Shaping the Space Medium: Does the Geographic CINC Model Apply?

In 1999, USCINCSPACE/J5 commissioned a study through the Institute for National Security Studies asking the question, "How should the USCINCSPACE go about shaping the region of space in accordance with the National Military Strategy?" The research question went on to ask if there are any systematic approaches used by other CINCs to shape their AOR that can be used by USCINCSPACE to shape the region of space. This study analyzes one way in which the USCINSSPACE might best shape the medium of space. The 1997 National Military Strategy builds on the premise that the United States will remain globally engaged to shape the international environment and create conditions favorable to US interests and global security. Does this include shaping the region of space? Terms like shaping, region, AOR, and aerospace have different contextual meanings and often raise emotional responses. This paper places those terms in their proper context. Finally, this paper directly applies the geographic CINC model for shaping as it is described in the US National Military Strategy to the space medium and determines its applicability for the USCINCSPACE. This paper recommends that the USCINCSPACE adopt the use of the guidelines given by the geographic CINC model, as they are described in the US National Military Strategy, to shape the space medium.