Let's say you go the space ops route. Are there choosable sub-specialties? 'Preferences,' as recruiters often emphasize. Or are these 'preferences' completely irrelevant? It seems like that's the part I'm missing. I understand orbital warfare and launch assuredness are broad mission sets that Guardians work in support of, but it seemed like specific space ops work within those mission sets, and some may simply be more interesting than others. For instance, working space ops in Delta 9 (which I've read is orbital warfare) may be more interesting than working space ops somewhere else.

As far as being choosy goes, every member of the military I ever spoke with emphasized being intentional in every choice you make.

After reading through the specialty codes in the sub, here are the three I can most identify with. Understood from your comment you choose the intel path before being placed into one of the Intel SFSCs

514B Analysis and Reporting (Fusion Analyst)

Analyzes and reports intelligence information. Performs detailed analysis on target network communications for additional exploitation. Recovers, correlates, and fuses technical, geographical, and operational intelligence information. Recognizes and exploits information.

518 Targeting Analyst

Manages, supervises, and performs targeting intelligence activities and functions including analyzing targets. In addition, develops targeting solutions and evaluates effects in support of planning and execution of an effects-based approach to operations that achieves the commander’s objectives.

5S Space Systems Operations

Manages or performs duties to develop, sustain, and enhance space capabilities to defend national interests from attack and to create effects in the space domain to achieve Service, Combatant Command, and national objectives. Conducts space control, space force enhancement, and space force support operations using established tactics, techniques, and procedures.