I've heard references to Air and Space within the US military context. Is this a separate branch or is it a part of Air Force or something else? Super confused, any help would be great!
Your confusion is completely understandable! In the United States military, there are indeed six branches of service: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
The Space Force was officially established as a separate branch of the military in 2019. Before its establishment, space-related functions were generally handled by the Air Force. However, with the increasing importance of space in both civilian and military affairs, the U.S government decided a separate branch was necessary to manage these responsibilities.
As for "Air and Space," that term might be referring to the overall domain in which the Air Force and Space Force operate. But it's key to note that the Air Force and Space Force are separate entities. Each branch has its own responsibilities, personnel, and command structure, all under the Department of Defense.
In short, the Space Force is now the primary military branch responsible for space operations, such as monitoring ballistic missile launches and tracking space debris, while the Air Force primarily handles aerial and terrestrial operations. It's great that you're seeking to understand more about our military structure, especially as these domains evolve.
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