US Space Force Uniform Design Controversy... "Why Is Camouflage Needed in Space?"

[Image source= U.S. Space Force (USSF) Twitter/https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The uniform design of the U.S. 'Space Force,' officially established on the 20th of last month, has sparked controversy online. Cast members from movies and dramas set in space have also publicly criticized it on social media. The majority expressed disappointment with the general military uniform appearance painted in camouflage colors. The Space Force has defended the design, stating it is clothing for ground duty.

According to foreign media such as CNN and The New York Times (NYT) on the 19th (local time), the Space Force's uniform design, revealed via the official U.S. Space Force Twitter account, is causing controversy online. The criticism has intensified as cast members from space-themed movies and dramas, including Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, and Japanese-American actor George Takei from Star Trek, have joined in. Takei wrote on Twitter, "It is unclear why camouflage is necessary in space." Voices criticizing why military uniforms remain unchanged while designs in other fields have advanced are growing louder.

In response to this controversy, the Space Force stated, "By using the current Army and Air Force uniforms, we can reduce design and production costs associated with creating new uniforms," emphasizing, "We are using funds efficiently, and soldiers are not yet operating in space." The Space Force also announced that when soldiers begin working in actual space environments, they will design separate uniforms suitable for space operations.

In reality, the Space Force operates on the ground rather than in space, not only in the U.S. but also in Russia, which established its Space Force earlier. The U.S. Space Force primarily supports the Space Command by utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS), collecting satellite information, and assisting ground forces. The military size is expected to be around 16,000 personnel for the time being. The head of the Space Force is General Jay Raymond, who was the commander of the Space Command. General Raymond officially assumed command of the Space Force in front of Vice President Mike Pence at the White House on the 14th.