Fires Conference talks space overmatch

By Marie PihulicOctober 1, 2020

Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, explained to an eager audience that it takes a good Soldier, and Fires leader to become an FA40 Space Officer when asked how one could transition later on.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, explained to an eager audience that it takes a good Soldier, and Fires leader to become an FA40 Space Officer when asked how one could transition later on. (Photo Credit: Marie Pihulic) VIEW ORIGINAL
It is fitting that the Space Force commanding general was a guest speaker of the first virtual Fires Conference. Limited in-person attendees were spaced out inside Kerwin Auditorium as all others watched online and listened as Gen. James Dickinson...
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – It is fitting that the Space Force commanding general was a guest speaker of the first virtual Fires Conference. Limited in-person attendees were spaced out inside Kerwin Auditorium as all others watched online and listened as Gen. James Dickinson explained how overmatch in space allowed the virtual conference to be possible. (Photo Credit: Marie Pihulic) VIEW ORIGINAL
The brief showed how having overmatch in space allows the United States to enjoy every day functions and freedoms. The Space Command mission is to deter and defend.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The brief showed how having overmatch in space allows the United States to enjoy every day functions and freedoms. The Space Command mission is to deter and defend. (Photo Credit: Marie Pihulic) VIEW ORIGINAL

Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, said without a doubt space is a big part of achieving overmatch in large scale combat operations.

At the Fires Conference, he discussed how the Space Command is organized and the command’s mission.

“Our main mission is to deter conflict in space and if deterrence fails, defeat that aggression. We look at that each and every day. You can really only deter if you are in a power of strength,” said Dickinson. “One of our main objectives and functions is understanding what is happening in the space domain. It’s obviously a very large domain and takes a lot of intricate very sophisticated capabilities to really understand what is happening.”

He asked the audience to think of much space touches their daily lives.

“It’s really from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. It’s everything from your iPhone to the ATM to the gas station. Our American way of life is absolutely tied to our capabilities in space.”

Dickinson said Space Command is taking on capable leaders, and noted that there is a long line of those eager to be part of the important mission.

A Soldier in the audience asked Dickson how a field artillery officer could develop the skills now as a junior leader to become an effective FA40 or Army Space Operations officer through the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP).

“As you grow from second lieutenant to a captain, my guidance to you would be to do the things that second lieutenants and captains do. Learn to lead Soldiers, learn to be an expert in your particular branch. And when the time comes, you’ll be able to apply for a VTIP, but there is no magical recipe to become an FA40. Just be a good leader and a very good field artilleryman in this case.”