The article argues that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree requirements for new accessions into the US Space Force space operations career field are not useful predictors of performance, as measured by ranking among peer groups and competitive selection for space operations command positions.
Additionally, the authors argue that STEM degree requirements shrink the possible candidate pool, risking a lack of diversity as well as a shrinking supply. The article makes the case for a USSF officer corps diversified by a variety of academic backgrounds, not only those in STEM. By selecting candidates with diverse backgrounds, future leaders of the USSF be able to successfully lead diverse teams.
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