10th FDS activates, enhances Delta 10 mission

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  • Space Training and Readiness Command Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Space Delta 10 activated the 10th Force Development Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 6, 2024.

U.S. Space Force Col. Jack D. Fulmer II, Delta 10 commander, officiated the ceremony with U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Amber Dawson taking command of the squadron.

The 10th FDS is one of four units that constitute Delta 10, and focuses on providing warfighters with the necessary doctrine to conduct the “fight tonight.” The 10th FDS not only produces Space Force doctrine, but it also codifies service tactics and plays a pivotal role in Space Force concept development to posture Space Force forces and designated joint and allied partners to prevail in a Contested, Degraded, Operationally Limited (CDO), all-domain environment.

“Today, as we prepare to formally activate the 10th Force Development Squadron and instill our inaugural commander, we celebrate the remarkable journey of this unit,” Fulmer said during his remarks. “It has grown from an operating location to becoming a squadron, recognized as being the Space Force’s central hub for tactics, concepts, and doctrine development.”

According to Fulmer, the 10th FDS traces its lineage to Air Force Space Command’s S5R Doctrine Shop. Upon the establishment of the Space Force, the unit was initially assigned to Space Operations Command and later transferred to Space Training and Readiness Command.

Following the stand-up of Delta 10 in August 2021, Delta 10 Operation Location-Alpha commenced its formal mission.

“The 10th FDS is an organization that punches far above its weight class,” Fulmer said, “ensuring that Guardians are prepared and optimized for great power competition. I’m inspired by your dedication, professionalism, and world-class production, and I look forward to seeing you prepare Guardians for this future fight.”

Following Fulmer’s remarks, U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Andrew Arostegui, the 10th FDS senior enlisted leader, revealed the colors and raised the guidon, initiating the assumption-of-command ceremony for the newly activated squadron.

Service members watched as Fulmer passed the colors to Dawson, entrusting her to lead as the first commander of the 10th FDS.

Prior to assuming command of the 10th FDS, Dawson served as the Deputy Director for Joint and National Security Matters, Office of the Chief Operations Officer, Headquarters, Space Force at the Pentagon.

In her inaugural address as the commander, Dawson emphasized the critical nature of the 10th FDS mission to prepare to heed the message called for by U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance B. Saltzman.

“Nothing is more critical right now as we navigate this period of major change for our service and the nation, rising to meet the challenges of great power competition,” Dawson said. “Without the discipline to conceptualize, codify, validate, and adapt, we would drift in the winds of change without rudder or oar. Personally, I hear the CSO's message as a direct call to all of us.”

She continued, "Through doctrine, tactics, and concepts, the 10th FDS, are in the business of bottling lightning—to prepare the Joint Force and our nation to prevail in Great Power Competition and conflict, no matter what challenge may come our way.” 

 

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