Space Force reveals the name it will give to its personnel: Guardians

Name has historic link to space operations and is not based on the Guardians of the Galaxy movie

The US Space Force has announced that its troops will be known as Guardians.

The name was instantly mocked as a play on Marvel’s Guardian of the Galaxy movie, but officials at the newest armed service say the name has historical roots.

Vice President Mike Pence announced the name just two days before Space Force celebrates it first birthday.

“After a year-long process that produced hundreds of submissions and research involving space professionals and members of the general public, we can finally share with you the name by which we will be known: Guardians,” tweeted Space Force.

“The opportunity to name a force is a momentous responsibility.

"Guardians is a name with a long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983, ‘Guardians of the High Frontier.’

“The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the people and interest of the US and its allies.”

The Guardians will now serve alongside soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines.

But social media was quickly flooded with people taking aim at the new name.

“Oh my. First they steal Star Trek federation logo now they wanna be the guardian's of the galaxy smh,” said @SySco7t

“Guardians of the Galaxy, sporting Star Trek insignia. Troll level: epic,” tweeted @tberkley.

Since coming into being on 20 December 2019, Space Force ha grown to 2,400 active-duty personnel, mostly taken from the air force.

That number is expected to grow to around 6,400 guardians as army and navy personnel transfer over into the service.

From the outset the force has been the subject to teasing by late-night talk show hosts and Netflix even launched a namesake satire featuring Steve Carell.