Commander activates JFCC SGS

U.S. Strategic Command formally activated the Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike, or JFCC-SGS, on Aug. 9, 2005. In a combined ceremony held at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. , Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton also assumed command of JFCC-SGS from Air Force Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson.

Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, Commander, USSTRATCOM, officiated the ceremony activating the first of the four operational-level joint functional components tasked to execute specified operational and tactical level tasks on behalf of USSTRATCOM. This major restructuring allows USSTRATCOM headquarters to focus on strategic issues and derive greater efficiencies by allowing each Joint functional component to focus on specific operational areas of responsibility.

The JFCC-SGS provides integrated space and global strike capabilities to deter and dissuade aggressors and when directed, defeat adversaries through decisive joint global effects in support of USSTRATCOM global missions.

Cartwright described how deterrence has changed in the 60 years since the development of the first atomic bomb and how JFCC-SGS will help to shape the new forms of deterrence. “That’s what Space and Global Strike is at the heart of, trying to bring that new kind of deterrence to the fore, trying to find the ways to keep this country safe,” said Cartwright.

Chilton noted that the military services working together is the key to building a stronger force. “It is not good enough to be the best at what we do, we are not strong enough to face the global threats we face today if we work independently -- to put together our individual strengths, to make them an invincible whole. … we will be able to design a more integrated and powerful global effect across the spectrum of warfare,” he said.

The JFCC-SGS started with a borrowed staff of only four people in December 2004 and has grown to its present organizational strength of 270 individuals. It is projected to have more than 400 military and civilian personnel by the end of next year.

Established by written directive in January 2005, JFCC-SGS optimizes operational-level planning, execution, and force management for the USSTRATCOM mission of deterring attacks against the United States. JFCC-SGS integrates all elements of military power in collaboration with all USSTRATCOM components, National Agencies, and other combatant commands to support or execute space and global strike operations.

Unlike the other JFCCs, JFCC-SGS headquarters is co-located with USSTRATCOM headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base.

The commander of JFCC-SGS oversees several military organizations around the nation. The Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. , allows JFCC-SGS to direct day-to-day planning and execution of assigned military space forces. The Air Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. , supports JFCC-SGS with critical planning expertise to develop fully integrated global strike course-of-actions across the spectrum of joint operations for both deliberate and time sensitive planning tasks and assist in executing missions as directed. The Cruise Missile Support Activities, in Norfolk, Va. , and Camp Smith, Hawaii, offer Navy Tomahawk cruise missile planning capabilities. Finally, The Department of Defense Manned Space Flight Support Office, headquartered at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. , coordinates military support for manned United States space flight operations. In addition, the Joint Information Operations Center in San Antonio, Texas, is available to deliver information operations expertise for planning and execution.

The new command’s primary effort is to integrate all USSTRATCOM global capabilities supporting the combatant commanders around the world with the full spectrum of military effects.

The formal activation of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike marks an important step in the continued strengthening of the nation’s efforts to defeat global terrorism, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and provide a continued nuclear deterrent.