Trump orders Pentagon to form Space Force as Sixth Military Branch

WASHINGTON DC, - President of the United States Donald Trump put forward an ambitious plan. Namely creating a space force. In his speech during a US National Space Council meeting, Trump said outer space to be included as a national security issue he does not want China and Russia to surpass the US.

"Our destiny to go beyond Earth is no longer merely a national identity, but it must be national security," Trump said. He explained his idea that the space force would be the sixth branch in the military. The five branches of the US military that have been known so far are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Force.

Trump said the "space force" would be separated from the Air Force but had the same degree. "When it comes to America's need for protection, it's not enough if it's just 'being' in space, I want the US to be dominant," he said.

Trump claims  had the idea since early 2018. However, at that time he considered it just a joke. Until then he rethought the plan and thought it would be great. "Maybe we should have it right away," Trump reportedly had instructed the Pentagon to begin preparing for the formation of the space force.

Many observers said Trump's ambitious plan would face an obstacle in the form of the Space Pact on January 27, 1967. In the pact, there is a ban to place arms or military stations in the orbit of Earth, Moon, or other space. Furthermore, Trump said he also has a desire for the US dominate the Moon and Mars exploration and became the world's largest explorer.

However, the sixth military branch formation will require new legislation through the US Congress.

Speaking before a meeting with the National Space Council, Trump said, "This time, we will do more than just stick our flags and leave our footprints (on the lunar surface) . We will build a long-term presence, expand our economy, and build the foundation for finally launching a mission to Mars. "

The government will also embrace the commercial space industry, Trump said, allowing "rich Americans" to use US government land to launch their rockets.

"If you (the wealthy private US people) beat us (on a mission) to Mars, we will be very happy, and you will become more famous," Trump told a press conference.