The Space Force, like other military services, consists of officer, enlisted, and civilian members known as “guardians.” However, the Space Force is actively seeking new ways to recruit civilian employees, who currently make up about 50 percent of the service. One such initiative is the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC), a congressionally mandated pilot program aimed at recruiting university graduates into the military as civilian employees rather than uniformed officers. This program operates similarly to ROTC but focuses on providing students with exposure to civilian jobs within the Space Force.
Katharine Kelley, the Space Force’s deputy chief of space operations for human capital, explained that the DCTC program allows college students interested in the Space Force to volunteer to work on projects during their summer break. This experience provides them with an understanding of what it means to be a civilian employee or a federal employee in the Space Force, offering valuable insights into potential career paths within the organization. The program aims to raise awareness among Americans that it is possible to work for a military service as a skilled civilian rather than as a uniformed member, providing opportunities for students to explore diverse roles within the Space Force.
Kelley highlighted that many individuals are unaware of the option to serve in the military as a civilian, emphasizing the need to educate the public about these opportunities. By participating in the DCTC program, students gain exposure to the various research and development projects conducted by the Space Force, including problem-solving technologies for space and the impact of weather conditions on satellite architectures. This hands-on experience allows students to explore their interests in scientific and problem-solving roles within the Space Force, paving the way for future career opportunities in the organization.
The DCTC program currently partners with four universities, including North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, The University of Arizona, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. These partnerships enable students to engage with the Space Force and gain practical experience in their chosen fields of study, preparing them for future roles as civilian employees within the organization. By expanding recruitment efforts to include civilian employees, the Space Force is able to tap into a diverse talent pool and attract individuals with a wide range of skills and expertise to contribute to its mission in space.
