JFCC for Space and Global Strike achieves Initial Operational Capability

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Strategic Command officials formally announced that Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike, as of November 18, has met requirements necessary to declare an initial operational capability following a rigorous test of integrated planning and operational execution capabilities during Exercise Global Lightning.

Headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. , JFCC SGS was activated by USSTRATCOM in August of this year and is commanded by Lt. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton.

Declaration of initial operational capability, or IOC, is a key milestone in the development of a new military organization. The Joint Functional Component Command concept at USSTRATCOM was announced in November 2004 and initial manpower and supporting organizations were established early in 2005.

By May of this year, JFCC SGS had published a concept of operations and began to develop its day-to-day operational requirements and integrated planning processes. The command's performance during Global Lightning demonstrated its preparedness to execute its mission of providing 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 missions.

Global Lightning is an annual USSTRATCOM-sponsored command-and-control/field training exercise, held in early November, designed to test and validate the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed.

""The declaration of IOC for the Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike marks an important step in the continued strengthening of the nation's defense,"" said Chilton.