Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, has said that creating a Space Force may lead to reorganization issues at the service branch, Space News reported Wednesday. The Senate’s 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates the establishment of a Space Force, also directs the appointment of a standalone acquisition executive for space programs to ensure that proper attention is given to space programs.
Roper, a 2019 Wash100 winner, told the publication at a Defense News conference in Arlington, Va. that the reorganization of the Air Force acquisition office may create cost and inefficiency issues.
“I try to provide useful advice and let Congress make its choice,†he said. “Whatever the choice is, we’re ready to fully support.â€
According to Roper, having separate offices and leaders for air and space programs would result in management difficulties and “end up making space a second class citizen.†He added that the move would significantly impact multidomain programs that require interoperability between air and space capabilities.
