United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command

{{redirect|SMDC}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}} {{infobox military unit | unit_name = Space and Missile Defense Command | image = United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command Logo.svg | image_size = 200px | caption = Shoulder Sleeve Insignia | dates = 1 October 1997 – present | country = {{Flag|United States}} | branch = {{army|United States}} | type = | role = | size = | command_structure = 25px United States Space Command <br/> 20px United States Strategic Command | garrison = Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, U.S. | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = | colors = | colors_label = | march = | mascot = | equipment = | equipment_label = | battles = | anniversaries = | decorations = | battle_honours = | disbanded = | website = {{URL|https://www.smdc.army.mil/}} | commander1 = LTG John L. Rafferty Jr. | commander1_label = Commanding General | commander2 = BG Donald K. Brooks | commander2_label = Deputy Commanding General for Operations | commander3 = CSM Rickey G. Jackson | commander3_label = Command Sergeant Major | notable_commanders =  | identification_symbol = 100px | identification_symbol_label = Distinctive Unit Insignia | identification_symbol_2 = | identification_symbol_2_label = }}

The '''United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command''' ('''USASMDC''') is the Army Service Component Command (ASCC) for United States Strategic Command and United States Space Command. It was established in 1985 as the Army Strategic Defense Command, responsible for ballistic missile defense. In 1992, it merged with Army Space Command to become Army Space and Strategic Defense Command. In 1997, it became an Army Major Command and was redesignated Army Space and Missile Defense Command.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/>

Army Space and Missile Defense Command is responsible for developing and providing the Army with space, missile defense and high altitude capabilities. It consists of two operational elements: the 100th Missile Defense Brigade and the 1st Space Brigade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SMDC Command Video |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ABOUT/Mission/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.smdc.army.mil |language=en-US |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202081715/https://www.smdc.army.mil/ABOUT/Mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The commander of Army Space and Missile Defense Command also serves as the commander of United States Space Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.

Following the Space Force's establishment, the Army's continued involvement with space has become controversial, with multiple proposals and reports advocating for the Space Force to absorb the Army's remaining space forces, as it did with the Navy's space forces, or even Space and Missile Defense Command as a whole.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-06-26 |title=Op-ed {{!}} Time to Move ICBM and missile defense units to the Space Force |url=https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102940/https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-20 |title=Space Force's First Battle Is With the US Army |url=https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/05/space-forces-first-battle-us-army/174174/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Defense One |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004054433/https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/05/space-forces-first-battle-us-army/174174/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR4263.html |title=A Separate Space: Creating a Military Service for Space | RAND |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218212606/https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR4263.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Space Force has absorbed the Army's satellite communications mission and the Joint Tactical Ground Stations, while the Army maintains the 100th Missile Defense Brigade and a downsized 1st Space Brigade. The Army is attempting to redefine its role in space operations, focused on integrating and interdicting space capabilities for land forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2024-01-09 |title=US Army carves out its role in space |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/01/09/us-army-carves-out-its-role-in-space/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102954/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/01/09/us-army-carves-out-its-role-in-space/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History== [[File:Sprint missile maneuvering after launch.jpg|thumb|A Sprint missile maneuvering after launch]] The Army's involvement with ballistic missile defense can be traced back to the Nike Zeus program in the late-1950s, being developed to counter the Soviet Union's ballistic missiles, however, it was never deployed. This was followed by the Nike-X program, which was replaced by the Sentinel program in 1967 before deployment. The Sentinel program was highly ambitious, intending to operationally deploy 6 Perimeter Acquisition Radars, 17 Missile Site Radars, 480 long-range LIM-49 Spartan missiles, and 220 short-range Sprint missiles. Army support for the Sentinel waned as more resources were required to support its land forces in Vietnam, rather than the secondary mission of ballistic missile defense. Controversy over the Sentinel program led to its suspension in 1969 and it was replaced by the Safeguard program within the year.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround">{{Cite web |url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/070/70-88-1/cmhPub_70-88-1.pdf |title=Seize the High Ground - The Army in Space and Missile Defense |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223105901/https://history.army.mil/html/books/070/70-88-1/cmhPub_70-88-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Unlike Sentinel, which was intended to protect large areas of the United States, Safeguard was focused on defending the Air Force's missile fields and against a more limited nuclear attack from China. The 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty limited the United States and Soviet Union to two anti-ballistic missile sites, later reduced to one in 1974. Only one Safeguard site, at what is now Cavalier Space Force Station, ever reached full operating capability before the program was canceled under congressional pressure in December 1975. The single operational Perimeter Acquisition Radar was repurposed as part of the NORAD early warning system and transferred to the Air Force in 1977. It currently is operated by the Space Force's 10th Space Warning Squadron.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/>

