Future Warfare to be Managed from Space

Shortly after the introduction of fighter jets on the battlefield, it was realised that specialists on the ground – Forward Air Controllers (FACs) and later the US military’s Joint Terminal Attack Controllers(JTACs) – were needed to effectively coordinate air strikes. Now, with the potential for space-based weapons and orbital bombardment concepts to become a reality, military experts argue that a new role is needed with a similar logic: Space Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (SJTACs).

Combining Tactical Units with Space Assets

Retired US Army colonel Kevin Stringer and Norwegian Army officer Marius Kristiansen are among the proponents of this new role. In a paper, the two experts suggested that a Space JTAC would combine tactical, ground-based Special Operations Forces (SOF) units with space assets to strike more complex targets such as enemy military airbases, critical infrastructure and Russian floating nuclear power plants.

Unlike the space personnel currently assigned to special operations commands, SJTACs are intended to be integrated directly into special operations tactical units. These experts will make it possible to assess vulnerabilities, ensure precision in attacks, monitor target activities and provide real-time situational awareness for preventive attacks.

Access to EMP Weapons from Rods from God

Stringer and Kristiansen argue that SJTACs are vital for coordinating the development of future space weapons. These space professionals will have access to the space weapons of the future, ranging from lasers to electromagnetic pulse(EMP) weapons to the currently theoretical concept of kinetic bombardment, “Rods from God”. Just as JTACs minimise the risk of friendly fire, SJTACs will play the same sensitive role in targeting space attacks.

Space Forces or Additional Training for Existing JTACs?

Space and special operations forces have long been closely linked, with the US Space Force even establishing its own special operations unit (to which SJTACs will belong) as part of the US Special Operations Command. However, whether this new role will be created with additional training for existing JTACs or with a completely separate specialisation is a matter of debate.

Stringer and Kristiansen counter these criticisms, arguing that defining space as a separate battlefield from air and establishing the US Space Force as a separate service would, as a matter of organisational logic, place the SJTAC function firmly within the Space Force’s area of responsibility. They also note that separate SJTACs would avoid the inefficiencies that would result from each service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) developing its own space capabilities.

Co-operation with Allies and Participation in the Future

Finally, the two emphasised that SJTACs will become a critical link for coordinating US space capabilities with NATO and other allies. Stringer noted that if the special operations community wants to be involved in the development and experimentation of emerging space capabilities, this would not be possible without this function.