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 Jedidiah Cayton

REEL: Active duty soldiers from the 82nd Airborne and the 20th Engineer Brigade from Fort Liberty, North Carolina, transported three 5-ton MTVs worth of food and water to the French Broad Fire and Rescue station.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District

Oct. 6, 2024 | 1:11

Active duty soldiers from the 82nd Airborne and the 20th Engineer Brigade from Fort Liberty, North Carolina, transported three 5-ton MTVs worth of food and water to the French Broad Fire and Rescue station. Those commodities will be distributed to communities in and around the Town of Alexander, NC that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“We are here to provide aid and support,” said Cpt. Trevor Owens, Charlie Company, 189th DSSB 82nd Airborne, “we want to let western North Carolina know that they have been heard by the Nation; and we answered the call.”

Coincidentally, our USACE temporary power assessment team was in the same location! After completing their assessment, our 249th Prime Power Soldiers jumped right in to assist.