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 Pfc. Carlos Marquez

2MDTF, 2CR and Polish Forces Operate Drones in Multi-Domain Targeting Mission during Arcane Thunder 25

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

May 13, 2025 | 3:08

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force and 2nd Cavalry Regiment, alongside Polish soldiers, conduct a sensor-to-shooter scenario during Arcane Thunder 25 on Ustka Training Area, Ustka, Poland, May 14, 2025. The exercise integrated low altitude aircraft to detect Wi-Fi access points and transmit target data to 2nd MDTF, validating multi-domain coordination and NATO interoperability in a simulated digital battlefield. Participants demonstrate theater-wide synchronization across multiple domains, and the exercise focuses on cyber warfare, autonomous air and sea-based sensors, and mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum to sense and deliver long-range lethal and non-lethal capabilities, enabling joint freedom of action in the USAREUR-AF area of responsibility. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:
00:00:06:00 – Slow-motion footage of quadcopters and fixed-wing drones in flight as U.S. and allied forces observe and coordinate operations.

00:01:21:04 – U.S. Soldiers operate a 3D printer, demonstrating field-level innovation and rapid prototyping capabilities.

00:02:28:08 – Aerial systems launch and maneuver overhead as U.S. and allied forces work together to execute a joint drone integration mission.