Inaugural Captain’s Leadership Course participants, Guardians welcomed in Aggieland
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Formally launching the partnership between Texas A&M University and the U.S. Space Force, an assumption of command ceremony welcomed students ahead of their first day of a four-week course melding military expertise and academic rigor.
(Note: This article originally appeared on stories.tamu.edu on Jan. 21, 2026)
“Public service is a noble calling, and we need men and women of character to believe that they can make a difference in their communities, in their states and in their country.”
This statement by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush contributed to the founding of The Bush School of Government and Public Service, and is a sentiment that the natural partnership between the U.S. Space Force and Texas A&M University has been forged upon to build a brighter, safer world.
“What you will find here at Texas A&M is a solid partner, a community that shares the same values that you have embraced throughout your military service careers and lives,” said John Sherman ’92, dean of The Bush School. “And we are so glad to have you here in Aggieland, as you make the commitment to protect the high ground through the Captain’s Leadership Course, immersing yourself in our campus and surrounding community.”
Led by Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), the Captain’s Leadership Course (CLC) is a four-week resident course held in partnership with The Bush School that provides captain-level professional military education developed specifically to support a unique domain: space.
“What you will find here at Texas A&M is a solid partner, a community that shares the same values that you have embraced throughout your military service careers and lives.”
John Sherman ’92
Dean, The Bush School of Government and Public Service
During the assumption of command ceremony held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, commander of STARCOM, addressed the first 24 students selected to complete the course and spoke on the importance of furthering space-minded education and leadership skills.
“You’re among the first cohorts of our officers being deliberately developed to lead a service that is still defining itself in real time,” said Smith. “Success in the strategic environment hinges first and foremost on leadership. That is why this course exists.”
The partnership combines military expertise with academic rigor to further develop captains into confident leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively and integrate Space Force expertise into joint operations. The curriculum consists of master’s-level concepts supported by practical military examples, classwork, group discussions and activities.
Col. Alison Gonzalez, Space Delta 13 commander, discussed how vital the partnership between the Space Force and Texas A&M is to the development of Guardians.
“This is not just a partnership, this is a declaration that military education is born from space intellect, that space is indistinguishably linked to human connection and human education,” said Gonzalez.
An instructor cadre of approximately 20 Guardians will teach space and joint military education lessons, while Texas A&M faculty will provide specialized instruction on leadership and communication. This integrated approach provides a holistic education experience tailored to the needs of Guardians.
“Leadership is strongest when you have education operations and missions that partner together,” said Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “Our expectation is this [course] becomes durable, scalable and most importantly, impactful.”
The service’s one-year, $1.8-million prototype contract with Texas A&M provides for the initial build-out and execution of the curriculum, with six classes planned through the end of the fiscal year. STARCOM will reassess the program, taking into consideration feedback from each cohort of students, their professors and Guardians, after one year to determine the best path forward for long-term execution.
“Leadership is strongest when you have education operations and missions that partner together. Our expectation is this [course] becomes durable, scalable and most importantly, impactful.”
Glenn Hegar
Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System
Lt. Col. Johann Pambianchi, CLC commandant, shared a message with the first cohort of students before they left to attend their first class.
“The unit stands ready, not just as a new organization on a beautiful campus, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Texas A&M partners as a testament to what professionals can accomplish when the mission matters, and great Americans roll up their sleeves,” said Pambianchi. “Together we will showcase a one-of-a-kind program ripe for connection, growth, gratitude and Texas grit.”