[[File:160128-A-AO981-003 (24483719380).jpg|thumb|A Ground-Based Midcourse Defense after launch]] left|thumb|223x223px|US Army Strategic Defense Command SSI President Ronald Reagan's 1983 announcement of the Strategic Defense Initiative reinvigorated the Army's missile defense enterprise. The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization was a multi-service organization, consisting of Army, Navy, and Air Force elements. On 1 July 1985, the Army established the Army Strategic Defense Command and served as the lead for ground-based interceptors while the Air Force led the space-based elements of the program.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/>

Following the creation of United States Space Command, the Army was the last of the three services to create a space command. Army Space Command was the smallest, being led by a Colonel. Ultimately, the Army chose to cut Army Space Command staffing by ten percent and merge it with Army Strategic Defense Command to form Army Space and Strategic Defense Command in 1992. Following the Bush and Clinton administrations, the Strategic Defense Initiative was significantly scaled back to focus on protection against limited strikes and the Army began to refocus on theater missile defense.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/> left|thumb|178x178px|Army Space Command SSI Army Space Command continued to exist as a specialized sub-command within Army Space and Strategic Defense Command. On 1 May 1995, Army Space Command's Military Satellite Communications Directorate, responsible for operating the Defense Satellite Communications System payload became the 1st Satellite Control Battalion. This was the first regular Army unit with an operational space mission.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.army.mil/article/148753/SMDC_History__20th_anniversary_of_the_creation_of_1st_SATCON_Battalion/|title=SMDC History: 20th anniversary of the creation of 1st SATCON Battalion|work=army.mil|access-date=2017-10-25|language=en|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223143733/https://www.army.mil/article/148753/SMDC_History__20th_anniversary_of_the_creation_of_1st_SATCON_Battalion/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also began fielding the Joint Tactical Ground Station and Army Space Support Teams.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/>

In 1997, the Army Space and Strategic Defense Command was renamed Army Space and Missile Defense Command and elevated to a full major command. Following the September 11 attacks, the Army was directed to deploy a national missile defense system, which would become the Ground-Based Midcourse Defenses.<ref name="USA SeizeHighGround"/>

In late 2016, Lieutenant General David Mann's term was extended beyond August 2016 due to the death of his confirmed successor Major General John G. Rossi.

