Space Training and Readiness Command officially stood up the Space Force’s first cyber range squadron, the 33rd Range Squadron (RGS), during an activation ceremony on Schriever Space Force Base, Dec. 16. The new squadron, which falls under Space Delta 11, marks a critical milestone in advancing the Space Force’s ability to test, train, and prepare for cyber threats in the contested space domain.
For more than two years, space cyber operations training and testing were conducted under the 11th Delta Operations Squadron/S9. With the activation of the 33rd RGS, the mission transitions to a dedicated unit capable of providing space warfighters a cyber aggressor force and interconnected, scalable, and distributed range environments to sharpen joint warfighting solutions and enhance readiness for cyber and space operations.
The 33rd RGS now holds tactical control of cyber operational test and training infrastructure capabilities, a system of cyber ranges that will support advanced testing, training, and interagency cooperation across air, space, and cyberspace operations. The 33rd RGS will operate and maintain the range environments built for and utilized by Space Force cyber squadrons. This activation reflects a key focus area for Space Force leadership in expanding test and training infrastructure to prepare Guardians for emerging threats in both space and cyberspace.
During the activation ceremony, Col. Jay Steingold, Space Delta 11 commander, praised the work that led to the squadron’s standup and highlighted its importance to the Space Force mission.
“The 33rd will now fill a unique role by setting the arena for our Cyber Guardians … presenting them with realistic mission terrain in which to hone their Defensive Cyber Operations for Space Systems, in conjunction with high-end fight training and certification events,” Steingold said. He reiterated that that the creation of the squadron allows the USSF to present Guardians who are prepared to defend the cyber mission terrain and combat threats in an increasingly complex battlespace.
Steingold then passed the guidon to Lt. Col. Brandon Wilson, officially designating him as the first commander of the 33rd RGS. In his first address as commander, Wilson emphasized the importance of the squadron’ and its role in preparing Guardians to prevail in conflict.
“Our mission is clear – to prepare Guardians to prevail in conflict and war. This is a responsibility of critical importance. What we do directly impacts the safety of our nation, the freedoms we cherish, and the way of life we aim to protect,” Wilson explained. “Every arena we build and every skill we hone and develop will prepare our Guardians to meet the challenges ahead with confidence and capability. I am humbled and honored to serve alongside you, and I look forward to the great things we will achieve together.”
Wilson later unveiled the squadron’s patch, featuring a Steller’s jay, a bird of prey native to Colorado known for its high intelligence, adaptability, and aggressive protection of its territory. These traits align with the squadron’s mission to defend and secure critical cyber and space assets with precision and vigilance. Going forward, the 33rd RGS will play a pivotal role in advancing Guardian training and tactics, ensuring U.S. space and cyber forces maintain a competitive edge in future conflicts.
“The bottom line is that our delta’s top priority is to provide the venues and thinking adversaries our Guardians require to hone their skills on the employment of their weapons systems in a contested, degraded, operationally-limited environment,” Steingold said.
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