U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw, U.S. Space Command deputy commander, briefed 34 attendees of the Advanced Professional Executive Senior Executive Orientation Program attendees on the mission of USSPACECOM so the group might gain a better understanding of the command’s mission and key national security issues surrounding the space domain at the Leader Development Center, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 20, 2022. APEX is a two-week DoD introductory course for newly appointed senior executives to give them a practical and theoretical understanding of DoD organizations and mission critical DoD processes. Also, APEX provides structured networking opportunities with military and civilian colleagues. USSPACECOM conducts operations in, from, and to space to deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat aggression, deliver space combat power for the Joint and Combined force, and defend U.S. vital interests with allies and partners (U.S. Space Command photo by Trevor Ihrke).