The United States Army Futures Command, formed 24 August 2018, gives priority to modernization of air and missile defense.<ref name=24aug2018>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/621108/army-futures-command-press-conference |title=DVIDs video, 24 August 2018 press conference |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142454/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/621108/army-futures-command-press-conference |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|minute 6:07}}<ref name= futuresCommand>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/197886/us_army_futures_command_to_reform_modernization_says_secretary_of_the_army |title=David Vergun, Army News Service (8 December 2017) US Army Futures Command to reform modernization, says secretary of the Army |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=2 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402184707/https://www.army.mil/article/197886/us_army_futures_command_to_reform_modernization_says_secretary_of_the_army |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name= futuresCommandPressConf>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL_CsiuTVFU AFC announcement, Friday (13 July 2018) Army Officials Announce New Army Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023211613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL_CsiuTVFU |date=23 October 2021 }} video 34 minutes, 27 seconds</ref><ref name = infArsenal >[https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/beyond-inf-an-affordable-arsenal-of-long-range-missiles/ Sydney J. Freeberg, Jr. (28 May 2019) Beyond INF: An Affordable Arsenal Of Long-Range Missiles?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529193212/https://breakingdefense.com/2019/05/beyond-inf-an-affordable-arsenal-of-long-range-missiles/ |date=29 May 2019 }} INF Treaty likely to expire in August 2019</ref> Cross-functional teams<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2018/03/14/ |title=Air and missile defense CFT (14 March 2018) Air and Missile Defense |access-date=10 September 2018 |archive-date=27 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127023005/https://www.army.mil/standto/archive_2018-03-14 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6101_AD2017-24_Web_Final.pdf |title=Army Directive 2017–24 (Cross-Functional Team Pilot In Support of Materiel Development) |access-date=10 September 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727183847/https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6101_AD2017-24_Web_Final.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> were instituted to oversee modernization<ref name= mdStrategy >{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/217689/dod_official_describes_missile_defense_strategy |title=David Vergun, Defense.gov (22 February 2019) DOD official describes missile defense strategy |date=22 February 2019 |access-date=19 March 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901102232/https://www.army.mil/article/217689/dod_official_describes_missile_defense_strategy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name = gmdNeeded >{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2019/10/03/pentagons-next-gen-missile-defense-plan-could-leave-u-s-homeland-unprotected/#2d82a26561b5 |title=Loren Thompson (3 October 2019) Pentagon's Next-Gen Missile Defense Plan Could Leave U.S. Poorly Protected For Years |website=Forbes |access-date=5 October 2019 |archive-date=5 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005083459/https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2019/10/03/pentagons-next-gen-missile-defense-plan-could-leave-u-s-homeland-unprotected/#2d82a26561b5 |url-status=live }}</ref> in the areas of hypersonic systems, and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2018/01/86000-5600-mph-hyper-velocity-missile-defense/ |title=Sydney J. Freeberg, Jr. (26 January 2018) $86,000 + 5,600 MPH = Hyper Velocity Missile Defense | date=26 January 2018 |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905070833/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/01/86000-5600-mph-hyper-velocity-missile-defense/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=AHW,2011>{{Cite web |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/army-warhead-is-key-to-joint-hypersonics/ |title=Sydney J. Freeberg, Jr. (22 August 2018) Why Hypersonics Are No. 1 |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131025/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/08/army-warhead-is-key-to-joint-hypersonics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=glideBody >{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/212487/the_army_joins_the_air_force_navy_in_attempt_to_develop_hypersonic_weaponry |title=Joe Lacdan (16 October 2018) The Army joins the Air Force, Navy in attempt to develop hypersonic weaponry |date=24 October 2018 |access-date=24 October 2018 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025031306/https://www.army.mil/article/212487/the_army_joins_the_air_force_navy_in_attempt_to_develop_hypersonic_weaponry |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/air-and-missile-defense-cft-pursuing-layered-and-tiered-approach |title=(19 March 2018) Air and missile defense CFT pursuing 'layered and tiered approach' |access-date=10 September 2018 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215104107/https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/air-and-missile-defense-cft-pursuing-layered-and-tiered-approach |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 1, 2025, SMDC was assigned two Army air and missile defense commands. The transfer of the 32nd and 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Commands enhanced SMDC’s air and missile defense capabilities.

==Mission transfers to the United States Space Force== thumb|Transfer of the Army satellite communications mission to the Space Force. When the Space Force was established in 2019 it was intended to consolidate the existing military space forces across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space Policy Directive-4 |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.spaceforce.mil |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925094704/https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/SPD-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the Space Force was established, the greatest resistance to transferring its space forces came from the Army. At the time of the Space Force's establishment in 2019, the Army had three major space operations units: the 1st Space Brigade, 100th Missile Defense Brigade, and the Army Satellite Operations Brigade.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Asset Transfer Fight |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-asset-transfer-fight/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811181754/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-asset-transfer-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 21 September 2021, the Army and Space Force announced that the Army's Satellite Operations Brigade would be transferring into the new service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2021-09-21 |title=Space Force reveals which Army and Navy units are moving to the space branch |url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-reveals-which-army-and-navy-units-are-moving-to-the-space-branch/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704110454/https://spacenews.com/space-force-reveals-which-army-and-navy-units-are-moving-to-the-space-branch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While the Space Force, and Air Force before it, had operated the Defense Satellite Communications System and Wideband Global SATCOM satellites, the Army had traditionally operated the payloads. Payload operates were conducted by the 53d Signal Battalion since 2005 when it replaced the 1st Satellite Control Battalion, which conducted the mission from 1995 to 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/SMDC%20History%20Booklet_508_Final.pdf |title=The U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command Army Forces Strategic Command - A Chronological Review of 60 Years |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224010831/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/SMDC%20History%20Booklet_508_Final.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, just prior to the Space Force's establishment, the Army established Task Force Eagle, reassigning the 53d Signal Battalion from the 1st Space Brigade and moving elements from Space and Missile Defense Command's G-6 headquarters to consolidate Army satellite communications. Task Force Eagle was renamed the Army Satellite Operations Brigade in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Army space unit streamlining satellite communication missions |url=https://www.army.mil/article/226947/new_army_space_unit_streamlining_satellite_communication_missions |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.army.mil |date=12 September 2019 |language=en |archive-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025181132/https://www.army.mil/article/226947/new_army_space_unit_streamlining_satellite_communication_missions |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 August 2022, the Army's satellite communications mission was officially transferred to the Space Force and assumed by Space Delta 8 and the 53rd Space Operations Squadron, which took its number to honor the 53rd Signal Battalion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=Army transfers satellite communications mission to USSF: All military SATCOM under one ser |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3128682/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spoc.spaceforce.mil%2FNews%2FArticle-Display%2FArticle%2F3128682%2Farmy-transfers-satellite-communications-mission-to-ussf-all-military-satcom-und |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Space Operations Command (SpOC) |language=en-US}}</ref>

