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 Sgt. William Griffen

Pfc. Tsoi challenges himself with a Ranger Assessment

69th Public Affairs Detachment

July 22, 2024 | 0:59

U.S. Army Pfc. Lucas Tsoi, a combat medic assigned to 1st Squadron, 18th Cavalry Regiment, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, completes the ranger assessment during annual training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22, 2024. The cadre commended his efforts, growth, and leadership during the assessment, so Maj. Gen. Jeffrey D. Smiley , commanding general of the California Army National Guard, awarded him a coin, and the cadre awarded him a ranger tab from Col. Jeramy Hopkins, commander of 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, in anticipation of his success. Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Aller, senior enlisted advisor of 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, also told him that he will be the brigade’s representative at the Best Warrior Competition in November. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. William Griffen)