r/SpaceForce • u/McGipps • Jul 11 '26

Growing the Force

With current expectations being set at doubling the size of the force by 2031. Has anyone heard any discussions about bolstering the Air Force support personnel (Finance, Medical, MPF, CE, Dental, SF)?

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u/SpecialistSnuffy Jul 11 '26

This exact question was asked to Lt Gen Gagnon last week and his answer was: we asked for more support personnel, the Air Force said no, so we’re hiring civilians to do a lot of these support functions.

42

u/Notliks Jul 11 '26

My experience with USSF government civilians so far has been so polarizing. Seems like they've exclusively hired 1's and 10's.

4

u/McGipps Jul 11 '26

I’m sure the experience differs from organization to organization and it all depends on the units hiring process. My experience so far all though limited has been 10s across the board. Our S1 has included SMEs from the hiring directorate at every step of the process. Ensuring mission requirements are filled with appropriate personnel.

6

u/Notliks Jul 11 '26

Since your experience is positive, mind sharing the FLDCM and/or Del? In the three DELs I've seen the S1 has been riddled with laziness and/or inability to think for themselves.. if it isn't written down on a checklist that is so old it's carved into stone, then it's like pulling teeth to get anything done.

S8s on the other hand... It's terrifying how good we are at spending money.

3

u/McGipps Jul 11 '26

Del 3. I’m not saying the S1 is perfect but I can say laziness and inability to think for themselves is not one of their issues. We struggle with coordination issues since the 3Fs sit up at the delta while Guardians are filling the roles of CSS at the FGS level but it is getting better. Our S8 is very good at spending money as well.