U.S. Space Force Spc. 3 William McLaughlin, Space Delta 15 intelligence targets analyst, and Sgt. Alexandra Barnes, Space Delta 5 laser deconfliction supervisor, speak on a Junior Guardians Perspective Panel at the Space Force Association Spacepower conference in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 10, 2024. McLaughlin spoke about his experience joining the Space Force, the traits he thinks makes a good Guardian, and why he joined the military. Barnes mentioned not knowing the full extent of the Space Force's warfighting mission until after joining, but expressed that she now understands everything the Space Force provides, and she loves it. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Space Force Spc. 3 William McLaughlin, Space Delta 15 intelligence targets analyst, middle-left, and Sgt. Alexandra Barnes, Space Delta 5 laser deconfliction supervisor, middle-right, stand with Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, U.S. Space Forces-Space commander and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman, S4S command senior enlisted leader, after a Junior Guardians Perspective Panel at the Space Force Association Spacepower conference in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 10, 2024. McLaughlin spoke about his experience joining the Space Force, the traits he thinks makes a good Guardian, and why he joined the military. Barnes mentioned not knowing the full extent of the Space Force's warfighting mission until after joining, but expressed that she now has an understanding of the mission, she loves it. (Courtesy photo)