operations AFSCs perform space operations-focused duties, there is an approval process that allows these individuals to apply for the Space Operations Badge.

Operations-focused duties include those directly employing space systems to deliver space capabilities. Operations-focused duties include those directly employing space systems to deliver space capabilities. Examples include sending commands to satellites on orbit, performing space-launch countdown duties, operations duties in the Joint Space Operations Center and working a space staff assignment in Air Force Space Command Headquarters.

Airmen in other fields may apply for a basic, senior or command badge based on time spent performing operations-focused duties. To earn the basic badge, members must have completed three years of operations-focused duties and receive AFSPC vice commander approval. To receive the senior badge, members must complete seven years of operations-focused duties and get AFSPC vice commander approval. After completion of 15 years of operations-focused duties and AFSPC vice commander approval, Airmen are eligible for the command badge.