The debate over the transfer of missile warning was extremely contentious, leading to debates on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Space Force, and Air Force Space Command before it, had responsibility for global and national missile warning, while the Army had a small element for regional missile warning.<ref name=":0" /> The Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) was operated by the Army's 1st Space Brigade, receiving, processing and disseminating data from the Space Force's missile warning satellites. Following the satellite communications' transfer, the Army and Space Force began negotiating transferring the missile warning mission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=2022-09-19 |title=Army may transfer missile warning capabilities to Space Ops Command: Official |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2022/09/army-may-transfer-missile-warning-capabilities-to-space-ops-command-official/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102950/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/army-may-transfer-missile-warning-capabilities-to-space-ops-command-official/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2023, the Space Force announced that the Army agreed to transfer the JTAGS mission to Space Delta 4, fully assuming the mission on 1 October 2023 and activating the 5th Space Warning Squadron.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harpley |first=Unshin |date=2023-10-05 |title=Space Force Takes Over JTAGS Mission from the Army |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-control-jtags-mission-army/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023164532/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-control-jtags-mission-army/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harpley |first=Unshin |date=2023-10-26 |title=Space Force Solidifies New JTAGS Mission With Stand-Up of Squadron and Detachment |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-new-jtags-mission-squadron-detachment/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130152755/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-new-jtags-mission-squadron-detachment/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:TEST OF NATIONS MIDCOURSE DEFENSE SYSTEM CONDUCTED (5208714).jpg|thumb|Launch of an Army Ground Based Interceptor from Vandenberg Space Force Base.]]

