Which title best describes the role of B. Chance Saltzman?

• A. Commander of Space Command
• B. Secretary of Defense
• C. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• D. Chief of Space Operations

Answer: (D)

The role in focus is the top leader of the Space Force, the officer who directs the service, sets its priorities, and advises senior leadership on space operations. B. Chance Saltzman serves as Chief of Space Operations, the highest-ranking officer in the Space Force. In this position he leads the service, overseeing its organization, training, and equipping of space forces, and acts as the principal military adviser on space matters within the Department of Defense and to the President and Secretary of Defense. The other titles describe different positions: Commander of Space Command would lead U.S. Space Command, a separate unified combatant command; Secretary of Defense is a civilian leader who oversees the entire Department of Defense; and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the senior military officer who chairs the Joint Chiefs but is not the head of a specific service. Therefore, Chief of Space Operations is the best description of Saltzman’s role.