AKRON, Ohio — Officials instituted the U.S. Space Force in 2019, and its mission is to protect the United States interests in space from potential adversaries.
The Space Force selected a handful of Ohioans to serve in the branch, are selected to serve in the branch, and one of them is from northeast Ohio.
“In orbit right now, we have close to 1,300 satellites in space, all owned by different counties,” Technical Sgt. Kelvin Boyington said. “So, the main focus of the Space Force is to deter any enemies threats from our competitors.”
Tallmadge native Sebastian Carter is one of the first in Ohio to be selected to serve in this branch.
“Starting in October of 2021, we have had maybe three Space Force applicants for northeast Ohio,” Boyington said. “I think we have at at least 2,000-4,000 total people in the Space Force right now, so for Ohio, it’s a low number for the year.”
The 19-year-old said he always knew he wanted to join the military, but until recently, the Space Force was not on his radar.
“My first option was to go to the Marine Corps,” Carter said. “My brother did it. My step dad did it, and it just kind of seemed like I wanted to follow that same route.”
His love of technology and cyber-security lead him down the path to Space Force, which focuses on the security of the United States in outer space, so there will be no space travel for the Ohio native.
“Most of my buddies are surprised, because they didn’t even know that the Space Force existed,” he explained. “Same with a lot of people I’ve been talking to.”
Right now, Carter is waiting for a job with the Space Force and a ship date.
