Vice Chief of Space Operations | |
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since 21 December 2023 | |
United States Space Force Space Staff | |
Abbreviation | VCSO |
Member of | Space Staff Joint Requirements Oversight Council |
Reports to | Secretary of the Air Force Chief of Space Operations |
Seat | The Pentagon, Arlington County, Virginia, United States |
Appointer | The President with Senate advice and consent |
Formation | 2 October 2020 |
First holder | David D. Thompson |
The vice chief of space operations (VCSO) is an office held by a four-star general in the United States Space Force. The vice chief directly supports the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) by serving as a member of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) and also operates with the full authority of the chief of space operations during the CSO's absence. The VCSO is nominated for appointment by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The VCSO is the second-highest position in the U.S. Space Force, equivalent to other services' vice chief positions.