There are still calls for the Army to follow the Navy in transferring all of its space forces to the Space Force. The Heritage Foundation has called for the wholesale transfer of Army Space and Missile Defense Command to the Space Force.<ref name=":0" /> The 100th Missile Defense Brigade operates the Ground Based Interceptor system out of Schriever Space Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Fort Greely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/Fact_Sheets/100th_MDB.pdf |title=100th Missile Defense Brigade brochure |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922235047/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/Fact_Sheets/100th_MDB.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Former Air Force space officers have called to move this mission to the Space Force and the Center for Strategic and International Studies included moving missile defense into the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=John “J R.” |last1=Riordan |first2=Daniel ”Sphinx” |last2=Dant |first3=Timothy “Stepchild” |last3=Cox |date=2020-06-26 |title=Op-ed {{!}} Time to Move ICBM and missile defense units to the Space Force |url=https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102940/https://spacenews.com/op-ed-time-to-move-icbm-and-missile-defense-units-to-the-space-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/181119_Harrison_SpaceForce_layout_FINAL.pdf |title=CSIS Briefs - How Much Will the Space Force Cost?|access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807231726/http://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/181119_Harrison_SpaceForce_layout_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army also continues to maintain a cadre of Functional Area 40 space operations officers, although over 85% indicated they would transfer to the Space Force if able.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2020-04-28 |title=Survey: Most Army space officers would transfer to the U.S. Space Force |url=https://spacenews.com/survey-most-army-space-officers-would-transfer-to-the-u-s-space-force/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102951/https://spacenews.com/survey-most-army-space-officers-would-transfer-to-the-u-s-space-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Army is also maintaining a downsized 1st Space Brigade, however the RAND Corporation has conducted a study calling for the transfer of the Army's space control forces to the Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2022-08-14 |title=U.S. Army hands over satellite operations to Space Force, but keeps a foothold in space |url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-hands-over-satellite-operations-to-space-force-but-keeps-a-foothold-in-space/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226104031/https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-hands-over-satellite-operations-to-space-force-but-keeps-a-foothold-in-space/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=2020-03-16 |title=Space Force May Be Too Small: RAND |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/space-force-may-be-too-small-rand/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223105135/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/space-force-may-be-too-small-rand/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Army has attempted to carve out a role in space operations, with its 2024 Army Space Vision outlining the service's space mission as integrating space capabilities and interdicting adversary space capabilities, including counter-satellite communications, counter-surveillance and reconnaissance, and navigation warfare in support of land operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/army-clings-to-space-troops-translating-geek-to-grunt/ | title=Why the Army Clings to Its Space Troops | date=13 October 2021 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=14 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214171732/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/army-clings-to-space-troops-translating-geek-to-grunt/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Army_Space_Vision_Supporting_MDO.pdf |title=Army Space Vision Supporting Multidomain Operations |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114231649/https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Army_Space_Vision_Supporting_MDO.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Responsibility for conducting these operations rest with Army Multi-Domain Task Forces and a new space formation called the Theater Strike Effects Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=2024-01-09 |title=US Army carves out its role in space |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/01/09/us-army-carves-out-its-role-in-space/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Defense News |language=en |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226102954/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/01/09/us-army-carves-out-its-role-in-space/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the Army is no longer looking to develop and deploy its own constellations of satellites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2020-03-11 |title=Army Won't Build Recon Satellites: Lt. Gen. Berrier |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/army-wont-build-recon-satellites-lt-gen-berrier/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011233709/https://breakingdefense.com/2020/03/army-wont-build-recon-satellites-lt-gen-berrier/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2026, the Army announced a new military occupational specialty (MOS) 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist for soldiers in the grade of E-4 through E-9 in the regular army, reserves and National Guard.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Army opens applications for enlisted space operations roles|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/01/28/army-opens-applications-for-enlisted-space-operations-roles/|website=Military Times|date=2026-01-28|access-date=2026-01-29|language=en|first=Eve|last=Sampson|archive-date=29 January 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129172225/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/01/28/army-opens-applications-for-enlisted-space-operations-roles/|url-status=live}}</ref> Soldiers wanting to enter the MOS, must apply and then go to training at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense School in Colorado. The Army sees an initial need for 1,000 soldiers in this MOS. This MOS would become the foundation of a proposed Space Operations Branch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Army seeks Soldiers to become space operations specialists|url=https://www.army.mil/article/290190/army_seeks_soldiers_to_become_space_operations_specialists|website=www.army.mil|date=2026-01-27|access-date=2026-01-29|language=en|archive-date=28 January 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128135947/https://www.army.mil/article/290190/army_seeks_soldiers_to_become_space_operations_specialists|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Structure== The SMDC is made up of several components, Active Army and full-time Army National Guard, due to the 24-hour a day, 7-day a week, 365-day a year nature of SMDC's mission:<ref name="title10,32">{{Cite web |title=SMDC senior leader discusses his career path, unique role of National Guard in command's mission |url=https://www.army.mil/article/210056/smdc_senior_leader_discusses_his_career_path_unique_role_of_national_guard_in_commands_mission |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.army.mil |date=23 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828171714/https://www.army.mil/article/210056/smdc_senior_leader_discusses_his_career_path_unique_role_of_national_guard_in_commands_mission |url-status=live }}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" |- !Name !Mission !Headquarters |- |frameless|36x36px 100th Missile Defense Brigade (100 MDB) |Operates the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system<ref>{{Cite web |title=100th Missile Defense Brigade |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/100thMDB/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.smdc.army.mil |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114231647/https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/100thMDB/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado |-

