WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Army has confirmed plans to establish a new military occupational specialty (MOS) focused on space domain operations for enlisted soldiers. Set to become active by October 2026, the 40D space operations specialist MOS aims to enhance the Army’s ability to leverage space-based assets in tactical and strategic operations.
“This is a key step forward for the Army’s space capabilities,” said Army Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, commander of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, during a Pentagon briefing on May 2. “These soldiers will become the experts we turn to during the next conflict. Our Army space professionals support unique assets to interdict or disrupt adversaries’ use of space capabilities, ensuring Army forces maintain the initiative to fight from positions of relative advantage in all domains.”
The creation of the new MOS was first announced in December 2024 by the Army’s deputy chief of staff and represents the Army’s effort to integrate space expertise across all ranks, particularly enlisted soldiers. Historically, space operations have been primarily managed by officers. The introduction of the 40D specialty will ensure enlisted personnel, from specialist through command sergeant major, are trained to achieve operational excellence in space support.
Stabilizing Careers and Expanding Expertise
Gainey emphasized that the new MOS is designed to stabilize career progression for soldiers who have been performing space-related duties outside of their assigned specialties in fields such as air defense, intelligence, and signal operations. The 40D specialty will provide these soldiers with a formal career path dedicated to space operations expertise. “This is a zero-growth effort,” he added, highlighting that the new role will be filled by existing personnel rather than expanding the Army’s numbers.
Differentiation from the Space Force
While the establishment of the Space Force in 2019 created a dedicated military branch for space missions, the Army’s space operations are distinct in their focus. Speaking on the differences, Gainey explained, “[We’re] focused on the tactical maneuver fight with our forces on the ground, pushing that capability forward so our forces [are] able to leverage the effects of a space-based system, directly benefitting the operator on the ground.”
He added that the Army’s space operations complement the Space Force’s broader range of missions, emphasizing collaboration between branches. “[The good news] is that there’s more than enough work for all of us on the battlefield today,” he said.
Comprehensive Training Design
Soldiers pursuing the 40D MOS will undergo specialized training at the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following their initial entry training, 40D trainees will receive instruction on the systems they will operate, including the Tactical Integrated Ground Suite and other advanced technologies.
“The majority of [40D] training will be on systems that we employ,” Gainey shared, adding that the program will also include advanced training opportunities similar to those available in other career fields.
Recruitment and Interest
Although the 40D career field is not yet fully operational, Gainey noted that interest among soldiers is already strong. “I want to encourage everybody [who’s] interested in the space 40D MOS to compete for it, but it’s going to be very competitive,” he said.
Moving Forward
The development of the 40D MOS spotlights the Army’s effort to adapt to the increasing importance of the space domain in modern warfare. By training and deploying enlisted space operations specialists, the Army is preparing to meet future challenges and support its forces with cutting-edge capabilities.
This initiative marks a significant evolution in the Army’s operational flexibility, ensuring that its forces can continue to operate effectively across all domains. The next steps in the rollout of the MOS will focus on refining training programs, identifying eligible candidates, and integrating this specialty into Army operations. With growing interest and a clearly defined mission, the 40D MOS is poised to play a critical role in the Army’s future strategy.
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