About a month after the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, was seen wearing a distinctive black mess dress uniform at an event in Los Angeles, California, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the Space Force is actively developing its official mess dress design. This move underscores the newest military branch’s commitment to forging a unique identity separate from the Air Force, while also generating interest in what the New Air Force Dress Uniform equivalent will look like for Guardians.
On June 7th, Gen. Saltzman participated in the 50th Annual “Salute to Space Systems Command,” a prestigious event hosted by the Gen. Bernard A. Schriever Los Angeles chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association. He was accompanied by other prominent Space Force figures, including Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, commander of Space Systems Command, and fifteen Guardians, Airmen, and civilian Space Force personnel recognized for their valuable contributions to Space Systems Command.
While the majority of uniformed Guardians at the event sported blue mess dress coats similar to the current Air Force mess dress uniform, Gen. Saltzman stood out in an all-black coat and trouser combination. This unique attire sparked curiosity among social media users, with many speculating whether it represented the Space Force’s finalized signature mess dress. However, according to Sarah Fiocco, a spokesperson for the Department of the Air Force, the uniform is still in the development phase. The black uniform was intended to ensure the Space Force’s highest-ranking officer is easily recognizable.
“Part of establishing a meaningful culture within the Space Force requires shaping our own identity as a service we can be proud of and build upon throughout the years,” Fiocco stated to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
“Developing a new USSF mess dress uniform is another example of how we are moving forward building that identity leading up to our fifth anniversary,” she added. “While the designs are not finalized, it is important for the service chief to be more easily distinguished from the other services when representing the Space Force in public engagements.” This highlights the importance of visual distinction as the Space Force matures and seeks to establish its own traditions and visual markers.
Interestingly, Gen. Garrant and Chief Master Sergeant Jacqueline Sauvé, the senior enlisted leader for Space Systems Command, also presented variations from the standard Air Force mess dress. Standing alongside Gen. Saltzman in photographs from the event, they were observed wearing grey trousers and what appeared to be darker shades of cummerbunds, lapels, and ties compared to the conventional Air Force mess dress uniform. Fiocco explained that these outfits are among several potential mess dress variations currently under evaluation by senior Space Force leaders and selected wear testers. This indicates a thorough exploration of different design elements before settling on the final uniform.
The Space Force mess dress uniform remains in the initial stages of design. Fiocco clarified that after a design is selected, the service will undertake crucial steps such as gathering feedback from Guardians, conducting fit and wear testing, and completing subsequent development and production processes. This detailed process ensures the final uniform is not only aesthetically distinct but also practical and comfortable for everyday wear by Space Force personnel.
“We understand there is a lot of Guardian interest in developing distinct, professional, and comfortable uniforms they can proudly wear that represents the identity and culture of the new service,” Fiocco acknowledged. This recognition of Guardian input underscores the collaborative approach the Space Force is taking in developing its unique visual identity.
Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief Master Sgt. John F. Bentivegna, and Chief Master Sgt. Roger A. Towberman sing Space Force song
The Space Force previously garnered attention when it first showcased its service dress uniform in 2021. Featuring a dark blue coat, an upturned collar, and a diagonal row of six buttons, the design evoked comparisons to science fiction uniforms. However, Space Force uniform designers explained that the intention was to create a “more futuristic looking” aesthetic, reflecting the forward-leaning nature of the service.
Mess dress uniforms are traditionally worn by service members at formal “black-tie” events, while service dress is appropriate for less formal occasions. In September, the Space Force announced that its prototype service dress uniform had entered the final wear testing phase, with over 100 Guardians participating in trials worldwide. The Space Force anticipates the service dress uniform will be available to Guardians globally in 2025. This established timeline for the service dress uniform provides a context for the ongoing development of the mess dress.
In the interim, Guardians are already equipped with unique physical training gear. On March 8th, the Space Force’s PT gear became the first finalized service-specific uniform item. The PT ensemble includes black shorts, a dark gray T-shirt, black sweatpants, and a black windbreaker, adorned with a patterned “USSF” on the sleeves of the shirt and jacket, “Space Force” on the back of the shirt, and the Space Force’s Delta logo on the left side of each piece. This already established distinct PT gear further emphasizes the Space Force’s ongoing efforts to differentiate itself from the Air Force through its uniform standards, including the development of a unique new air force dress uniform for formal occasions.
The development of a distinctive mess dress uniform is a significant step for the Space Force as it continues to build its unique culture and identity within the U.S. military. The prototype black uniform worn by Gen. Saltzman, and the ongoing testing of variations, signal a thoughtful and deliberate approach to creating a formal uniform that reflects the Space Force’s mission and values, while also fulfilling the practical needs of its Guardians.
