The head of the United Kingdom's Space Command, Major General Paul Tedman, has been awarded the United States Army Basic Space Badge in a ceremony highlighting the strengthening military alliance between the two nations in the space domain. This marks the first time a British Army officer has received the prestigious American military honor.
The award recognizes Tedman's significant contributions and successful completion of rigorous training during his tenure at U.S. Space Command, symbolizing a new level of integration and shared objectives in an increasingly critical operational environment.
Key Takeaways
- Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman of U.K. Space Command is the first British Army officer to earn the U.S. Army Basic Space Badge.
- The award follows his 26-month service as a deputy director at U.S. Space Command's strategy directorate.
- To qualify, Tedman met the same demanding standards as U.S. personnel, including completing advanced space training courses.
- Officials from both nations have described the award as a testament to the deep and growing U.S.-U.K. partnership in space operations.
A Landmark Achievement for a British Officer
The formal pinning ceremony took place on November 7, 2025, at The Aerospace Corporation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The badge was presented to Maj. Gen. Tedman to acknowledge his service and expertise gained while embedded within the U.S. military's space operations framework.
Tedman earned the qualification on September 10, 2025, after a notable 26-month assignment from September 2021 to November 2023. During this period, he served as the deputy director of the strategy, plans, and policy directorate (J5) at U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM).
Rigorous Standards Met
Foreign service members are held to the exact same criteria as their U.S. counterparts to earn the Space Badge. This includes serving in an approved space operations role and completing the mandatory Space 100, 200, and 300 training courses, which cover the fundamentals and advanced concepts of military space operations.
This achievement is not just a personal accolade but also a significant milestone. While the badge is not formally recognized within the British military's own award system, Tedman is permitted to display it. This sets a precedent that could pave the way for future reciprocal badge exchanges between allied forces, similar to the long-standing tradition of paratroopers earning foreign jump wings.
Praise for Allied Integration and Leadership
During the ceremony, U.S. military leaders praised Tedman's impact during his time at USSPACECOM. His role was described as pivotal in shaping joint space strategy and enhancing cooperation among international partners.
“Today, we’re here to celebrate Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman’s awesome contributions to Army and Joint Space warfighting,” said Lieutenant General Thomas James, former USSPACECOM deputy commander. “Talk about a high-stakes impactful assignment for a partner.”
Lt. Gen. James highlighted Tedman's crucial work in areas like space situational awareness, space control, and satellite communication policy. “His contributions to improving coordination with allies and partners were a game-changer,” James added, emphasizing the value of having an allied officer in such a key position.
Upon receiving the award, Maj. Gen. Tedman expressed his gratitude and reflected on his experience.
“I was both surprised and delighted to be awarded the U.S. Army Space Badge,” he stated. “My assignment as the inaugural allied DJ5 in USSPACECOM was one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of my life to date.”
Tedman credited the U.S. military's extensive experience and training programs for his development as a space professional. “They took a simple soldier and, through an amazing syllabus of space education and training, turned me into a space professional – I now have a badge to prove it!”
Strengthening the U.S.-U.K. Space Partnership
The award is a clear indicator of the deepening strategic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom in the space domain. Both nations view space as essential to national security and have been working to align their objectives and operational capabilities.
This collaboration extends across multiple fields, including satellite technology development, joint scientific research, and shared space situational awareness to monitor orbital traffic and potential threats.
A History of the Army Space Badge
The U.S. Army Space Badge was officially established in February 2011, recognizing the growing importance of space as a warfighting domain. Prior to its creation, Army personnel who qualified in space operations were awarded the Air Force Space Badge starting in 2006. In 2012, a policy exception was approved to allow foreign military personnel to earn the badge, opening the door for allied officers like Maj. Gen. Tedman.
The partnership is formalized through multinational initiatives like Operation Olympic Defender. This U.S.-led effort aims to optimize space operations among allies, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, and synchronize efforts to deter aggression in space. Besides the U.S. and U.K., participating nations include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand.
Enduring Bonds and Future Collaboration
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Tedman emphasized the personal and professional bonds forged during his time in the United States.
“I was humbled by the experience, and specifically USSPACECOM’s desire to treat me as one of their own and break down barriers to complete allied integration,” he said. “The friendships and bonds I established in the U.S. have endured in my current role as Commander, U.K. Space Command.”
He pointed to recent joint activities as proof of the robust partnership. Just last month, the two commands conducted a first-of-its-kind bilateral co-orbital Rendezvous and Proximity Operation, a complex maneuver involving spacecraft operating closely together in orbit.
“The U.K.-U.S. space relationship is going from strength to strength,” Tedman concluded. “I will wear my badge with immense pride, and it will always remind me of the fantastic people I worked with in the U.S.”