Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Spc. Elizabeth Johnson

Balikatan 2019: AFP, U.S. Marine Corps build new classroom in Batangas, Philippines

3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade

March 20, 2019 | 1:37

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Kathryn Quandt speaks with Gunnery Sgt. Bradley Schmidt about working together with the Philippine Army to build a school in Batangas, Philippines, as part of Exercise Balikatan, March 21, 2019. Balikatan’s humanitarian and civic assistance activities enable Philippine and U.S. service members to get to know each other and provide support to local communities. Quandt, a Houston, Texas native, is the platoon commander for 1st Platoon, Company A, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Schmidt, a Seattle, Washington native, is the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Company A, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group.