Earlier this month, the Department of Defense sent proposed Space Force legislation to Congress.
President Donald Trump hastened the legislative process with a directive in February ordering the Defense Department to establish the Space Force as a sixth branch of the military, though it will be organized as part of the Air Force – at least, initially.
The Pentagon estimates the cost for the new military branch is $2 billion over five years.
Shanahan told lawmakers it would be a small branch with about 15,000 to 20,000 members.
In addition to the Space Force, the Defense Department's reorganization to support space also includes development of a U.S. Space Command and a Space Development Agency.
Lawmakers have questioned why the Pentagon needs both a Space Force and a Space Command.
Shanahan said he would not allow the Space Force bureaucracy to grow too much, but the Space Force was needed along with the Space Command to provide space professionals a career path.
"We need to focus on developing warfighting culture and doctrine, create a pipeline of space experts," he said.
The Defense Department recommends having two four-star generals heading up the Space Force and a four-star commander in charge of the U.S. Space Command.
https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/03/21/Shanahan-Space-Force-needed-to-ensure-margin-of-dominance/5261553184981/