Initially proposed in December 2024 by the Army’s deputy chief of staff, the new role—designated as 40D space operations specialist—aims to expand enlisted participation in the space domain. “These soldiers will become the experts we turn to during the next conflict,” said Lt. Gen. Gainey.
Until now, the Army’s space operations have been primarily staffed by officers, but the 40D designation will enable enlisted personnel, from the rank of specialist through to command sergeant major, to join space formations with specialised training. According to Gainey, this shift will ensure soldiers bring “expertise and experience in space operations” to their roles.
Gainey explained that the new MOS will also support career progression and retention by providing defined career pathways for enlisted soldiers who are currently supporting space activities from other areas such as air defence, signal, and intelligence. “This is a zero-growth effort,” he clarified, indicating the initiative will repurpose existing personnel rather than expand total numbers.
When questioned on the Army’s space mission in relation to the Space Force, Gainey highlighted that the Army’s role is predominantly ground-based. “[We’re] focused on the tactical manoeuvre fight with our forces on the ground… directly benefitting the operator on the ground,” he said.
He further emphasised that the Army’s efforts in space operations complement the Space Force by supporting broader mission requirements, including those in orbit. “[The good news] is that there’s more than enough work for all of us on the battlefield today,” he noted.
Training for 40D soldiers will take place at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. “The majority of [40D] training will be on systems that we employ [such as the Tactical Integrated Ground Suite] and some of our other smaller systems,” said Gainey, adding that advanced-level courses will also be available, similar to other Army specialties.
Gainey concluded by acknowledging the growing interest in the new role among enlisted personnel. “I want to encourage everybody [who’s] interested in the space 40D MOS to compete for it, but it’s going to be very competitive,” he said.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense.
