In the beginning, Space Force was reported as somewhat of a joke when Trump first announced it. Since it has been very real with lots of developments in 2020 (see: here & here), as the U.S. attempts to remain dominant in space amid a rising China and Russia. 

For about a year, thousands of active-duty soldiers and civilians are serving in the Space Force, but there was no formal name given to the men and women serving in the newest military branch. 

The Army has soldiers. The Navy has sailors. The Marines have... marines. The Coast Guard has Coast Guardsman. And as of Friday, the Space Force now has "Guardians." 

In a speech at the White House on Friday, Vice-President Mike Pence was totally serious when he made the formal announcement that "Guardians" would "ensure that America remains as dominant in space, and from space, as we are on land and sea and air." 

"It is my honour," Pence said, "on behalf of the president of the United States, to announce that henceforth the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as guardians.

"Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and guardians will be defending our nation for generations to come."