U.S. SPACE FORCE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION FOR THE FIRST TIME

Every four years, our nation comes together on January 20th—sometimes the 21st—to usher in the next President of the United States. For the first time in its history, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is a part of the ceremony as more than 40 Guardians will be there to represent the youngest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

U.S. Space Force Is Part of the Presidential Inauguration for the First Time

Welcoming the new President is a high honor for any military branch and several Guardians are taking on the task in 2025. The U.S. Space Force Honor Guard will be a part of the 60th Presidential Inauguration ceremony and parade.

A total of 45 Guardians from throughout the U.S. trained at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) for the occasion. This is the first time the branch will be a part of the ceremony in its short history.

Founded less than two years ago, 43 members are a part of the Space Force Honor Guard from varying careers and backgrounds will be in Washington D.C., along with the Air Force Band, U.S. Air Force Academy, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves, as well as active-duty Airmen.

Parade and Ceremony

Taking part in the parade and inauguration is important for visibility and creating a culture for Guardians.

The USSF operates as a division within the Department of the Air Force and has the shortest history of any other branch within the U.S. military.

This is a great stage to be seen by the nation and beyond on what is sure to be a highly publicized event.

"This is a great opportunity for Guardians to get out on their marks and represent their service in front of a global audience. This is actually the first time in the Space Force’s five-year history that they have been able to fully represent their service in a presidential inauguration," said U.S. Air Force Maj. David McLellan.

Maj. McLellan is the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Commander responsible for training the U.S. Space Force Honor Guard.

12 Days of Training

Guardians have been busy lately, recently participating in the USSF’s first state funeral, held to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

However, the U.S. Space Force Honor Guard has been preparing for bigger moments, including a 12-day training period where Guardians dove into mastering service within the branch’s honor guard.

This includes tackling precision movements, military drill procedures, and ceremonial protocol for a professional, clean, and disciplined showing while upholding the highest standards of the American Armed Forces.

The USSF Is Building Its Culture

Since coming into existence five years ago, the USSF has been working to honor its past within the USAF while also establishing its own, unique culture.

Leadership continues to change and edit things so that Guardians have not only a distinct mission but a specific presence among the U.S. military branches and individual experiences to offer those who volunteer.

Taking part in the 2025 presidential inauguration is a big step forward for the branch, further incorporating the USSF with traditions typical of the U.S. military as a whole.

More and more Guardians are paving their own way in establishing what their place is for the defense of our nation and its interests.

Participation by the U.S. Space Force in the presidential inauguration is a positive step forward, bringing new traditions to the forefront of Guardians everywhere.

As stated by Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Massoth, the senior enlisted leader of the U.S. Space Force Honor, “These members truly embody the Guardian Spirit and exemplify the Space Force’s core values. By stepping up as volunteers, they represent every Guardian who has raised their right hand to serve their nation. This opportunity puts them on a global stage to honor their service and our branch’s crucial role in defense.”

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