"As we see in daily operations around the globe in support of freedom, the operational distinction between national and tactical space systems and capabilities has blurred. With the introduction of new systems and capabilities like the Space-Based Infrared System and eventually the Space-Based Radar System, Mobile User Objective System, (and) Transformational Communication Satellite Program, this distinction will be even less clear, " he said.

Secretary Teets said that the single manager approach has delivered a number of successes. The Air Force has, in various stages of development, a national security space vision, strategy and plan which all respond to Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence guidance.

"The single manager approach in this instance has truly been the linchpin enabler for even broader collaboration and integration of efforts. In order to preserve our advantage as the leading space-faring nation we must ensure that we have a strategy to guarantee availability of the most crucial element of space power, our space professionals. People remain central to our success in space and meeting the serious challenges of today and the future requires a total force approach. We will continue to develop well-educated, highly motivated and competent people who are skilled in the demands of the space medium. To this end we have developed and are implementing a human capital resource strategy to enhance our defense and intelligence space professionals in operations, acquisitions and engineering," he said.

"Space systems are unique assets. They provide global persistence, perspective, and access unhindered by geographical or political boundaries. Our space systems, whether integrated with airborne and surface sensors or acting alone over areas of high risk or denied access, provide critical surveillance and reconnaissance information to national decision makers and combatant commanders," Mr. Teets said.

"They are also the primary sources for global environmental monitoring and weather forecasting data, global communications, missile warning, precision navigation and timing to troops on the ground, ships at sea, aircraft in flight, and weapons en-route to targets. These space capabilities enable the tremendous success that our joint warfighters achieved during combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and will continue to be a cornerstone for future success during conflict."

Mr. Teets emphasized that the integration of capabilities is really the key to space capabilities providing desired effects. "Using existing systems in new ways, applying new ideas and making new connections between information providers and information users is truly at the heart of our transformation and integration efforts. Our synchronization of end user and space segment capabilities and the improvement of our enterprise-wide vertical and horizontal integration efforts are prime examples of our ability to transform our warfighting and intelligence gathering capabilities through integration."

Another aspect of integration is to ensure that the defense and intelligence space organizations work together as a team, he explained.

"Ensuring integration remains a priority, not an afterthought. In support of this unity of effort we continue to integrate our corporate processes. Our planning, programming, budgeting and acquisition efforts embrace an integrated capabilities-based approach to develop the means necessary to serve our national security objectives in the most effective and efficient manner possible."

Mr. Teets said that there is always room for improvement.

"First on this list is the need to formally charter and establish the National Security Space Office. This office, which I stood up under the leadership of General Robert Kehler last April, combines the functions of the National Security Space Architect, National Security Space Integration, and the Transformational Communications Office. With joint and intelligence community support and staffing, we have a single office responsible to facilitate the integration and coordination of intelligence and defense space activities on a daily basis. Coordination and integration is not an afterthought, but a constant goal of this office -- just as the Space Commission envisioned it," he said.