U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, addressed the importance of space-based capabilities in military operations during a hearing on March 25. The session focused on national security space programs and activities within the Department of Defense.
The topic is significant as it highlights how modern conflicts increasingly rely on space technology for communications, intelligence, and defense. DesJarlais said that reviewing these programs is challenging without access to the President’s budget request for the fiscal year.
During his opening remarks, DesJarlais welcomed witnesses including Marc Berkowitz, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy; Thomas Ainsworth from the Air Force; Brett Markham from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; William Adkins from the National Reconnaissance Office; and Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess from U.S. Space Force. "As we have seen recently in Iran, space has become instrumental to every conflict with both space effects and support to the joint force," DesJarlais said. He also cited Admiral Brad Cooper’s view that Space Force capabilities are “degrading Iranian capability, and....helping to protect American forces.”
DesJarlais pointed out lessons learned from Ukraine regarding jamming and shifting battle lines due to changes in access to space-based communications. He emphasized that "all our space capabilities play a vital role when it comes to winning the fight" and stressed that Positioning, Navigating, Timing (PNT), secure communications, or Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) are essential for effective joint force operations.
The House Armed Services Committee includes members such as Reps. Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner and Robert J. Wittman according to its official website. The committee oversees defense-related agencies under U.S. Code as reported by its official website and has influenced legislation through processes like community project funding via the National Defense Authorization Act according to its official website. Rep. Mike Rogers served as chair during recent Congress sessions according to its official website. The committee operates under Rule X of House Rules concerning national defense matters as stated by its official website, falling under congressional oversight for military affairs according to its official site.
Looking ahead at future priorities in military readiness in space domains, DesJarlais asked witnesses about balancing rapid deployment with developing a competitive industrial base: "Mr. Ainsworth...how [is] the department...balancing...the desire to deploy capabilities as quickly as possible...and develop a robust...space industrial base?" He also sought input about adapting strategies amid new mission areas: "Lieutenant General Schiess...how are you working to make sure we aren’t thinking about space operations the same way we always have?"
DesJarlais concluded by noting that effective warfighting doctrine depends on clear policies: "How the administration plans to normalize our approach...will be vital...to an effective warfighting doctrine in and from space."
