DEMS/HOUSE OF REPS/MILITARY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The White House is planning to propose a fully independent Department of the Space Force as a sixth branch of the military next year, according to a draft presidential directive POLITICO obtained on Thursday [11-29-18]— despite the expected pushback from a Democratic-controlled House and continuing Pentagon efforts to study alternatives that fall short of creating an entirely new military service. The document outlines the much-awaited proposed structure of what would be the first new branch of the armed forces since the creation of the Air Force in 1947. The Space Force would have its own civilian secretary and either a four-star general or admiral who would also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff — and draw on active-duty, National Guard and Reserves troops from across the military, according to the directive, which sums up a forthcoming legislative proposal headed to Capitol Hill. The document strongly suggests President Donald Trump is still pursuing his goal of a separate branch despite a recent report that the White House might be considering a more scaled-down version, such as a dedicated Space Corps within the Air Force, should the more ambitious approach not get enough support in Congress.”
–Jacqueline Klimas, “Exclusive: Trump still going big on Space Force,” Politico, November 30, 2018 7:00 am