Bipartisan Unity Sails Schiess Over Senate Threshold

The Confirmation of Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as the Third Space Force Chief: A Shoo-In Amidst Low Profile Senate Hearing

In a rare display of bipartisan consensus, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) nomination hearing for Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess, the next chief of space operations, yielded mostly softball questions from senators, effectively paving the way for his confirmation as the third Space Force chief.

The lackluster turnout at today’s hearing was a testament to the committee’s confidence in Schiess’ qualifications and leadership abilities. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), SASC Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and other senators displayed a clear understanding of Schiess’ capabilities, with many expressing their support for his nomination.

Sen. King’s remarks were particularly noteworthy, as he attempted to deflect attention from the absence of several senators by framing it as an indication of the committee’s confidence in Schiess. He also subtly emphasized that being non-controversial was not a bad thing, suggesting that Schiess’ nomination had garnered broad support across party lines.

This sentiment was reinforced by Sen. Wicker, who echoed King’s sentiments and expressed hope that Schiess would accept their “compliment” as a vote of confidence in his leadership abilities. The relatively calm atmosphere at the hearing was a stark contrast to other high-profile nominations, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding Schiess’ nomination.

While Schiess faced no significant challenges during the hearing, some senators did raise concerns about the potential blurring of lines between the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), SASC Ranking Member, had previously expressed concerns about the NRO’s expanding role in acquiring satellites for ISR missions, which could potentially overlap with Space Force authority.

During today’s hearing, Sen. Reed reiterated his concerns, asking Schiess to clarify how he would manage the NRO’s acquisition role while ensuring the Space Force retained its planned acquisition authority. However, Schiess’ responses effectively alleviated these concerns, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between the two organizations and leveraging their complementary strengths.

Another pressing issue that arose during the hearing was the realm of electromagnetic warfare (EW). Sen. Reed asked Schiess about joint operations and integration with the Air Force in EW, particularly in overlapping spaces on the ground, air, or space. Schiess responded by highlighting the potential for synergistic cooperation between services, citing his experience in joint operations during his previous roles.

Schiess’ emphasis on working collaboratively with other services, including the Navy and Marine Corps, was seen as a key aspect of his approach to EW. He acknowledged the importance of coordinating efforts across service boundaries, particularly in an era where capabilities can be more effectively combined than individualized.

The confirmation process for Schiess marks a significant milestone for the Space Force, which has faced scrutiny over its organizational identity and mission focus since its creation in 2019. As the third chief of space operations, Schiess will inherit a service still navigating the complexities of its new role within the Department of the Air Force.

Despite the relatively smooth proceedings at today’s hearing, there remain significant challenges ahead for Schiess as he assumes his new role. The demarcation lines between NRO and Space Force missions and authorities continue to be a contentious issue, with implications for ISR acquisition programs and institutional identity.

However, given the broad support shown by senators during the SASC nomination hearing, it is likely that Schiess will sail through confirmation without significant opposition. His demonstrated understanding of the complex issues facing the Space Force and his commitment to collaborative leadership make him an attractive candidate for the role.

As the Space Force continues to evolve, its leadership must address these challenges proactively, ensuring a clear direction for the organization as it navigates the complexities of space operations. With Schiess at the helm, the Space Force can build on its strengths and foster a more cohesive approach to addressing emerging threats in the domain.

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