The Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) is a direct reporting unit in the United States Space Force responsible for conducting analysis, modeling, wargaming, and experimentation to create operational concepts and force design guidance for the service. It is the Space Force's counterpart to the Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability and United States Army Futures Command.[1] It is headquartered at Washington, D.C.[2]

The establishment of SWAC was ordered by Chief of Space Operations John W. Raymond.[3] Originally planned as Space Warfighting Integration Center, Vice Chief of Space Operations David D. Thompson was tasked to focus with its establishment upon taking office.[1] Raymond approved the organizational design of SWAC on 8 March 2021.[4] It was activated on 5 April 2021.[5]

SWAC was criticized by the House Committee on Appropriations in a report as being duplicative of the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), refusing the $37 million budget request for the organization.[6] It is expected to complete its first architecture study, which focuses on missile warning, missile tracking, and missile defense architecture.[7]

Force designs

List of directors

No. Director Term
Portrait Name Took office Left office Term length
1
Andrew D. Cox[13]
Cox, Andrew D.Andrew D. Cox[13]5 April 2021Incumbent3 years, 43 days

References

  1. ^ a b "First-ever Vice CSO joins U.S. Space Force". United States Space Force. 4 October 2020.
  2. ^ "BRIGADIER GENERAL CHRISTOPHER S. POVAK". www.af.mil.
  3. ^ https://media.defense.gov/2020/Nov/09/2002531998/-1/-1/0/CSO%20PLANNING%20GUIDANCE.PDF [bare URL PDF]
  4. ^ "Space Force approves design for Space Warfighting Analysis Center | InsideDefense.com". insidedefense.com.
  5. ^ "Space Operations Command (USSF)".
  6. ^ Macaulay, Catherine (13 July 2021). "HAC Excoriates DoD Failure To Reform Space Acquisition".
  7. ^ Hitchens, Theresa (28 July 2021). "Space Force Vice Argues Value Of Embattled Analysis Center".
  8. ^ a b "Exclusive: Space Warfighting Analysis Center chief on creating 'something out of nothing'". 19 January 2022.
  9. ^ "U.S. Space Force Wants to Avoid GMTI Duplication with Intelligence Community Programs". 5 April 2022.
  10. ^ "US Space Force Completes Analysis of Future GMTI Alternatives, Including Space-Based GMTI". 23 September 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Schriever Spacepower Series: Gen David D. Thompson". YouTube.
  12. ^ https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/swac-eyeing-future-force-design-work-tactical-isr-fire-control-space-data-transport
  13. ^ "Space Force discussions with private sector on future space architecture to remain classified". SpaceNews. 22 September 2021.

See also