JOINT SPACE ELEMENT
Recent joint operation experience has shown that the designated space coordinating authority (SCA) should consider establishing a joint space element to aid the SCA in the execution of day-to-day responsibilities. All Service components need to provide some level of support to the designated SCA to create synergy in space planning. The joint space element provides the Services and operational units in the operational area with a vehicle for planning space operations.
For example, in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, the Commander, US Central Command (USCENTCOM) designated the joint forces air component commander as the SCA. The Army and Air Force provided support to the USCENTCOM SCA, creating a level of synergy in space planning. However, since there was no Navy representation on the SCA staff, the SCA provided direct space support to the lead carrier strike group (CSG) in theater. The CSG commander required direct liaison authorized in order to interact with the SCA at the operational level, for support to all tactical level maritime units.