AUGUST 20, 2026 – Space Training and Readiness Command activated the U.S. Space Force’s 320th Recruiting Squadron during a ceremony Aug. 14 at the Parr Club.
Space Delta 1 commander Col. Krista N. St. Romain officiated the activation, formally passing command of the new squadron to Lt. Col. Jason Cano. The moment marked a decisive step in shaping the force needed for tomorrow’s space mission.
“The 320th Recruiting Squadron shows how an agile, forward‑thinking team leverages innovation to build awareness and interest nationwide,” said Col. Krista N. St. Romain, Space Delta 1 commander. “They prove we can recruit specialized talent and secure top‑tier Guardians from coast to coast, ensuring our dominance from, in and to space.”
The 320 RCS, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the Space Force’s first dedicated recruiting squadron and the home of the Guardian Talent Scout program. The unit expands the service’s reach by strengthening outreach, building key partnerships and helping applicants see how their skills align with the space mission.
Col. Lacresha A. Merkle, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, said “The squadron’s activation marks a major advancement in how the Space Force identifies and prepares future Guardians.” She emphasized that the 320 RCS is designed to find the talent required for contested operations in the space domain and ensure those Guardians are ready to join the fight from day one.
As the Space Force grows, attracting top talent is essential to presenting a ready force to combatant commanders.
“Our mission to maintain space superiority depends entirely on one critical resource: our people,” said Lt. Col. Jason Cano, 320 RCS commander. “The Space Force wins by finding talent that reflects our core values of Character, Connection, Commitment and Courage.”
GTS operate as the Space Force’s forward‑edge messengers, bringing the mission directly to communities, schools, and professional organizations. Working in tandem with AFRS partners who continue processing all Space Force applicants, they expand awareness of Space Force opportunities while giving the service sharper visibility into emerging talent and applicant trends.
AFRS provides operational authority, guidance, training, and support to the 320 RCS with day-to-day operational authority provided by the 369th Recruiting Group at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 24 AFRS enlisted accessions recruiting squadrons around the country support the 320 RCS with administrative processing of applicants, local recruit engagements, and Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) coordination. STARCOM and Delta 1 will leverage the operational expertise of AFRS as together they take this historic first step towards the evolution and continued advancement of the Space Force recruiting mission.
GTS are advancing a modern recruiting model that pairs broad digital reach with precise, high‑impact engagement in key communities. They also equip AFRS personnel on Space Force roles and requirements, ensuring applicants receive clear, mission‑aligned guidance from their very first interaction.
“By leveraging the Semper Supra application and strengthening our relationship with AFRS, we will amplify the Space Force story and build a highly competitive national talent pipeline,” Cano said.
Although based at JBSA-Randolph, the squadron’s influence extends far beyond Texas. Talent scouts participate in select high-visibility events such as state fairs, national expos and community gatherings, pairing digital reach with targeted in-person engagement to maintain a national presence despite the squadron’s small footprint. The 320 RCS also supports STEM-focused events and develops educational resources introducing students to space-related careers, strengthening the long-term talent pipeline.
“Every Guardian is a talent scout and recruiter sensor, and every engagement is an opportunity to strengthen national security,” Cano said. “Stand fast, innovate relentlessly, and let us bring the best of America into our ranks. Join the constellation.”
Operating with a small number of personnel, the 320 RCS maximizes its reach through digital and virtual engagement, allowing it to monitor applicant flow, provide guidance and maintain awareness of recruiting operations across multiple regions supporting applicants, recruiters and partner organizations regardless of geographic distance.
As the Space Force expands, the service is preparing to grow its recruiting capability to support both enlisted and officer accessions.
To explore full and part-time opportunities within the Space Force, visit, www.SpaceForce.com and AIM High App. To speak with a recruiter near you, click here.
By Senior Master Sgt. Adalberto Torres
Air Force Accessions Center