http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-24/conflict-in-space-is-inevitable-expert-warns/10146314 (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-24/conflict-in-space-is-inevitable-expert-warns/10146314)
I suppose the personal integrity, STEM, and leadership skills CAP develops in youth will be in high demand. It's clear that others, besides the US, are thinking of this.
There have been plans and contingencies for space conflicts for decades. To not have those would be
extreme negligence.
Will there be a Space Force Aux or will CAP fill that role?
Google the old series "Salvage 1".
Quote from: Eclipse on August 26, 2018, 06:08:04 PM
There have been plans and contingencies for space conflicts for decades. To not have those would be
extreme negligence.
And Russia and China already have this.
Quote from: OldGuy on August 26, 2018, 11:32:40 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 26, 2018, 06:08:04 PM
There have been plans and contingencies for space conflicts for decades. To not have those would be
extreme negligence.
And Russia and China already have this.
We had ASat (Anti Satellite missile) way back in the 80's. Launched from an F-15.
Let's not forget A119 and Horizon.
I don't think Congress has given the approval or not for the Space Force.
I see no immediate role for CAP - CAP is the USAF's Auxilliary after all.
Maybe if the "Space Force" is to the USAF as the USMC is to the USN, CAP will have some role or affiliation...
One possible mission a space force might assume would be control of military satellites. There could be occasions where satellite operators suspect they understand something they see within US territory, but aren't sure. They need someone to go out and establish "ground truth". If the issue under investigation, and the satellites gathering the information, are not too confidential, CAP could conceivably fill that role.
It would be similar to the way amateur radio operators serve as weather spotters and observe weather phenomena in areas where radars can't see, or are not fully calibrated.
It seems that the low tech CAP assets & 'as available' (and convenient) volunteer capabilities might not have any roles of direct consequence. However, growing leaders through cadet programs could be an out sized contibution from our relatively small organization.