“Specific Behaviors” Outline Ideal Space Force Behavior

The U.S. Space Command published its list of proposed specific behaviors for future operations, setting out 8 points of particular focus for US operations in space.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed the Tenets of Responsible Behavior in Space in July of 2021, acknowledging 5 longstanding DoD tenets of responsible military behaviors in space. After the signing, Austin directed the commander of USSPACECOM to develop associated specific behaviors for each one, specifically suited to the Space Force’s mission.

The tenets will hopefully establish some basic norms for the international and commercial space communities, particularly important as the bonanza in space operation takes place outside direct government control.
 
"The intent for these tenets and associated behaviors was to provide authoritative direction to DoD components on what constitutes a baseline for professional military behavior and drive adherence in DoD's internal design, procurement, and operations for space activities," said U.S. Army General James Dickinson, USSPACECOM commander. "We will continue to review our procedures to properly implement these operational practices and assess additional opportunities to increase understanding of U.S. behaviors, complementing ongoing efforts to establish norms and best practices in space."

Of prime interest to many was the tenets’ acknowledgement of the critical problem currently mounting with the proliferation of uncontrolled space debris. Tenet 2, “Limit the Generation of Long-Lived Debris,” and tenet 3, “Avoid the Creation of Harmful Interference” both pertain to good, neighborly operation in the burgeoning space domain. Media outlets ran with the debris focus, partially driven by the exciting frontier in space garbage disposal, and partially because diplomacy in space pales in comparison to high-tech automation picking deconstructing unused satellites in orbit.

FMI: www.jbsa.mil