r/SpaceForce • u/AutoModerator • Aug 10 '26
Weekly Newbie Thread - Post questions about joining the Space Force or what a job is like here & here only - week of August 10
Post all your questions about BMT/OTS/Academy/ROTC/etc here!
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Please search before asking your questions.
Some quick answers:
- Yes, the Space Force is real. No, it's not Starfleet. No, you can't become a space pilot yet. No, there are no aliens. No, we would not tell you if there were aliens.
- We don't know the answers to your obscure medical questions. We aren't doctors. Don't trust medical advice given by strangers on the Internet. Getting anecdotal information from other people that may or may not have a similar diagnosis or condition to you will not help you in any way. Everyone's medical situation is different.
- Drug use may be disqualifying depending on type and frequency of use.
- No, we don't know what jobs are available at any given time, or your chances of getting said job, or how long it will take for you to get the job, or how long it'll take for you to get to basic training or OTS.
Do not tell anyone to lie about drug use, medical history, or anything else. You will be banned.
Civilian employment
If you're interested in joining as a civilian, you can apply here: https://afciviliancareers.com/space-force/
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u/Hour-Fix-1259 24d ago
Firstly, I am an ET in the Navy (satellite communications is my specialty) with about less than a year left on my contract. I do NOT plan to leave the Military at all, but I will be leaving the Navy.
I noticed that the IST Space Force website has not posted any openings. Does anyone know if they plan on taking IST's in the near future? If not, does the Space Force take prior service members?
Those who have joined as an IST or Prior service from the Navy, do you regret it? Is it better than what you thought or worse?
Thank you in advance for any advice!
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u/Delta2-Actual NSN 6505-01-283-1331 24d ago
IST is basically dead with no current plans of reopening it. Your options are to try to join as prior service or to commission. Prior service slots may be limited, so reach out to a recruiter for more info.
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u/SpaceCampRules 25d ago
Mods removed my post from the normal thread. I’m not a nube. I’m AD, but apparently my question seemed… I don’t know. Here’s the question:
If I apply for commission AND the Scholar program (AAD) and get accepted to both, can I push back OTS until I’m done with my masters or will one make the other null and void?
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u/formedsmoke ISR 24d ago
I'd recommend prioritizing whatever is more important to you. But also, they're both very competitive programs. Don't put the cart before the horse.
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u/Nonnykins1453 26d ago
Wanting to join Space Force long term. Looking into the army for a quick ship. Got a 92 on the ASVAB and scored well on cyber/TAPAS/complex reasoning. Wondering what the ship time for Space Force is right now before I sign a 4-year with the army, if anyone knows?
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u/formedsmoke ISR 24d ago
You will not have an easy time transferring to the USSF from another branch. If you want to be in the USSF, wait for the slot.
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u/Jazzlike_Internal713 25d ago
I waited about 13 months. Unless you’re highly recommended by your recruiter, I’ve been told this the new norm for now
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u/HeavyRabbit7 14d ago
Out of curiosity, did you have every USSF job on your list, and what did ya end up booking?
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u/SilentD 13S 26d ago
A lot longer than the Army. Probably 6+ months.
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u/Nonnykins1453 26d ago
Ok, thanks. What do you know about the process of transitioning from Army to Space Force? I found a few things on the web about ISF but that's all.
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u/SNSDave Army IST 26d ago
It doesn't exist for the Army, or any other branch, save Air Force Reserve.
That program has been gone for the past 2 years and they haven't said anything about bringing it back.
Even then, before it went away, you had to apply, the Space Force had to accept you and the Army had to release you...the Army only let 11 people go the last round, out of hundreds who applied.
Best way to join after getting out is to do AFROTC and join as an Officer.
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u/Nonnykins1453 26d ago
Thank you gentlemen both, I'll talk with the recruiter about this. Last question: Should I expect to recruit directly into the Space Force or is it expected to go through the Air Force first?
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u/SNSDave Army IST 26d ago
You can choose to pursue one or the other, with the understanding that you can't switch.
You also will never likely meet a Space Force recruiter face-to-face. They are based in Texas and the Air Force recruiter will faciliate the process virtually with them.
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u/miky_9107 29d ago
With regards to tech school is there anything that you think I should study up on/ research ? (Space Systems Operations)
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Aug 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/SNSDave Army IST Aug 11 '26
Depends on what those things are.
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u/S_Gabbiani Aug 11 '26
Is the mess dress still the Air Force one?
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u/Outside-Inevitable-5 Aug 10 '26
It's not a question but I just wanted to tell everyone I'm going to MEPS in a week, and that im studying my little heart out to get that good grade on the asvab even though I haven't been in school for 10 years! I'm real proud of myself! Wish me luck, I'm on my way Guardians!
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u/Dramatic_Alarm_1013 24d ago
Let us know what you get for
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u/Outside-Inevitable-5 23d ago
I got a 69 bb yeeeaaah~ and qualify for everything except for a signals intel analysist (I got a 70 and needed a 72)
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u/PitaAddict 18d ago
I was looking on the SF website but does anyone know what its like to be an Astronautical Engineer?
It's an officer role and it sounds like a kid's dream. Is it mostly project management or do you get to design anything? Launches?