|frameless|34x34px 1st Space Brigade |Provide trained and ready space forces to conduct continuous global space force enhancement, space support, space control and special missions<ref>{{Cite web |title=1st Space Brigade |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/1st-Space-Brigade/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.smdc.army.mil |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202075110/https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/1ST-SPACE-BRIGADE/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |Colorado Springs, Colorado |- |Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence |Builds and enables space and missile defense forces responsive to warfighter needs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/SMDCoE/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.smdc.army.mil |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114231648/https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/SMDCoE/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |Colorado Springs, Colorado |- |Technical Center |Provides technologies to meet today’s requirements and future needs in directed energy, space, cyberspace, hypersonics and integrated air and missile defense<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Center |url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/TC/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.smdc.army.mil |archive-date=25 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125025242/https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/TC/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |Redstone Arsenal, Alabama |- | |- |frameless|33x33px 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command |U.S.-based air and missile defense forces performing or expected to perform homeland defense missions.<ref>https://www.army.mil/article/289519/smdc_lead_civilian_speaks_at_redstone_update</ref> |Fort Bliss, Texas |- |- |frameless|37x37px 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command |U.S.-based air and missile defense forces performing or expected to perform homeland defense missions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/289519/smdc_lead_civilian_speaks_at_redstone_update |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2026 |archive-date=14 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114074659/https://www.army.mil/article/289519/smdc_lead_civilian_speaks_at_redstone_update |url-status=live }}</ref> |Anderson, South Carolina |}

