The U.S. Army has officially created a space operations role for enlisted soldiers, a historic step toward modernizing its forces and integrating space into multi-domain warfare.
Introducing MOS 40D: Space Operations Specialist
The newly designated Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 40D will serve as the Army’s first-ever dedicated space career path for enlisted personnel. Announced by Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, commander of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, the new role will enable enlisted soldiers to become lifelong experts in space operations rather than rotating in and out of space-related assignments from other specialties.
“These specialists will become the experts we turn to during the next conflict,” said Gainey.
Why the Army Needs Enlisted Space Specialists
Rising Importance of Space in Modern Warfare
The creation of a space operations role for enlisted soldiers reflects the growing recognition of space as a contested domain, as vital to defense operations as land, sea, air, and cyber.
Modern conflicts increasingly rely on satellite communications, GPS navigation, missile warning systems, and space-based intelligence. With nations like China developing anti-satellite weapons, maintaining space superiority is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.
Bridging the Expertise Gap
Until now, the bulk of Army space expertise has rested with officers. Enlisted personnel previously assigned to space-related duties came from other fields—like engineering, signals, or air defense—and often returned to their original MOS after temporary space missions.
“The preponderance of expertise and experience in space operations resides in the officer corps,” Gainey explained. “This new MOS will ensure we build experience within the non-commissioned officer corps as well.”
How the New Role Works
Structure and Implementation
The Army will transition existing positions in space-focused units to the new 40D designation. These roles, previously filled by personnel on loan from other branches, will now belong permanently to space operations specialists.
Importantly, the initiative is budget-neutral, meaning it repurposes existing positions rather than creating new ones from scratch.
Career Development and Expertise Building
Enlisted soldiers in the 40D specialty will receive specialized training in:
- Orbital mechanics and satellite operations
- Electronic warfare and anti-satellite defense
- Tactical use of space assets in ground operations
They will rise through the ranks from junior specialists to command sergeants major, gaining deep operational insight over the course of their careers.
Alignment With National Defense Priorities
DoD’s Broader Space Strategy
The move fits within the broader Department of Defense (DoD) initiative to develop space warfare capabilities, a response to emerging threats from near-peer adversaries. The creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 and continued investment in satellite resiliency are indicators of this strategic shift.
According to Defense.gov, the U.S. is “reorganizing forces and resources to address contested environments in space, including signal jamming and satellite targeting.”
Integration Across Domains
As multi-domain operations (MDO) become the new standard, ground troops must work in sync with cyber and space assets. The Army’s investment in dedicated space personnel ensures that operations on the ground are supported by experts with real-time knowledge of what’s happening above.
The establishment of a space operations role for enlisted soldiers is more than just a new military specialty—it’s a strategic transformation. As global threats evolve, the Army’s forward-thinking approach equips its forces to operate effectively in space-centric conflicts.
With MOS 40D, the Army is building a cadre of enlisted experts prepared to defend America’s interests in one of the most critical and contested domains of the future.
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