== List of commanding generals == {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}} ! colspan=2| Commanding General<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RY8nKLuNGs8C&dq=john+p.+costello+october+1998&pg=RA15-PA73|title=Air Force Magazine, Volume 89|year=2006|page=73|access-date=2021-10-23|archive-date=26 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226104026/https://books.google.com/books?id=RY8nKLuNGs8C&dq=john+p.+costello+october+1998&pg=RA15-PA73#v=onepage&q=john%20p.%20costello%20october%201998&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> ! colspan=3| Term |- ! Portrait ! Name ! Took office ! Left office ! Term length |- !colspan="6" text-style:align="center" | Commanding General, U.S. Army Strategic Defense Command {{Officeholder table | order = 1 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LGEN JFWall.jpeg | officeholder = John F. Wall | officeholder_sort = Wall, John F. | born_year = 1931 | died_year = 2024 | term_start = 1 July 1985 | term_end = 24 May 1988 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|1 July 1985|24 May 1988}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Stewart-rl.jpg | officeholder = Robert L. Stewart | officeholder_sort = Stewart, Robert L. | born_year = 1942 | died_year = | term_start = 24 May 1988 | term_end = 11 July 1988 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|24 May 1988|11 July 1988}} | acting = y }} {{Officeholder table | order = 2 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Portrait U. S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert D. Hammond.jpg | officeholder = Robert Hammond | officeholder_sort = Hammond, Robert D. | born_year = 1933 | died_year = 2014 | term_start = 11 July 1988 | term_end = 30 June 1992 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|11 July 1988|30 June 1992}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Brig. Gen. William J. Schumacher, USA.jpg | officeholder = William Schumacher | officeholder_sort = Schumacher, William J. | born_year = 1938 | died_year = 2021 | term_start = 30 June 1992 | term_end = 31 July 1992 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|30 June 1992|31 July 1992}} | acting = y }} !colspan="6" text-style:align="center" | Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command {{Officeholder table | order = 3 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Portrait of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Donald M. Lionetti.jpg | officeholder = Donald Lionetti | officeholder_sort = Lionetti, Donald M. | born_year = 1940 | died_year = 2019 | term_start = 24 August 1992 | term_end = 6 September 1994 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|24 August 1992|6 September 1994}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 4 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG Jay M. Garner, September 1994-October 1996.jpg | officeholder = Jay M. Garner | officeholder_sort = Garner, Jay M. | born_year = 1938 | died_year = | term_start = 6 September 1994 | term_end = 7 October 1996 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|6 September 1994|7 October 1996}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 5 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG Edward G. Anderson III (2).jpg | officeholder = Edward G. Anderson III | officeholder_sort = Anderson, Edward G. III | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 7 October 1996 | term_end = 1 October 1997 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|7 October 1996|1 October 1997}} }} !colspan="6" text-style:align="center" | Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command {{Officeholder table | order = 5 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG Edward G. Anderson III (2).jpg | officeholder = Edward G. Anderson III | officeholder_sort = Anderson, Edward G. III | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 1 October 1997 | term_end = 6 August 1998 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|1 October 1997|6 August 1998}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Colonel | image = Steven Flohr.jpg | officeholder = Steven W. Flohr | officeholder_sort = Flohr, Steven W. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 6 August 1998 | term_end = 1 October 1998 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|6 August 1998|1 October 1998}} | acting = y }} {{Officeholder table | order = 6 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG John P. Costello.jpg | officeholder = John P. Costello | officeholder_sort = Costello, John P. | born_year = 1947 | died_year = 2010 | term_start = 1 October 1998 | term_end = 28 March 2001 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|1 October 1998|28 March 2001}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = BG John M. Urias.jpg | officeholder = John M. Urias | officeholder_sort = Urias, John M. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 28 March 2001 | term_end = 30 April 2001 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|28 March 2001|30 April 2001}} | acting = y }} {{Officeholder table | order = 7 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Joseph M. Cosumano (2).jpg | officeholder = Joseph M. Cosumano Jr. | officeholder_sort = Cosumano, Joseph M. Jr. | born_year = 1946 | died_year = | term_start = 30 April 2001 | term_end = 16 December 2003 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|30 April 2001|16 December 2003}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 8 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG Larry J. Dodgen.jpg | officeholder = Larry J. Dodgen | officeholder_sort = Dodgen, Larry J. | born_year = 1949 | died_year = 2010 | term_start = 16 December 2003 | term_end = 18 December 2006 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|16 December 2003|18 December 2006}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 9 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Kevin T Campbell (cropped).jpg | officeholder = Kevin T. Campbell | officeholder_sort = Campbell, Kevin T. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 18 December 2006 | term_end = 15 December 2010 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|18 December 2006|15 December 2010}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 10 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica (2).jpg | officeholder = Richard P. Formica | officeholder_sort = Formica, Richard P. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 15 December 2010 | term_end = 12 August 2013 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|15 December 2010|12 August 2013}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 11 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = David L. Mann (3).jpg | officeholder = David L. Mann | officeholder_sort = Mann, David L. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 12 August 2013 | term_end = 5 January 2017<ref>{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-general-dies-two-days-before-taking-new-command/ |title=U.S. Army general dies two days before taking new command |first=Mike |last=Gruss |date=1 August 2016 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=22 August 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226104118/https://spacenews.com/u-s-army-general-dies-two-days-before-taking-new-command/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | timeinoffice = {{ayd|12 August 2013|5 January 2017}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 12 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = James H. Dickinson (5).jpg | officeholder = James H. Dickinson | officeholder_sort = Dickinson, James H. | born_year = {{circa|1963}} | died_year = | term_start = 5 January 2017 | term_end = 5 December 2019 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|5 January 2017|5 December 2019}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 13 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler.jpg | officeholder = Daniel L. Karbler | officeholder_sort = Karbler, Daniel K. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 6 December 2019 | term_end = 9 January 2024 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|6 December 2019|9 January 2024}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 14 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG Sean A. Gainey.jpg | officeholder = Sean A. Gainey | officeholder_sort = Gainey, Sean | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 9 January 2024 | term_end = 29 April 2026 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|9 January 2024|29 April 2026}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = 15 | military_rank = Lieutenant General | image = LTG John L. Rafferty Jr.jpg | officeholder = John L. Rafferty Jr. | officeholder_sort = Rafferty, John L. Jr. | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 29 April 2026 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|29 April 2026}} }} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * [https://www.smdc.army.mil Official website] * {{cite web |url=https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2025/11/the-army-is-updating-its-missile-defense-strategy-and-shifting-command-focus-to-better-protect-the-homeland/ |title=The Army is updating its missile defense strategy and shifting command focus to better protect the homeland|author=Terry Gerton|date=November 13, 2025 |website=Federal News Network }} * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Ms8n9-XU4 Future Warfare Preparation: US Army Space & Missile Defense Command] – animated dramatization of various missile defense scenarios (YouTube video made by [http://Dr-Inc.com/ Delta Research Inc] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003162922/http://dr-inc.com/ |date=3 October 2018 }} for SMDC)

{{DEFAULTSORT:United States Army Space And Missile Defense Command}} Category:United States Army Service Component Commands Category:Space units and formations of the United States Army Category:Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado Category:Military units and formations established in 1997 Category:United States Strategic Command